Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I recently purchased an african spur thigh. Most pet stores gave me advice contrary to the specifics i researched on line. i think it is because the are just out to make a buck. It is still a small juvenile. I'm not sure how to measure the size (side to side or front to back). I so fare have fed it hibiscus flowers and leaves and some romaine lettuce. I undersand that these things should only make up 25% of their diet. i also purchased some grass hay (bunny brome and timothey grass hay). How can i get it to eat this hay since it is not used to eating it. These hays should make up 75% of their diet (from online research) I replaced the bedding with hay but i haven't seen her eating it. Temp is about 89 over all and a hot spot of about 93. Have i missed anything and should i be doing something else? I hope to get her to a nice big size so that i can construct an out door pen. I live in south florida. Will she be alright in my climate? I appologize for the long post but i just want to make sure i haven't missed anything. I want her to live a healthy life.

Frustrating when no one responds to you, isn't it? I think they hear these questions weekly and get tired of responding. I am by no means an expert, but I have done lots of research and have a few sulcatas. I am still learning and learn a lot by trial and error. First, you measure the bottom or underneath of the tortoise. Just set it next to a ruler or something. You measure from head to tail, not side to side. Please don't keep it in a glass tank, they are bad news. No air ventilation, it heats up too fast, and they air gets stale. Rubbermaid is the way to go. People have different opinions on temperature, but my opinion for a hatchling is 75-80 on the cool side and 95 on the hot side. I think hatchling need to be kept warmer than older torts. Also, please make sure you read about failure to thrive on Sulcata Station web site. It is very important. I know lots of people that have lost them because of this. Just make sure you feed a variety of greens and grasses and hay, sprinkled with calcium daily and vitamins weekly. I wouldn't leave it outside overnight for a few years. Maybe during the day if you think it is secure enough. Good luck and welcome to the world of Sulcatas!

Well i've already switched to a rubbermaid open container, it is huge. It's 3 feet long and about a foot and a half wide and about 7 inches deep, which for right now is perfect for her size i think? She seems to get pretty active in short bouts. Walks all over the place and eats somthing here and there. I hav a cuttle bone in there which she knaws at all the time. I offer her grass hey, collard greens, and hibiscus or rose flower petals. There is a tiny water dish in there but i have yet to see her drink. When soaking them, do they decisarily need to drink the water or just stand in it for a few minutes. Mine hates to just sit there, she tries to wonder off. Anything i might be missing?