Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm reading lately that baby sulcata enclosures should be kept at a relatively high humidity. First I use to read that high humidity levels were bad for their respiratory system. Now, I hear that keeping them at a higher humidity level is not only beneficial, but it will also prevent pyramiding (which makes sense, being that in their natural habitat hatchlings are in humid burrows). What are your experiences with humidity and baby sulcatas? Thanks!

My experience is such that keeping young sulcatas in high humidity environments can become very dangerous should they receive a sudden chill or should mold develop in said environments. The simplest way to ensure a hatchling's hydration is to allow for an environment that provides areas of relative humidity, which translates quite simply as excavatable substrate. Allow your young tortoise burrowing capability, and they will create their own humid environment, just as they would in the wild. This is the best option, in my opinion.

T.G.

Seems like a good idea...a place in the enclosure where the little guy can get his share of high humidity. So, would this be in the warmer end or cooler end of the tank? Because lately I'm reading that any high humidity should be on the warmer end, so to evaportate nicely. And that high humidity on the cooler end is a no-no, because dampness coldness = respiratory problems. I always thought (because of common sense) that humid burrows (or hiding spots) would be on the cooler side of the enclosure, just as I would think it would be in the wild. If a sulcata would want to retreat from the hot sun, they would go (or dig) a ditch in some bushy spot away from the beaming sun.