Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I purchased two hatchling Sulcata's at a Reptile Show in the middle of November 03. At the time they each weighed around 50gms. When I weighed them this morning the bigger of the two weighs 297gms and the smaller 227gms. I am shocked by the rapid growth of these babies. Their carapace is smooth and not showing pyramiding. Is this some kind of record? They have been kept in the house in low side tub, flourescent UVB, heat emitter, cypress mulch, (which I keep moist under their heat) soaked everyday, and fed Mazuri several times a week with greens. I am preparing them an outdoor enclosure where they can spend the summer. They are quickly outgrowing their indoor quarters and seem anxious to explore the great outdoors.

If the growth is normal in your eyes and the shells are hard, I'd say you have it set up perfectly. Now, if you want to maintain that growth rate, continue what you are doing. If you want to slow it down, cut back on the mazuri and add some leafy greens and/or grasses or just cut back on the frequency of the feeding to maintain the desired rate.
As to the record... I know of one individual who raised sulcatas from hatchling to animals that produced viable eggs in 2 years. I haven't kept up with that person and don't really know the long term effects. I've got an Egyptian that I raised to adult in 4 years. She is 8 years old now and seems to be doing great so far. On the flip side I have a sulcata that is 5 or 6 years old and is about 2 lbs and, again, is doing great.
If your animals appear healthy they probably are.
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Ed
Tortoise_Keepers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care