Re: Amount of space needed to house an adult sulcata for winter?

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Posted by Lloyd on October 25, 2001 at 10:26:10:

In Reply to: Re: Amount of space needed to house an adult sulcata for winter? posted by EJ on October 25, 2001 at 09:04:50:

Ed,
You hit on some good points. One difficulty I have with these tortoise boards concerns what you can tell people because of the wide range of skills that the potential readers may have. The vast majority of people that buy tortoises (or most any animal) on impulse should not be encouraged to do so. On the other hand, many tortoise species, including sulcatas, are remarkably resilient as to environment if they are kept properly. Someone with the dedication to commit the time learning about proper husbandry should not be discouraged. I kept sulcatas for seven years before adopting them out since I only wanted to overwinter one species of giant tropical tortoise. They experienced weather conditions far outside the parameters insisted upon by many, but they were never ill. Their adaptability to my climate was learned gradually over many years. One very interesting thing I have discovered is that many species of both plants and animals can thrive in conditions they would never experience in their native ranges (ie Seychelles torts). Conversely, many other species are tender in captivity even within their natural environmental parameters. To sum up an overly long post: We should not criticize someone for wanting to work with a certain species just because many many others have done it poorly. The Sulcata Reality Check is an excellent site to warn someone of what they are getting into. Anyone that then reasonably believes they can commit to overcome any obstacles to proper husbandry should then be aided with whatever knowledge we can share. This is not directed any anyone in particular, or even this particular forum for that matter - just venting.
Lloyd

: As to the temps, using Lloyds method you could probably give it access to the outdoors March/April to October/November. (realisticly) Even then it will require work (in proportion to the size of the tortoise) and dilagence.
: There are many breeders in cool climates keeping these guys but it does require extra time and a good deal of cash and it is usually not recomended. (wink, wink... nudge, nudge)
: Ed

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: Ed, : You hit on some good points. One difficulty I have with these tortoise boards concerns what you can tell people because of the wide range of skills that the potential readers may have. The vast majority of people that buy tortoises (or most any animal) on impulse should not be encouraged to do so. On the other hand, many tortoise species, including sulcatas, are remarkably resilient as to environment if they are kept properly. Someone with the dedication to commit the time learning about proper husbandry should not be discouraged. I kept sulcatas for seven years before adopting them out since I only wanted to overwinter one species of giant tropical tortoise. They experienced weather conditions far outside the parameters insisted upon by many, but they were never ill. Their adaptability to my climate was learned gradually over many years. One very interesting thing I have discovered is that many species of both plants and animals can thrive in conditions they would never experience in their native ranges (ie Seychelles torts). Conversely, many other species are tender in captivity even within their natural environmental parameters. To sum up an overly long post: We should not criticize someone for wanting to work with a certain species just because many many others have done it poorly. The Sulcata Reality Check is an excellent site to warn someone of what they are getting into. Anyone that then reasonably believes they can commit to overcome any obstacles to proper husbandry should then be aided with whatever knowledge we can share. This is not directed any anyone in particular, or even this particular forum for that matter - just venting. : Lloyd : : : As to the temps, using Lloyds method you could probably give it access to the outdoors March/April to October/November. (realisticly) Even then it will require work (in proportion to the size of the tortoise) and dilagence. : : There are many breeders in cool climates keeping these guys but it does require extra time and a good deal of cash and it is usually not recomended. (wink, wink... nudge, nudge) : : Ed

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