How can you tell how old a sulcata tortoise is?
There’s no real way of determining a tortoise’s age, other than through record keeping. Contrary to some old wives tales, the growth rings around scutes are not a gauge for age.
Why does my sulcata tortoise have a dry shell?
Like many reptiles, sulcata tortoises are prone to respiratory infections, especially if they’re kept in environments that are too humid. And like other tortoises and turtles, shell rot is a common problem. This is usually caused by a fungal infection that leads to a flaky, dry shell.
How to take care of a baby soft shell turtle?
Provide the turtle shallow water, adequate space, clean water, a healthy diet, twelve hours of UVB, and a sense of security with sand to ensure the health of the baby soft shell turtle. This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge.
How long can A sulcata tortoise live in captivity?
But if you find yourself with one as a pet, they do have very specific requirements to keep them healthy and happy and you’ll find that they make very fun companions. Names: Geochelone sulcata, sulcata tortoise, African spurred tortoise. Lifespan: Sulcata tortoises can live 70 years in captivity (sometimes even longer)
Can you get salmonella from a baby turtle?
Some turtles carry salmonella and, while it won’t harm the turtle, it can harm you. Do not put unwashed hands near your mouth or nose until you’ve washed them with warm water and soap. Make sure children do so after handling turtles too.
How big should a 1 year old sulcata tortoise be?
Average One Year Old Sulcata Size You’ll find one year old sulcatas that are the size of baseballs and others footballs. If started corrected with proper housing and diet, a 1 year old sulcata could weigh between 800-1000 grams (1.7 – 2.2 pounds) and measure about 6-8-inches.
How big is a 5 year old sulcata?
Sulcata Tortoise Growth Chart:
| Sulcata Tortoise Age | Carapace Length | Body Weight |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Year Old | 6 to 8 Inches | 700 to 100 Grams |
| 3 Year Old | 10 to 15 Inches | 2.25 to 4.5 Kgs |
| 5 Year Old | 10 to 20 Inches | 5 to 15 Kgs |
| 10 Year Old | 20 to 24 Inches | 15 to 31 Kgs |
How big should a 3 year old sulcata tortoise be?
A 3 year old healthy sulcata tortoise will typically weigh between 5-10 pounds, measuring between 10-15″ in length.
Can sulcata tortoises eat bananas?
Can Sulcata Tortoise Eat Bananas? Sulcata tortoises come from hot, dry regions and, they are voracious eaters. They need a diet that is high in calcium and fiber and low in protein and fat. They can eat fruits, like bananas; however, only feed it to them in moderation, as over-consumption of sugar can make them unwell.
How big is a 10 year old sulcata tortoise?
Sulcata Tortoises Growth Rate
| Sulcata tortoise age | Length (inches) | Weight (Pounds) |
|---|---|---|
| 3 to 5 years | 10 inches | 4.6 pounds |
| 6 to 9 years | 10.5 inches | 8.4 pounds |
| 10 to 12 years | 16 – 20 inches | 17.4 pounds |
| 12 to 15 years | 24 – 30 inches |
How often should I feed my baby sulcata tortoise?
Food and Feeding: Adults should be fed three times per week minimum, and hatchlings fed daily. For every feeding, dust food with a calcium supplement. Every 2 to 4 weeks, dust food with multivitamins.
How much does a baby sulcata tortoise cost?
Baby sulcata tortoises average $45-$100. Some breeders will sell baby sulcatas on the lower end if they have a surplus. You may find some baby sulcatas available for cheaper if they have split scutes. Sulcata tortoises with split scutes are healthy, they are either missing or have extra scutes.
How often should you soak a baby sulcata tortoise?
They need to be soaked outside the enclosure in shallow, warm water once or twice a week for 15 to 30 minutes to get fully hydrated. Baby and juvenile sulcata tortoises tend to dry out much quicker than larger, more established tortoises.
How cold is too cold for a sulcata tortoise?
The tortoises themselves can handle surprisingly cold temperatures, as low as 45 degrees Fahrenheit, with no problems.
What sulcata tortoises should not eat?
Avoid feeding a sulcata some food items entirely. Never give your sulcata animal-based proteins, including insects, fish or mice. Sulcatas get all of the protein they need from the grasses and other plants in their diet. Avoid legumes, nuts and beans, as they have too much protein for the health of your turtle.
How big should a 2 month old sulcata tortoise be?
I’ve been looking through the forum to find something about the general growth rate for sulcata tortoises and I haven’t found anything except updated pictures of adult sulcatas. I want to know what the average growth of a sulcata is. For example a month old sulcata to a two month old sulcata is 2-2.5 inches, and so forth.
When does a baby tortoise have a soft shell?
Assume a baby tortoise with a soft shell is under 6 months old. Baby tortoises naturally have semi-rigid shells early in life, but they typically harden fully by 6-8 months of age. The softer the shell, the younger the tortoise is likely to be. Don’t press on the shell to determine how soft it is!
How big should a 6 year old sulcata be?
I have seen 6 year olds that are 4″ and weigh a pound and I have seen 6 year olds that are 26″ and 80 pounds. If you have a well started baby, house it correctly (simulating the african rainy season that wild ones hatch into), and feed it well, it should be in the neighborhood of 6-7″ and 800-1000 grams at one year.
Can A sulcata tortoise live in a group?
Neither tortoise will be happy with this arrangement and one will likely suffer more and grow much less. In time you will see this. They tend to do well in groups of 3 or more, and they tend to do well alone. At least one does not tend to do well when housed in a pair.
Do Young sulcatas eat grass?
In the desert and savannah, sulcatas eat grasses, wild flowers and other plants. They require a diet that is high in fiber and low in protein. The bulk of their food should be timothy hay, grass hay and edible leaves, flowers and weeds.
What to feed baby tortoise?
Feeding baby food to tortoise is fine on occasion. It does no harm whatsoever and can provide the same vitamins and minerals as whole fresh vegetables. Bright colored, flavorful baby foods can be especially helpful to entice tortoises to eat. Carrots are also fine as an occasional part of a healthy tortoises diet.
Can sulcata eat fruit?
Your sulcata tortoise can eat the entire cactus – pads, flowers and fruit. Feed cactus fruit sparingly. Although, it is safe for sulcata tortoises to eat, the fruit is high in sugar. Too high sugar content can overtime cause health problems. A diet high in sugar, can actually make ideal conditions in the intestines for parasites to thrive.
What is the baby Tortise called?
A baby tortoise is called hatchling. With the usage of the egg tooth its break the eggshell and come out. For the first few days, hatchings are very vulnerable and they depend on the embryonic sac for the nutrition until enough to find the food. Sometimes hatchlings wait to come out from the shell until all the embryonic sac is completely absorbed.
