I got a new sulcata tortoise about one week ago. When he is outdoors, he eats great and roams around constantly, but when indoors, he doesn't do anything. He will not eat indoors. The enclosure is 4' x 4', and it has a cool spot of 74 degrees. The hot spot was too hot (close to 120 degrees), so I raised the heat lamp. Currently, the hot spot is 85 degrees. I live in Kentucky, so I probably have at best one more month of being able to take him outdoors on a daily basis, so I really need to get him active and eating inside. What can I do?
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Concerns about sulcata hatchling...
ChazB322
Sep 25, 2008 04:24 PM
Replies (1)
tglazie
Sep 28, 2008 03:54 PM
What sort of substrate are you using? This may be the problem. Use soil, such is the best bet. Also, purchase a UV lamp. This will raise the little guy's morale about being inside. Consider that the sun is not only warm, but shining bright with radioactive vitamin infused goodness. Such is what must be replicated in captivity, especially in an indoor setup. Also, allow him shelter from the lights. He will take time to adjust to the indoor enclosure, from the way you've described him. However, with time, lest something else be wrong with him, he should adjust. Also, what are you feeding him? This could have something to do with it as well. Ensure a diet rich in fibrous greens, low in fruit and wet kitchen foods.
T.G.
