Re: Baby Sulcata

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Posted by Craig McDonald on January 24, 2001 at 09:53:13:

In Reply to: Re: Baby Sulcata posted by Craig McDonald on January 24, 2001 at 09:49:32:

: : Hi, I have had a 3in baby sulcata for about two weeks and he is in a 20 gal tank with alfalfa for substrate and a heat lamp at one end with the temp on that end being about 95. About two days ago I noticed that he has been leeving his eyes closed all day and not eating, I toke him outside and he is not active at all and I can not get him to eat or drink. Any suggestions and or ideas would be greatly appritiated. Thanx Beau

:
: I really have to agree with Terry. Alfalfa is not a very good substrate for sulcatas, despite what the petstores tell you. When mine were in their indoor pens, I filled them with high quality soil. I found that the torts really liked having the ability to dig if they wanted to cool off. For a small tank (or a rubbermaid container), you'll want to change the soil out about every 5-7 days. With a small sulcata, the soaking really is a great idea. Being a desert species, sulcatas absorb a lot of the moisture they get from their skin and shell. As far as the lethargy, I had that problem, too. It sounds like the temp is just too high. (Also, my vet told me when mine were little that babies need a much more stable temperature, with less variations from hot to cold, about 84-86 deg F., but I'd double check that with others in here, before doing it.) Good luck, and enjoy!

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: : : Hi, I have had a 3in baby sulcata for about two weeks and he is in a 20 gal tank with alfalfa for substrate and a heat lamp at one end with the temp on that end being about 95. About two days ago I noticed that he has been leeving his eyes closed all day and not eating, I toke him outside and he is not active at all and I can not get him to eat or drink. Any suggestions and or ideas would be greatly appritiated. Thanx Beau : : : : I really have to agree with Terry. Alfalfa is not a very good substrate for sulcatas, despite what the petstores tell you. When mine were in their indoor pens, I filled them with high quality soil. I found that the torts really liked having the ability to dig if they wanted to cool off. For a small tank (or a rubbermaid container), you'll want to change the soil out about every 5-7 days. With a small sulcata, the soaking really is a great idea. Being a desert species, sulcatas absorb a lot of the moisture they get from their skin and shell. As far as the lethargy, I had that problem, too. It sounds like the temp is just too high. (Also, my vet told me when mine were little that babies need a much more stable temperature, with less variations from hot to cold, about 84-86 deg F., but I'd double check that with others in here, before doing it.) Good luck, and enjoy!

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