Android tracker for small tortoises

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

Is there any tracker that you could recommend for android users that would be suitable for a small tortoise? (about 500 grams, 4 inches SCL Russian tortoise). One that would make noise would probably be useful.

My tortoise is always looking for ways to escape and last summer he managed to get out of his outdoor enclosure by lifting the wall of his cold frame of the ground. Thankfully I was able to find him, but I have been extra paranoid of him getting out ever since.

My hope is that I wouldn't have to glue it to the shell an would instead figure out some other way to attach it.

 

[Tom]

Over here we have Apple AirTags and "Tile" trackers. Probably others too. You'd have to find what's available over there.

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

Over here we have Apple AirTags and "Tile" trackers. Probably others too. You'd have to find what's available over there.

Yeah, I just wanted to hear if people have experience with any specific brand. We have those both too, but the fact that I use android probably rules air tag out.

 

[Tom]

Yeah, I just wanted to hear if people have experience with any specific brand. We have those both too, but the fact that I use android probably rules air tag out.

Tile works better and from much farther away, so that not a bad thing. I like the rounded shape of the AirTags, but I prefer the functionality of the Tile.

Please show us what ever you figure out.

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

My thought is to use one of those silicone holders and then fashioning a band of some sort to go around the middle of his shell. Currently looking at three products: 1) Motorla Moto Tag, 3) Honor Choice LiTag and 3) Triacle X-Mark Four.

I am prioritizing devices that are small, lightweight, waterproof and dustproof.

Lidl sells a tracker for 5€, but I think that is suspiciously cheap, also the range is low and there are some bad reviews about the earlier versions. I also can't find how waterproof or dustproof it is.

 

[Tom]

A belly band is likely to be rubbed off. Give it a try and see. They easily rub off medical tape which is much thinner and has strong adhesive, so I wouldn't think a silicone band would stay on. I've used duct tape to hold one on a larger tortoise, and aquarium silicone in the middle of a scute on smaller torts. I cleaned and dried the area first and then used tape to hold the tracker in place while the silicone cured.

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

I guess I am worried about any residue. Edward is out for only a part of the year, and even then not everyday and often just a few hours per day. I bring him in every night so the tracker and holding mechanism would be checked at least then. I will still need to think about how I will attach it, I know some people use epoxy.

The Motorla one is rated IP67, but the Honor rated at IP65 would be almost -50% less in price. Do you have any opinion on waterproofness ratings?

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

I was thinking of using something like this and then attaching it to a band that is worn around the midpoint of the shell. Would probably make the band out of some wide elastic band.

 

[Tom]

View attachment 401931
I was thinking of using something like this and then attaching it to a band that is worn around the midpoint of the shell. Would probably make the band out of some wide elastic band.

Epoxy will never come off. Aquarium silicone will allow you to peel it off, and then easily rub the excess sealant off with your fingers and thumbs.

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

Do you think that the removable band is worth a try?