Albino Sulcata Tortoise For Sale: 11 Thing You've Forgotten To Do
Albino Sulcata Tortoise For Sale
Sulcata tortoises love to graze on grasses and leaves (dandelion being a popular choice). They also can be fed an array of different vegetables.
It is rewarding to own these massive tortoises, but they require an environment that is constructed properly. Tortoise Town offers some of the finest albino sulcata tortoises for sale anywhere in the USA.
Temperature
A tortoise called a sulcata is a tropical species and requires warmer temperatures. Tortoises should be kept in an enclosure that has plenty of shade and a lid. It should be given a mixture of salad greens like turnips, carrots and mustard, along with leafy vegetables such as dandelion or parsley. This combination of micronutrients will allow the tortoise thrive. To supply fiber, it should be given hibiscus and mulberry leaves, as well as prickly pear cactus pad. Consuming these items gives the tortoise valuable minerals that it can't get from the salad mix.
Sulcatas can be kept indoors or outdoors as long as the temperature is never below 80 degrees. If they are kept inside they will require a heating pad and a light set on low or moderate. They also require a second UVB light that is in operation for 12 to 14 hours a day. They also need an area to relax that is hot.
Sulcata babies require access to moist hiding places that replicate the moist conditions of their natural burrows. The humidity helps them stay hydrated and prevents their shells from becoming bumpy. It is crucial to observe young sulcatas closely for signs of problems with humidity because they can become dehydrated quickly.
If you're thinking of getting an sulcata be sure to have a plan in place to plan what will happen if you are no longer able to care for it. Many sulcatas end up in rescue or animal shelters because their owners cannot care for them. Adopting a sulcata from a reputable breeder, or animal shelter that treats them as pets and not as food sources is a good way to avoid that.
Humidity
Sulcata tortoises can be found along the southern edge of the Sahara desert where they created burrows and tunnels to escape the heat. They are listed in CITES Appendix 2, which means that captive-bred tortoises can be sold and traded however wild-caught ones are not.
It is essential to maintain a high humidity in the enclosure to ensure your sulcata turtle's health and well-being. It can also stimulate your tortoise to explore the cage and dig, which is a normal behavior.
You can add a layer of cypress moss or mulch to the substrate to keep the humidity high. You can find cypress moss and mulch at most home improvement stores or the garden sections of certain grocery stores. Some tortoise enclosures are made up of a mixture consisting of dirt, sand, and commercially prepared tortoise bed. Whatever radiated tortoise for sale select, it must be deep enough for your tortoise's to dig.
Your sulcata turtle will require an assortment of plants including edible weeds as well as plants. He should also be fed some vegetables and a little bit of fruit for variety. A low-starch tortoise food, such as Mazuri Grassland Food for Tortoises or ZooMed Veggie Mix, should be offered to give your tortoise the nutrition it needs. Cuttlebone is a great supplement that can be a good source of calcium.
It's important to think about the life expectancy of your sulcata turtle and be prepared to let him live longer than you. It is suggested to have friends or family that can care for your tortoise should you be incapable of doing so.
Substrate
Sulcata tortoises are an extremely committed pet, and can live for over 70 years if properly cared for. They are extremely active and can be hard to contain in an enclosed space or in indoors. They can grow to unmanageable sizes and require an extensive habitat.
Sulcatas are grazing and require an omnivorous diet of grasses, vegetables, and greens. This includes a mix of timothy, orchard and Bermuda grass hays as well as collard, turnip mustard, and endive leaves. Some people feed their turtles commercial diets of grass specifically designed for tortoises.
Substrate is an important part of a tortoise habitat as it provides a surface for them to dig in, helps thermo regulate, and helps maintain proper humidity levels. A potting mix consisting of 1/3 organic soil as well as 1/3 play sand and 1/3 Cypress mulch is a great option. The substrate should be sprayed down with water every morning to help retain moisture.
It may be better to have an enclosure outside for tortoises than one indoor, so that they can take advantage of the sun's natural light and have a shady place to hide during the daytime. A shady spot is particularly important for young tortoises, because they are susceptible to sunburn and dehydration. Adding a mud hole on the outside of the enclosure will allow them to splash mud on themselves and their surroundings, which is their natural way of protecting themselves from harsh sunlight.
It is crucial to take an infant sulcata tortoise out for a few hours every day, as it can increase their metabolism and help them burn calories faster. During this time, they need to be monitored closely to stay clear of predators and to ensure they always have access to water. An annual examination by a reptile vet is also essential.
Lighting
Typically a sandy beige color with a darker "honey" coloring on their heads, legs and tails, these tortoises have aggressive spikes on their front legs which assist in digging and prevent being forced out of their burrows and pushed backwards. These spikes are what give them their name, and they make the perfect pet if you're looking to have a tough pet who can defend itself against predators. They can also be hand fed and will quickly get over their fear of humans when given the chance.
Tortoises spend the majority of their time grazing, sunbathing and soaking up the sun in grassy areas. This is why outdoor vivariums are ideal for them. If kept outdoors, ensure they have an enclosure with plenty of shade as well as hiding spots, and access to a small dish of water. These tortoises can easily be burned by direct sunlight as they aren't accustomed to it. They require a location that is shielded from this intense heat. A box with a low-roofed reptile enclosure is the best. Zoo Med Repti-Ramp(tm) Bowl can be used to provide easy-to-access standing water for your tortoise.
The lighting of a sulcata turtle is similar to the lighting of the majority of desert tortoise species. This is because they need UVB light to produce vitamin D3. The best choice to achieve this is to use an specialized bulb (Zoo Med Powersun) that gives both the warmth and the required UVB for your baby. This bulb should be left on for 12 hours a day. It should not be placed next to any glass since it will block the UVB radiation.
Keep in mind that sulcata turtles are less active than adults and may be more difficult to handle for owners who are new. This is the reason we suggest buying a hatchling that has been well-established or yearling instead of an albino sulcata turtle to sell as they already have a lot of experience to handling and are more active.
Diet
Sulcata tortoises graze and require a diet that is high in fiber, but low in protein. In the wild, they eat various kinds of food such as timothy hay, edible flowers like dandelions, clover, and thistle, cactus pads, and the leaves of mulberry. Fruit is also needed to supply minerals and vitamins. Avoid feeding these animals animal proteins since this could lead to scute-pyramiding and a shorter lifespan.
Hydration is crucial for your sulcata turtle's health and wellbeing. You can make sure that your tortoise is getting the hydration it requires by soaking its enclosure in warm, shallow water a few days a week. In addition to this it can also be beneficial to mist their areas in the mornings, as the dampness can help them regulate their body temperature.
If properly cared for, tortoises are able to live for many decades. This is a huge commitment from their owners. Those who are considering purchasing one of these tortoises must be ready for an ongoing commitment and have an alternative plan in case they are unable to continue caring for them in the future.
It is also crucial that buyers are aware that sulcatas are not able to be around other people and should be kept alone. This information is essential before purchasing. This is particularly important when they plan to house their tortoises indoors. If an indoor environment is not feasible then a heated outdoor greenhouse or shed could be a great alternative for these large animals. The tortoise can enjoy an environment that is natural and not have the stress of moving to a new house.