I have been passionate about Sulcata torts for more years than I can remember, travelling far and wide just to look at one.
I have a very large and now unused wendy house at the top of my garden, I have 20 feet of unused garden fenced off around it..and am in a position to buy one (or two if compatable) I've read as much as I can about them..obviously still would have loads to consider before I buy as I don't go into anything before I am 100% confident..can anyone think (i know they like to burrow!!) of any reall pitfalls that should be considered..any help would be of value.
I have kept spur thighed for 40 years and have present have 4. cheers Sue

Well a fence wont stop one for a start lol unless its concreted wooden/netal fence.
They need a huge area and 20ft isnt that big!?!

Courtney's Mum. Don't let anyone put you off having what you want! If you have done your research and are fully aware of these animal's requirement (lots of heat, lots of room, lots of food, lots of poop and lots of digging!), and you are satisfied that you can provide these requirements, then go for it.

I can't agree with you more, if you can cater for one why not!

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Thanks for that..when I quoted the word fence that was as in brick wall all around..I think the only thing I would need to consider is what I would replace the gate with (any ideas?) I think the area would be big enough for a while as hope to start with smallish one ... but garden is 100 feet in all and this was just the chidrens area (now unused)...Not ready for one (or two) yet but need to know if anyone may know a breeder? Sue

Hello Courtneysmum i've kept a coloney of sulcata tortoises for 14 years now and i would definatley recomend them. They do need plenty of space indoors and out, but with the right set up and diet they thrive in captivity.
Mine produce loads of eggs every year and i usually get a good amount of hatchlings which go towards paying the up keep of thier parents. Well electricity and heating oil bills if truth be known.
Anyway i only expect that owners know what thier taking on and that if circumstances change that they come back to me. I don't have any at mo, but will almost certainly by june/july.

I would be ready about then I'm going to make a few changes to wendy house to increase space re-enforce floors and sort out suitable gate and sort heating and lighting etc. I will get back to you if ok with you..and any advice would be great!Very excited...! Sue

Hello Sue, just had my first cluch of eggs this year, which is pretty early for them especially since none of my females ever want to nest indoors. They always head outside when thier ready, regardless of the weather.
I've been having an extra shed/greenhouse built to create a sheltered environment just for nesting, but not finnished yet and they've already started.
The hatchlings are very cute, but grow very quickly. I would recommend the use of a large tort table for thier first year and uvb spot bulbs to heat and light them. Get them outdoors as much as possible though, since they really benifit from access to sunlight and natural grazing from the start.
I keep them on a similar diet to meds when thier young, weeds, flowers, and grasses mainly, but they always have access to chopped organic meadow hay ( inc seed heads and thistles) and lots of calcium in the form of limestone flour and nutrobal. I also grow plenty of opuntia cactus which they love, esp Opuntia robusta the easiest one to grow by far, always give a few pads away with new owners.

Thanks for great advice..I have tortoise tables for my 4 spur thighs..It won't be a problem to get another one though...would they live in two's or is it best to keep just the one? Sue

I would say if you can provide the space as they grow I would go for two, its always nicer to have two i.e company,comparison to one another each having a different personality which makes it all the more rewarding watching them grow

D