Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I currently have fourteen baby sulcattas and they are kept in a large shallow tub. They get UVA/UVB lighting, they are fed prickly pear cactus, tons of grasses (both dry and freshly cut) and the occassional romaine lettuce, and they are bathed every other day for thirty minutes. Most of them seem completely healthy and active but for some reason now two have really soft plastrons. I sprinkle their food with calcium so it can't be a calcium defficiency either. One tortoise has already died and the other is very lethargic. Does anyone know what I'm doing wrong?

This link discusses how quickly young sulcatas can run into trouble through dehyration with some of the symptoms you describe. They highly recommend the regular use of a humid, micro-habitat.

http://www.sulcata-station.org/hatchfail.html

Does anyone know what I'm doing wrong?

In nature they would spend much time underground in a burrow. Underground anywhere worldwide it is humid. Are you providing a substitute for this humid burrow found in nature?

How do you provide water?
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AMAZON REPTILE CENTER

The Sulcattas are getting their water through baths. They get baths three times a week in warm water for about thirty minutes. They don't really burrow but their substrate is peat moss and timothy hay.

>>The Sulcattas are getting their water through baths. They get baths three times a week in warm water for about thirty minutes.

We water every day and take measure to keep enclosure humid. Yours are likely dying of kidney issues secondary to chronic dehydration. Without proper kidney function the shell gets soft.
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AMAZON REPTILE CENTER

If this was what was causing the problem then wouldn't all of the hatchlings be having problems? The rest of them are active and have great shells. It's only two out of fifteen that have had this problem.

>>If this was what was causing the problem then wouldn't all of the hatchlings be having problems? The rest of them are active and have great shells. It's only two out of fifteen that have had this problem.

In a word, no. They are not all identical animals. Some will be more tolerant of drought than others. I will tell you that 3 waterings a week is very weak. They need moisture daily. In nature they get it with a humid burrow. The rest of your group MAY start having problems one at a time until they are all gone. In fact, you were worried about this yourself or you would not have made the post.

Check out how Richard Fife houses his at http://www.ivorytortoise.com/ He has mad a man-made burrow for them to reside in for the needed humidity.
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AMAZON REPTILE CENTER

I disagree with you Amazon, primarily because such problems take a longer time to develope, cripple, and then kill an animal.

Back in the day before we knew how important humidity was, sulcata's were kept in a dry "oven" of an enclosure. They didn't die, but had shell problems (aka pyramiding). They likely will have a reduced lifespan as well, but only time will tell.

Jone's, if you have a recently deceased animal, refridgerate it and get it to the vet (who will send it to an appropriate path lab) for a proper necropsy. It is important to find out exactly what is going on for the sake of the rest of your clutch.

Amazon is correct in that hydration and humidity are very important and I would add a humid hide to the enclosure. Several if you have multiple animals/enclosure. A small dampened moss filled hide works, or a damp sponge screwed to the ceiling of a hide works as well.

Ian

>>I disagree with you Amazon, primarily because such problems take a longer time to develope, cripple, and then kill an animal.
>>
Thanks for the input. Seems from the remainder of your post we really agree. We only disagree on the timing of the problems I describe.

Again, you may also be right. I am not there to see the animals in question. Just hearing what read and applying past experience, observations.
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AMAZON REPTILE CENTER