Escapes In Progress...

jwr0201

Member
Joined
Jun 4, 2021
Messages
53
Location (City and/or State)
Sarasota, FL
This has GOT to be a learned behavior. No way this is instinct!
Had a neighbor with a new cypress wood fence that kept their dogs in. No breaks and completely fenced around the back yard. Came home one day and a 5' gator had climbed the fence and was in their pool! Found scrapes all over a few panels, so the thing did actually climb a 6' fence. Would never have believed it if I hadn't seen the beast in their pool!
 

Lyn W

Well-Known Member
5 Year Member
Joined
Jul 22, 2014
Messages
23,497
Location (City and/or State)
UK
This has GOT to be a learned behavior. No way this is instinct!
Had a neighbor with a new cypress wood fence that kept their dogs in. No breaks and completely fenced around the back yard. Came home one day and a 5' gator had climbed the fence and was in their pool! Found scrapes all over a few panels, so the thing did actually climb a 6' fence. Would never have believed it if I hadn't seen the beast in their pool!
Where there's a will there's a way!
It is instinct - they all have a go when they can.
I think you are going to have to cap the top edges to create an overhang and maybe put a sight barrier around the base of the wire fence so he can't see out.
They also like to borrow under barriers so look out for signs of that too.
 

wellington

Well-Known Member
Moderator
10 Year Member!
Tortoise Club
Joined
Sep 6, 2011
Messages
49,658
Location (City and/or State)
Chicago, Illinois, USA
HILARIOUS!!! I would pay to see that! LMAO !!!
I wish I had thought to grab a camera, ugh.
I was just shocked a tortoise could do that.
I didn't tell ya though. They can't climb back down as well as they climb up. He got to a crotch in the tree and stayed there just looking at me. I swear he was saying "now what the heck do I do" lol
I told him he could just sit there. I of course got him down.
 

Sarah2020

Well-Known Member
Tortoise Club
Platinum Tortoise Club
Joined
Mar 16, 2020
Messages
1,604
Location (City and/or State)
London, UK
I wish I had thought to grab a camera, ugh.
I was just shocked a tortoise could do that.
I didn't tell ya though. They can't climb back down as well as they climb up. He got to a crotch in the tree and stayed there just looking at me. I swear he was saying "now what the heck do I do" lol
I told him he could just sit there. I of course got him down.
Sadly normal result is a fallen tortoise on their back with legs kicking or a tortoise jammed in a small place. Lucky you were there to remove and rescue . As suggested add a length of wood to overhang the top and add a large panel round the lower enclosure perimeter really helps for them not to see directly out, sadly they think the grass is always greener on the other side and will try again.
 

wellington

Well-Known Member
Moderator
10 Year Member!
Tortoise Club
Joined
Sep 6, 2011
Messages
49,658
Location (City and/or State)
Chicago, Illinois, USA
Sadly normal result is a fallen tortoise on their back with legs kicking or a tortoise jammed in a small place. Lucky you were there to remove and rescue . As suggested add a length of wood to overhang the top and add a large panel round the lower enclosure perimeter really helps for them not to see directly out, sadly they think the grass is always greener on the other side and will try again.
The tree was in his enclosure. He wouldn't have hurt himself even if he did fall. I know all about making a safe enclosure. Learned a lot since I have been on the forum since 2011.
 

Chigal1

New Member
Joined
Apr 24, 2021
Messages
14
Location (City and/or State)
CA
My russian climbed straight up a tree. Not sure how he would learn it. One day he just started to climb it as I watched him. They are determined and small with lots of strength for their size. I doubt you could find one that can't climb.
I agree, I have one exactly the same. He is not happy, unless he is trying to climb things. Lol!!!
 

Lyn W

Well-Known Member
5 Year Member
Joined
Jul 22, 2014
Messages
23,497
Location (City and/or State)
UK
I didn’t realize how vertical they could get. Luckily this guy only climbs over his tunnels, not up trees or fences!
What you have to watch out for is torts tipping backwards and getting stuck on their backs. If they can't right themselves it can kill them if they are under heat or in water or just the pressure of their organs on their lungs which are at the top of shells. So best to remove any possible hazards or make them less steep.
 

Dcatalano

Active Member
Joined
Jan 22, 2021
Messages
94
Location (City and/or State)
Colorado
What you have to watch out for is torts tipping backwards and getting stuck on their backs. If they can't right themselves it can kill them if they are under heat or in water or just the pressure of their organs on their lungs which are at the top of shells. So best to remove any possible hazards or make them less steep.
I am learning that! I wouldn't have thought his bark tunnel would be a hazard, but he insisted on climbing over it instead of under it. Also trampled the plants in the outdoor enclosure so there's that.
 
Top