Cautious Optimism:
I made some changes and was gone for a few days - now tort seems to be walking normally.
If all is still good at the end of the week I will elaborate on what changes I made.
Thanks. He has been kept outdoors since a hatchling (I would bring him inside if the night was going to be chilly however) and never fed anything other than grazing grass, weeds, orchard hay, hibiscus, optunia cactus, the rare squash or zuccini or green/red pepper. I did smear moist mazuri on...
It is most likely a little larger than that in an irregular shape, but I understand. More space has always been part of the plan. His heated house is in one part of the yard and I have grown plants in different areas of the property to ultimately force him to walk all the way across one way for...
I'd like to post more pics of his current enclosure but due to some unique landscaping and architecture I don't want to give away my location details, I know people who had animals stolen after posting pics and google earth would not be kind to me.
Hi,
There is a small cement walkway and pavers along with bits of limestone in his enclosure. The enclosure itself is about 500 square feet. He spends most of his time in the grass but does sit on the cement or cross the pavers sometimes. This has worked well thus far to keep his (front) claws...
Aldabra claw trimming?
Hi all, it's been a long time.
My 9 year old Aldabra has rear claws which have grown so long I believe they are effecting his ability to walk with his right foot. He still gets around and will stand tall to get to cactus or when being touched but seems to stumble with that...
I know I'm late to the party but I just saw the thread. I don't know where you are in S. FL but you likely don't need to get too crazy with heated areas for your Russian. As long as it has access to direct warm sunlight for a majority of the day, and a DRY place to get into/sleep if it is wet...
The growing season in S. Florida is year-round, and those cactus grow like you can not believe. That cactus will likely grow back even bigger by this time next year.
As far as this or that being illegal here or there- Any city, county, or state can basically make up whatever rules they want. What's illegal in his town might be the normal thing in the next town over. If you are really concerned about predictors... put up the fence and worry about a "take it...
Hi,
Keeping tortoises outside (when it is warm enough) is the best way for them to get the correct level of UV light to allow the calcium/D3 synthesis to work property. You can buy special lights and dietary supplements... but the natural sun is by far the best. The early years are a critical...
Remember - growth rate is a result of environment, nutrition, and genetics (not necessarily in that order)- each one bringing so many variables that it boggles the mind. We can only control the environment and the nutrition, do your research, vary a proper diet, keep them warm and humid with...
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/earth/wildlife/11386210/Meet-the-183-year-old-tortoise-who-is-the-worlds-oldest-living-land-creature.html
Fun to see such an old animal! I don't know about it being the oldest... the world is a pretty big place.
I have a greek tortoise that just turned up in my yard one day. It will always eat hibiscus flowers, but sometimes passes on the leaves.
Hope this helps.
-Jeff
Looks like this guy has also been at the "using other peoples photos to sell animals which likely do not exist" game before as well. That's my opinion.
Here is a thread about him some folks may remember...
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/has-anyone-heard-of-this-person.98166/