I have 7 years of experience with sulcatas, redfoots, leopards, and the testudos. I work at a vet clinic and a client asked if I would give her chaco tortoise a home. Of course I said yes because you don't see chacos everyday. She found it in her neighborhood in 1983 and it was already full grown. She hibernated him every year like a desert tortoise. She knew chacos were non-hibernators, but he would hibernate in a box in her closet every year.



So, I have been looking for info on these guys, but there is very little. I know they can be fragile, but this guy lived with CA desert tortoises. So, I am looking for humidity and temp requirements mainly, but any other tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!



Hello, from my experience, you should begin by keeping it by itself.

Crowding them is a cause of immunity depression.

I have known chacos kept for years both in backyards in Montevideo, with lots of rain in winter, as well as inside heated apartments, and both have thrived.

Their range is wide, so actual habitat conditions are not uniform.

A summer temp of 85-90 by day (with cooler areas) and a winter temp of 50-65 will work well.

its important to avoid humidity in winter.



"Summer" should last no less than 6 months, actual hibernation not over 4 months.

babies can be kept heated year round, but MUST have available a wet area . Dehydration is the single biggest problem with baby chacos. Hope this helps,



David

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