Recent content by LeoTheWaywardTortoise

@Donna Albu , that's INCREDIBLE!! I'm in the same general area as you, so I really appreciate you sharing everything that you've learned!! THANK YOU!

@OliveW , I am an accidental Sulcata owner, too. Mine showed up on my front porch last October. He was only about five or six inches long when he came into our lives, and he's now double the size and is extremely feisty! We never thought we'd be guardians to a tortoise, but it's been an...

Sammy is gorgeous!

I am so, so sorry. I wish I had the words that could help. I would be gutted if something happened to my tortoise, and he's only been with us since October of last year. They really do hold special places in our hearts, don't they? Sending love, my deepest condolences, and lots of hugs.

Thanks, @Tom. Appreciate the info.

@Tom, do you know if this pasture mix requires decent soil? I, too, live in AZ and am interested in planting some (when it's back in stock). I'm curious if I'll need to amend my "soil" (which is not very fertile at all, just hard, dusty dirt). Just wondering if you know off the top of your head.

Hi @Loohan! I live in a suburb of the Phoenix metro area, and my backyard is surrounded by tall block walls and a gate with no clearance under it. I haven't seen any of the critters you mentioned. Also, my yard is mostly covered by landscaping rock, several trees, some shrubs, and a rosemary...

Thanks, Gillian. While I still haven't technically found him, his food dish was completely empty when I got home from work yesterday, so I know he's in the yard and is okay. Such a huge relief! :)

They really are chameleons, it amazes me. I'm considering changing Leo's name to David Blaine after this experience.

Excellent advice! I'm still new to tortoise-keeping, so I'm always worrying about losing my sully and/or doing something that could harm him. This week has demonstrated that he is smarter than I am, when it comes to hiding. And I'm good with that, as long as he's okay. I really have been...

Thanks, Jacqui! :-)

Right, not much chance of a flood, at least not for a month or two. Funny you should suggest bribing him; I actually did try that on Monday and Tuesday, with two forbidden strawberries. He LOVES them (raspberries, too), but I only give him a single berry once a month, if that... but they went...

Donna, I just got home from work and checked his food dish. COMPLETELY EMPTY! He must have emerged, eaten, and headed back to his spot under the rosemary because I still cannot find him, LOL. But I am beyond relieved to know he’s okay and is not stuck. Still going to trim the rosemary, but...

Thanks so much, Donna. The more I think about this, it's the only conclusion that makes sense. I really, REALLY appreciate your easing my anxiety on this. He's such a character - he showed up on our front porch back in October, and despite our best efforts (and a false alarm) we were unable...

No, I'm actually at work for another six hours so I won't be able to see if he's reappeared until later. I left food and fresh water, as I intend to do every day, so fingers are crossed that even if I can't find him, he'll have eaten some of his food. Thank you for asking.