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Sulcata Tortoise Heat Mat
Posted: 01/09/2015 by Richard.Coonz

Hello! 


I've recently purchased a Sulcata called Mr Thomas. I did a lot of research first and am prepared for the size he/she will reach and also the amount of care and £££ they will need. I currently have him housed in a tortoise table as he/she is only tiny - (See attached) 
He/she seems to be eating well and moving around a lot during the day when the mercury bulb is on. My question is... Should I heat him/her overnight with a heat mat or something? I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks Richard 

Re: Sulcata Tortoise Heat Mat
Posted: 01/09/2015 by Tom

Hello Richard,


I trust that you have a very substantial area of lawn for when it is bigger & a spare five figure sum ready to spend on well designed insulated winter quarters.

I'm surprised that your 'research' hasn't answered your own questions: -
A min temp. of 14C is needed overnight. 
Heat mats are not suitable for tortoises.

I note from your photo that the bulb is at an angle of 45deg.. It needs to be at 90deg., or it will cause serious damage (or worse !!) to it's eyes.

Good Luck,
Tom

Re: Sulcata Tortoise Heat Mat
Posted: 02/09/2015 by Richard.Coonz

Hi Tom,


Thanks for getting back to me.

Yes we have over 1.5 acres of land and a few out houses. Money isn't an issue otherwise we wouldn't have got him. I'm pleased to hear he doesn't need a heat mat - as I expected but wanted to check. The lamp was only like that for a few hours until I changed the fitting - as posted on your FB forum yesterday afternoon.

I can assure you a lot of research was done, however there is so much contradicting information out there, it is untrue! How do we know who to believe or trust???? Breeders, pets shops, organisations?

Thanks for your help. Richard
 

Re: Sulcata Tortoise Heat Mat
Posted: 02/09/2015 by Tom

That is very good to 'hear' Richard.


It is time that an import ban was introduced for the species.

I get very tired of people stupid enough to buy them, who can't possibly meet their needs, often selling them on in a poor state after a few years. Others have them wandering around their house for much of the year - totally unsuitable, an absolute disgrace.

As to who to believe, most certainly not pet shops. There is a quality Caresheet on this site, just click on "The Tortoise" to find it. Also The Tortoise Trust site has quality info available, click on Caresheets, also click on "Articles."

A good place to observe them if you are ever in Cambs. in Summer is Linton Zoo, in late afternoon. The Director, whose father founded the zoo, is a zoologist with a special interest in chelonia. Also a great place to get very close to (adorable) tapir.

It would be good to hear from you in a few years time, with photos, as it grows & your facilities develop.

Best wishes,
Tom
 

 
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