just wanted to know some peoples view on using a reptarium on a baby sulcatas?? just wondering went through and searchecd but only found info on chems and other lizards.
robert
Reptile & Amphibian Forums
Welcome to kingsnake.com's message board system. Here you may share and discuss information with others about your favorite reptile and amphibian related topics such as care and feeding, caging requirements, permits and licenses, and more. Launched in 1997, the kingsnake.com message board system is one of the oldest and largest systems on the internet.
reptarium
wyattroa
Dec 21, 2004 09:57 AM
Replies (3)
EJ
Dec 21, 2004 10:05 AM
By reptarium I'm guessing you mean a glass enclosure. I think they are great for hatchlings especially this time of year. It is easier to maintain temperatures and easier to monitor the animal.
There is the problem of the tortoise trying to get out if it sees through the glass but it really depends on the individual animal. This behavior can also be minumized if you provide enough structure and enough space.
-----
Ed
Tortoise_Keepers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care
bradtort
Dec 21, 2004 11:20 AM
The reptarium is a plastic tube-framed enclosure that uses a plastic-like mesh. The typical mesh is black.
I've used them for lizards (blue-tongues and beardeds).
A large one could provide space for a tort for awhile.
Problems:
The black mesh will absorb a lot of heat, light and UV from your lamps, assuming you place them on top of the mesh. I don't know if there is a reasonable way to place lamps inside the enclosure.
I think a wading pool, watering trough, plastic enclosure, or some other type of open-topped enclosure, would make a better choice. Nothing to block the light/heat/UV, better ventilation, and the open top makes it easier to observe your torts.
Also, in order to get to your animal and clean the enclosure, you'll have to unzip the mesh. If there are lamps on top of the mesh, this can get kinda tricky.
I have used the reptariums to place animals out in the sun. My baby russians do well in these for a few hours a day in warm weather. The mesh does reduce the amount of UV coming through, but it also reduces the intensity of the heat, making for a safer environment in my opinion.
dragonlady01
Dec 21, 2004 02:43 PM
Instead of a Reptarium I would suggest a Rubbermaid or similar "under-the-bed" long plastic container for a baby tort. You can get them at Target or Bed Bath & Beyond, WalMart doesn't always carry them. It's cheaper and easier to clean than a Reptarium.
