Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Quick question following a long story...

I just recently moved to southern Arizona and am looking to get a Sulcata again. Growing up I had a red foot and baby sulcata that I housed for a local zoo during their restoration and miss the experiences and thinking of getting another Baby sulcata again. I'll be in an apartment for the next year but have enough room for a large indoor pen. I have relatives that live further out in the desert and are allowing me to build a small pen and from time to time I want to take him there and let him walk around for the day. I want to know if any one recommends it? The pen will be enclosed so I don't have to worry about an animal getting him and plus I'd be outside at the same time. Just wasn't sure if health wise would it be a good idea. Any help would be appreciated. By the why, how much do these little guys go for now a days. Looking for something small, no more that 5-6 inches long. Maybe less. Thanks

Check out local adoption services... from what the tell the tortoise community... Sulcatas are pests in that there are so many for adoption. Start with the local turtle and tortoise clubs.

>>Quick question following a long story...
>>
>>I just recently moved to southern Arizona and am looking to get a Sulcata again. Growing up I had a red foot and baby sulcata that I housed for a local zoo during their restoration and miss the experiences and thinking of getting another Baby sulcata again. I'll be in an apartment for the next year but have enough room for a large indoor pen. I have relatives that live further out in the desert and are allowing me to build a small pen and from time to time I want to take him there and let him walk around for the day. I want to know if any one recommends it? The pen will be enclosed so I don't have to worry about an animal getting him and plus I'd be outside at the same time. Just wasn't sure if health wise would it be a good idea. Any help would be appreciated. By the why, how much do these little guys go for now a days. Looking for something small, no more that 5-6 inches long. Maybe less. Thanks
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Ed @ Tortoise Keepers
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

Sulcata Tortoises are currently going for 50-60 dollars each in Arizona. Your setup sounds good, but depending on the size of tortoise you end up purchasing you might want to house it indoors during the evening and cold nights until it is old enough to live door doors year round. They do not hibernate, so during the winter months some type of supplemental heat would be needed if they did not dig a burrow. Arizona has a few good Sulcata breeders that are easy to find.