Recent content by Elvis Fan

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    Heat recommendation for outdoor turtle pond

    Doesn't appear that my video came through. Here are some pics...
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    Heat recommendation for outdoor turtle pond

    I have built (Video attached) a small pond for my two (1-3 year-old) red-eared sliders. It is under a deck that allows morning sun for about 4 hours, then indirect (Through the deck slats) for the remainder of the day. During the summer the average outside temp (So. Cal) is 80-85 (less in the...
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    What to put over pond lining

    Thanks everyone for the input!
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    What to put over pond lining

    First off, Elvis, the desert wonder tortoise is alive and active! Now, I am building an outdoor pond for (what I am planning for) one or two FEMALE red-eared sliders. The pond will be incorporated into my desert tortoise garden yet the two breeds will not be able to see each other, so in essence...
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    Natural, or not, Brumation

    I appreciate all the feed-back from those who have more experience. I will pay attention. I should also have included that I did protect the burrow from wind, cold and critters to the best of my ability, once I was certain that Elvis was down for brumation. The average temp down in the burrow...
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    Natural, or not, Brumation

    My Elvis is a male desert tortoise between 20-40 years of age. When I took over Elvis as my ward a year and a half ago, he went straight into a double box for four months (November 1st). A novice, I was scared that he wouldn't survive... wrong. During that time I went to work on a tortoise...
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    In lieu of winter garage brumation

    Hey Tom. I appreciate the succinct and detailed response and will take all of it into consideration. For now, and based on the information given, I will be boxing Elvis up in the garage. Safety first. Thanks!
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    In lieu of winter garage brumation

    20+ year old male desert tortoise. I am creating an additional adjacent 12' x 12' open space for Elvis in the hope he can just stay outside all year round. The space is 7' below a slatted view deck with a solid block wall on one side which will protect against the elements. Lots of dirt and a...
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    Normal discharge or sick

    Super helpful. Many thanks!
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    Normal discharge or sick

    Thanks for the help. Reassuring.
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    Normal discharge or sick

    Whew! Okay. I have never seen a Tortoise pee before so I was clueless. Nervous-nellie here just wanted to be sure that's what it was and not vomit. Thanks!
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    Normal discharge or sick

    This is the second time I have seen this whitish, milky stuff. My desert Tortoise (15-20 year adult) has been out and about for a week, now. He has been grazing on St Augustine and some Bermuda, Panzies. He hasn't gone after the Hibiscus, Geranium or Marigolds, as much as I have noticed. At...
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    Tortoise Garden Plants

    My garden is complete (I think), and I'm hoping it's safe for Elvis. The creeping fig will be the covering of Elvis's home and once filled-in will be trimmed back where he won't be able (hopefully) to get at it. With the other grazing plants I'm thinking he will just avoid. The olive shrub is...
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    End of Brumation

    Thanks everyone for the responses. Trying not to be an anxious dad!
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    End of Brumation

    My Tortoise garden is ready, I've figured out my food for Elvis... everything is ready to go, but where is Elvis (He's left the building)? I keep checking his box in the recesses of the garage and I do not hear any growing movement. I checked on him two weeks ago and he was sound asleep. When I...
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