Reptile & Amphibian Forums

So many posts here talk about how fast the Sulcata hatchlings grow and show very dramatic pics of hatchlings, 1 yr olds and 2 yr olds. However, when do they begin this rapid growth? We have had our hatchling one month and are measuring and weighing it weekly. It has not grown in size and has not gained any weight. It's weight goes up and down with no net gain. It currently weighs 55.8 grams. It eats very well about 1/4 cup of grass/hay and some other selected greens daily.

I have two hatchlings also (along with the 6 others in the picture you mentioned) and they do seem to take a while to get started, but they pretty much double their size every year for the first few years from what I have experienced. My wife says: Dont worry, One day you will wake up and he/she will be as big a tank! Enjoy them while they are only eating grams of food, soon it will several bunches of greens a day.

When they grow depends a lot on genetics. Some grow very slowly, others quickly. As long as they are healthy and they grow up to be healthy, normal tortoises then when they grow doesn't matter much.. in other words as long as your baby is healthy I wouldn't worry.
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PHRatz

Hey Mejohn, Has you hatchling started to grow yet? What he said about genetics is true, two of my Sulcatas are both two years old and are from the same clutch of eggs, and one is several inches smaller than the other. Just wanted to check up you and see how that Hatchling is doing? I have two hatchlings and they seem to sleep all of the time, but they are growing and eating and pooping and appear healthy, other than the sleeping.