Sulcata Care Sheet

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Sulcata Care Sheet
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The diversity in animal species is both
interesting and complicated at the same time.
While some of them can be domesticated easily at
home, some need special care, like we care for
infants, due to their complex physiology,
ecosystem and geographic limitations. African
Spurred, herbivorous tortoise falls in this list.
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• As they as herbivorous, yet can take animal
  protein, it is strongly advised to avoid it to
  reduce the risk of kidney failure, growth spurs
  and early deaths
• Goitrogenic vegetables are not so ideal as well
  due to risks of goiter, kidney stones and
  hyperthyroidism in these tortoises. EgSpinach,
  parsley, carrots and collards
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• An ideal diet should consist of about 90
  percentage of green leafy vegetables, like grass
  hay, edible flowers, romaine like lettuce,
  escarole, chard, pumpkin, turnips sow thistle, to
  name a few
• Since these tortoises come from the semi dessert
  habitats with less food, it is not recommended to
  feed them every day after they have turned one
  year.3 times a week is enough.

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• Look out for watery feces, nasal discharge,
  watery eyes, gasping, forced exhalation. These
  are signs of illness and may require antibiotic
  therapy
• Keep it warm, around 29 to 40 degree Celsius
  during the day and not more than 26 in the night.
  During winters extra care should be taken to keep
  their housing dry and warm

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• Make sure they have access to clean water at all
  times. Young tortoises should be put in a warm
  water at least one every fortnight to avoid
  dehydration and elimination of body wastes.
• As these tortoises are quite strong and like to
  move around, make sure their premises is secured
  and not accessible to kids ,other domestic
  animals (unless supervised), vehicles and garbage.

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