Hi,

Ive just seen these advertised.and wondered if they might be of interest to anyone on here. One of their shells looks abit pyramided and sounds like theyve been kept in a viv.:0(

http://www.pets4homes.co.uk/pets4homes/home.nsf/LookupUNID/8EFF309AE684908E8025770400568A78

sorry heres the link..

Hi There

I think the Sulcata do have lumpy shells, Ive seen lots of Sulcata pics online and most have been very lumpy. I could be wrong, but the Sulcats ive seen are lumpy.

Hi Begal

Good job you spotted this , I really hope someone responsible comes along to rescue these 2, it is heartbreaking to think they have been in viv all their lives, lets just hope the rest of their story isn't so grim, and that maybe they were in a shed with outside access to roam about in??  If only I had the right environment
Jane, Keya & Molly

They do look a mess, as you say probably viv grown and far too quickly by the looks of the poor things.

Here are some other poor unfortunate Sulcatas, but the photo does at least show the difference between wild Sulcatas and those kept incorrectly in captivity

The worying thing, is that Garden Centres are selling baby sulcatas ten to the penny, not explaining how big they grow? the cost involved to keep them? and the amount of room they need?, not to mention the security aspect of them ploughing through fences etc. I recently heard how a reputable Reptile shop was telling people how tortoises should be looked after, it would have made your hair curl, I quickly told the person my version, directed them to TPG & TT and said you decide????
I also tried to do some undercover work with a certain Garden Centre but quickly discovered I wouldn't make a very good detective, so I won't make it my day time job

Jane, Keya & Molly

Regarding the sale of Sulcata Tortoises I am always fascinated by them when I go to Tropical Wings a nature centre in South Woodham Ferrers in Essex. On the way back last week we popped in to our local reptile shop and I was horrified to see hatchlings of these tortoises on sale. I could not believe that these beautiful creatures were being sold for the pet trade and wondered how easily I could have acquired one or maybe someone who does not have knowledge of the size they grow to. In addition the baby tortoises of all species were being fed on ready prepared assorted leaves including lettuce/cabbage, which again is incorrect. I think we have a long way to go and an uphill struggle when even so called experts are doing it wrong.

Mary Owen 

My local pert shop is offering Indian Star, hingeback, Mediterranian spur thighs and a Sulcata for sale. I loathe and detest pet shops and have a Bearded Dragon and a Herman's Tortie both of which I rescued. I have put up a plea on my own private Facebook page to raise the money to buy him. It goes against everything I believe in but I simply can't leave him in the shop. RSPCA not interested as he's not being abused at the moment. I contacted another rescue centre and they say he doesn't need any papers to be sold. I don't know what else to do for him. Any suggestions??