Re: update on my sick baby sulcata

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Posted by Terry on January 15, 2002 at 12:06:49:

In Reply to: Re: update on my sick baby sulcata posted by kathy on January 15, 2002 at 11:40:19:

Kathy,
the temperature needs adjusting, see my post above.
He should have a hot spot/basking spot of around 90-94 degrees, But be VERY, VERY careful trying to create this hot spot in a fish tank, I wouldn't recommened it. The whole tank could quickly overheat, as it's small and is so enclosed.

There MUST also be a warm area of around 80-86 degrees and then a cooler area of around 75-80 degress.

There MUST be this gradient, not just the hot spot or just the cooler spot, a gradient is very important.
80 is fine for the night time temperature at this point, and for the cooler side of the enclosure during the day. But during the day he also needs a warmer, basking spot. At least 86-90 degrees.

He can then bask in the hot spot to get his temperature up enough to eat, then retreat to the cooler side to cool down.

I would get a Rubbermaid. thermometers etc and create a new habitat.One in which you can create the heat gradients and basking spots properly and safely.

If a tortoise is either too hot or too cool it will become sluggish.
That's why it must have the gradient, so it can thermoregulate, control it's body temperature.

Sorry to sound like a broken record, Kathy!!!!

Post again if you have more questions.

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: Kathy, : the temperature needs adjusting, see my post above. : He should have a hot spot/basking spot of around 90-94 degrees, But be VERY, VERY careful trying to create this hot spot in a fish tank, I wouldn't recommened it. The whole tank could quickly overheat, as it's small and is so enclosed. : There MUST also be a warm area of around 80-86 degrees and then a cooler area of around 75-80 degress. : There MUST be this gradient, not just the hot spot or just the cooler spot, a gradient is very important. : 80 is fine for the night time temperature at this point, and for the cooler side of the enclosure during the day. But during the day he also needs a warmer, basking spot. At least 86-90 degrees. : He can then bask in the hot spot to get his temperature up enough to eat, then retreat to the cooler side to cool down. : I would get a Rubbermaid. thermometers etc and create a new habitat.One in which you can create the heat gradients and basking spots properly and safely. : If a tortoise is either too hot or too cool it will become sluggish. : That's why it must have the gradient, so it can thermoregulate, control it's body temperature. : Sorry to sound like a broken record, Kathy!!!! : Post again if you have more questions.

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