Cement Block and climbing

MsParedes

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I know a few of you sulcata owners have cement block as enclosure walls (Tom), and I have a question.
After 15 years, I decided the enclosures for my 20 + year old tortoises, needs maintenance. I have a male and a female, in separate yards. Basically, the only thing I did was go from 2 rows of block to 3 rows high, with a stake in each whole, so it's sturdy. The female goes to a corner and climbs up it. She can't get off the ground, so she just "stands" there.
I worry she is going to hurt herself.
She always has food and water, so the grass is not greener...... Since it bothers me, I spend too much time standing in the yard, watching her, taking her down, repeat. She is close to 85 lbs and I can't just move her away from the area.
I would love to hear you all's thought.

Thanks in advance, Janelyn
 

Blackdog1714

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Maybe put a few thinner blocks across the corner so ther is not as much of an angle. Made need to use some mortar so smooth it out
 

Yvonne G

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You can also cut a piece of plywood in a triangle and put it across the top of the corner.
 

MsParedes

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You can also cut a piece of plywood in a triangle and put it across the top of the corner.
I tried that, but she was able to push it off. I try to line the blocks up so there is no edges, but she is determined.
 

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MsParedes

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Does anyone else have this same challenge?
Or is this not a challenge and I just worry too much?
 

Tom

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I tried that, but she was able to push it off. I try to line the blocks up so there is no edges, but she is determined.
These big sulcatas are a problem this way. When they are determined, they are very hard to discourage and they are so darn strong.

I would put something in that corner to block access, or I would round out the corner so its not a corner. You could stack a whole bunch of cinderblocks there, or some other large heavy unclimbable thing.

The blocks don't work so well with larger tortoises. Once they get much over 60 pounds they can push through these loose block walls IF they feel like it.
 

zovick

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I tried that, but she was able to push it off. I try to line the blocks up so there is no edges, but she is determined.
Maybe if you put the plywood triangles between the middle row of cinder blocks and the top row, there wouldn't be enough room for the tortoise to "stand up". Obviously to do that, you might need to cut either holes or notches in the triangles to allow clearance for the stakes you are using to keep the blocks from falling down.
 

MsParedes

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Maybe if you put the plywood triangles between the middle row of cinder blocks and the top row, there wouldn't be enough room for the tortoise to "stand up". Obviously to do that, you might need to cut either holes or notches in the triangles to allow clearance for the stakes you are using to keep the blocks from falling down.
I tried that and she pushed it off.
 

Maggie3fan

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I am not an expert by any means...but Bob was over 100 lbs when he died and before that he didn't dig or climb...there's been a few large torts since him...and now it's Mary Knobbins...yes, my first female Sulcata. She was found wandering in downtown Portland Oregon brought to Corvallis and turned the tort over to the wildlife rescue who called me...Mary is on my far right...
IMG_0294.JPG
Mary K has every bad Sulcata trait except aggression...she's only just 40 lbs...but she already graduated to 3 high...believe me...I am the cinder block queen...Mary is very obsessive about patrolling her parimeter making Sulcata trails in the grass ...making mud...
100_6256.JPG
So I put my old tires in the corner (Mary especially likes to break into the box turtle pond to go for a swim)
but she likes the tires...stacked with t-posts set in...oh Mary
100_5101.JPG
Mary Knobbins...the tire thing basically didn't work, but she did entertain herself...(and me)
1633565451125.png


1633565458464.png
 

MsParedes

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These big sulcatas are a problem this way. When they are determined, they are very hard to discourage and they are so darn strong.

I would put something in that corner to block access, or I would round out the corner so its not a corner. You could stack a whole bunch of cinderblocks there, or some other large heavy unclimbable thing.

The blocks don't work so well with larger tortoises. Once they get much over 60 pounds they can push through these loose block walls IF they feel like it.
She is not pushing the blocks over, thank goodness.
What do you think is unclimbable?
 

MsParedes

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I am not an expert by any means...but Bob was over 100 lbs when he died and before that he didn't dig or climb...there's been a few large torts since him...and now it's Mary Knobbins...yes, my first female Sulcata. She was found wandering in downtown Portland Oregon brought to Corvallis and turned the tort over to the wildlife rescue who called me...Mary is on my far right...
View attachment 334176
Mary K has every bad Sulcata trait except aggression...she's only just 40 lbs...but she already graduated to 3 high...believe me...I am the cinder block queen...Mary is very obsessive about patrolling her parimeter making Sulcata trails in the grass ...making mud...
View attachment 334177
So I put my old tires in the corner (Mary especially likes to break into the box turtle pond to go for a swim)
but she likes the tires...stacked with t-posts set in...oh Mary
View attachment 334178
Mary Knobbins...the tire thing basically didn't work, but she did entertain herself...(and me)
View attachment 334181


View attachment 334182
I have read your stories. She seems to be a handful.
 

Maro2Bear

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I would suggest a large 55 gallon plastic drum (filled with water) placed right in that corner. Impossible to move, your tort can’t climb it, and it will eventually move along. It’s an easy try & won’t cost you (unless u can’t find a barrel). Maybe a large garbage can (with water).

Give it a try.
 

MsParedes

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I would suggest a large 55 gallon plastic drum (filled with water) placed right in that corner. Impossible to move, your tort can’t climb it, and it will eventually move along. It’s an easy try & won’t cost you (unless u can’t find a barrel). Maybe a large garbage can (with water).

Give it a try.
I will do that today. Thank you.
 

Sarah2020

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Is your concern that it will escape or tip over backwards? My view is observe and leave as it is. I do not have a sulcata however my Russian likes to stand on back feet and stand up against the cinder bricks and my conclusion is that it is just a comfy position. I like the idea of wood on top edge as I have finished my cinder blocks off with a top row of overlapping brick so if you block the view it may be less interesting.
 

MsParedes

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Is your concern that it will escape or tip over backwards? My view is observe and leave as it is. I do not have a sulcata however my Russian likes to stand on back feet and stand up against the cinder bricks and my conclusion is that it is just a comfy position. I like the idea of wood on top edge as I have finished my cinder blocks off with a top row of overlapping brick so if you block the view it may be less interesting.
Will you post a picture?
 

MsParedes

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Is your concern that it will escape or tip over backwards? My view is observe and leave as it is. I do not have a sulcata however my Russian likes to stand on back feet and stand up against the cinder bricks and my conclusion is that it is just a comfy position. I like the idea of wood on top edge as I have finished my cinder blocks off with a top row of overlapping brick so if you block the view it may be less interesting.
I know she can not escape, and she can't see over the blocks. I'm worried she will hurt herself.
 

MsParedes

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This is what I'm talking about.
 

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