Rate of growth??

[Blu Mongoose]

Kelly and I have acquired 2 tortoises lately. We are leaning more toward pets that can be with us for a very long time. We also know care will have to be taken that there is someone to care for them if we go first. I have always wanted a sulcata tortoise. Not sure at what rate they grow. Since I will be 50 I would like to have a larger one before I go. A little time to enjoy them full size. Everytime I ask someone how long till they reach adulthood I get a different answer. Does anyone have an idea??

[tigerlily]

I imagine the rate of growth will vary like in more critters, but unfortunately I have no tort experience. I hope someone can help you with a more definitive answer.

[mr~python]

in general i think torts take a LONG time to grow. like after 2 years they've only grown like 6 inches. lol, i dont know much about them either but hopefully someone knows and you find your answer. good luck!

[bigballs]

i think sulcatas take around 10 years to get full size and they grow big. they can get to be over 100 pounds...

[Blu Mongoose]

I'm hoping they go that large. I want a larger one. But the prices are outrageous for an adult. Maybe I will come across one soon. Have to move into new house first.

[tigerlily]

Remember to check rescues too! There's gotta be one or two around somewhere.

[Blu Mongoose]

Rescues will be my first stop. After this house gets sold. I AM SO TIRED OF WORKING ON THIS HOUSE!!!! AURGGH!!

[bigballs]

do you guys have any links to any reptile rescues??

how do they work exactly?

[mr~python]

they take in unwanted and neglected reptiles. usually the type of reptiles you find at rescues are ones that get big fast, and can be bought at a cheap price by impulse buyers from crummy petstores. normally you see iguanas, water monitors, nile monitors, sulcatas, and burms, etc. at rescues a lot.

[Blu Mongoose]

A sulcata is what I have wanted for years. I will be able to provide it with a yard of its own and lighting and housing over the winter will be quite comfy. I'm waiting to see which house we actually buy. The one I'm looking at has a huge double lot. Don't want the tortoise with any less than a double lot. They need a lot of room to roam.