Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have 2 sulcata tortoises. One of them is 8 months old, the other is 2 months old. My worry is that they are the same size. They live in a 90 gal aquarium, with a 160w powersun bulb. They eat lot of different types of veggies such as: romaine lettuce, collared greens, mustard greens, kale, and as much timothy hay as they can eat. They both get soaked once a week, and eat a lot. Can anyone figure out why they are the same size? Why the 8 month old isn't growing?

It sounds like you are doing a good job. However, accoring to THE SULCATA STATION.......

"Certain foods contain oxalic acid compounds that prevent the body from absorbing calcium from food. You should AVOID feeding large quantities of the following foods on a regular basis because of the oxalic acids in them: Spinach, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Kale, Mustard Greens."

You may want to limit the amount of Kale and Mustard Greens, and add some fresh grasses and diced-up spineless cactus.

How about some natural sunlight? Some is better than none.
Sulcata Station Diet Page

Thanks for the advice!

I wouldn't worry about the size being the same. Many reptiles are slow starters, and torts are the slowest of all. 6 months in tortoise time isn't very long. I would actually be concerned about a size difference due to the possibility of one dominating the other for food or space.

A gram scale and a weight card would help you keep tabs on their weight until they both tip the scales.

smiles,
Rich

Thanks for the advice, I appreciate it.