That has been taken into consideration. Where we live, we get an average rainfall of 6.6" inches per year, with highest amounts in January (0.98" for the month) and August (1.1"). So we don't actually have downpours. We have rocks along the dripline to dissipate and divert any water that may...
That eucalyptus tree you see a part of is only about 4" in diameter, it's branches are all about the circumference of pencils. So should a branch break off and fall there would be no damage. Only a small portion of it overhangs the enclosure. The tree in the enclosure is a paloverde. Its...
@Tom Oh I know the enclosure is boring, but it is not quite finished as this is not the time of year we can plant things (plantings we did in our bees' garden 2 months ago mostly all fried in our record-breaking heat wave this past month - numerous 115+ degree days). That's why I have another...
While researching various aspects of Sonoran Desert Tortoise caregiving, I came across this tidbit. It help clears some things up somewhat. In some cases it may change how we care for "Desert" Tortoises, depending on which species, Mohave (G. agassizii) or Sonoran (G. morafkai), Desert Tortoise...
@Keith From what i have found so far the eucalyptus "issue" is a total toss-up. Koalas are not the only animals who eat euclyptus - my dairy goats love it as a treat. Some herp experts agree with you, some don't. Some animal health care professionals use eucalyptus for certain medicinal healing...
@Keith D. :D I guess I should take that as a compliment! I guess I did a good job of camoflaging a 20 gallon metal trash can, eh?? That "pile of rocks and dirt" you see is actually 8" of dirt packed over half a 20 gal trash can on its side as per Az Game & FIsh Tortoise Adoption Program (TAP)...
Got the enclosure fenced and the burrow completed! We are are now awaiting application approval from AG&F. If all goes well, the Sonoran Desert Tortoise will be here Saturday!
@Keith D.
I saw hibiscus on the AG&F plant list. I like the plant but was trying to stay more xerascape. Still considering it tho. Can I plant the mulberry in a corner of the enclosure? I kind of need something in one corner that's in the sun.
Well for the most part the "cave" is complete and we begin to fence the enclosure tomorrow for the Sonoran Desert Tortoise (SDT) we are adopting. I realize all the various species eat differently. So this question is directed to folks who know SDT's. We will be feeding him for a month before his...
The weather took a "turn for the worse" and the temps are back up above 110 today. My burrow-building came to a standstill at 2/3 complete but I just can't work in that heat. Maybe I can get it done early tomorrow after feeding and milking. We will be enclosing the enclosure (Dept of Redundancy...
In many of the replies to my intro to the forums, it was suggested we not hibernate (brumate) our new Sonoran Desert Tortoise (SDT) this year. I'm somewhat confused for several reasons. (1) The adoption agency (AZ Game and FIsh) requires a burrow be constructed to spec - with photos to prove it...