Big scare!

[Dkozi7]

We had major scare with some torrential rains and flooding. My outdoor sulcata has a 6ft plus tunnel he adores and sometimes chooses it over his heated house. All I saw initially saw was the top of his shell and thought he couldn't get out and drowned. We tried to coax him out with romaine but while he would eat he wouldn't budge. We removed him and put him in his heated enclosure. He fought us to stay in the water but was semi floating. Has anyone dealt with this before?? We have covered his hole for now and so far he has stayed in his house. We are in the high 60's right now but worried about him doing this again in colder weather. He has been outside for 5 years with very little issues and never any health issues.

 

[Dkozi7]

Today he is happy, healthy and hungry. The cat he is with is 15 lbs and he is about 30.

 

[leigti]

That would be very scary. I'm glad he's OK.

 

[Big Charlie]

we had a similar situation with a burst sprinkler pipe. Only his head was above water. We couldn't coax him out. He calmly came out on his own a little later. It was summer though.

 

[wellington]

I would have freaked. High 60's and wet could really make a tortoise sick. I don't own a Sulcata and I'm not sure what your winter temps get down too, however, Tom who lives in warm California, already has his Sulcatas tunnels blocked off for winter. You may want to think about doing the same? Maybe @Tom can confirm it this would be safer for your tort.
Glad he was okay.

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

Nightmare, I would have been terrified half to death!!!
So glad he's ok!

 

[Tom]

We have cold nights here, so when the daily highs start consistently dropping below the high 80s I block off the burrow entrance. I think I could have waited a little longer this year, but 65 and rainy is DEFINITELY not burrow weather for a sulcata.

Yes, mine are sometimes reluctant to leave their burrows too and they don't mind the water.

 

[Dkozi7]

He was cold when we pulled him out. We have found him out in 15 degree f weather basically frozen solid and he recovered with no ill effects when he was the size of a softball. We adopted out our female we thought was bullying him out of the house and he was great for 3 years after. I think he likes the cold sometimes (even though I know that's silly). Maybe he is brain damaged but he loves chasing our toes and the cats.

 

[Tom]

He was cold when we pulled him out. We have found him out in 15 degree f weather basically frozen solid and he recovered with no ill effects when he was the size of a softball. We adopted out our female we thought was bullying him out of the house and he was great for 3 years after. I think he likes the cold sometimes (even though I know that's silly). Maybe he is brain damaged but he loves chasing our toes and the cats.

They can sometimes survive cold temps, but that does't make it good for them.

They evolved in an area that is always hot. There is no place they can go in their native range where it would be too cold for them. When we house them in areas different than the climate that they can live in, it is our job to help them out and ensure their safety. My sulcatas put themselves away in their heated boxes every night, but I still check them and lock them in for the night, EVERY night, except in summer when they sleep underground in their burrow.

Your tortoise should not have the option to choose to be out in cold weather. Many of them die this way.

 

[Dkozi7]

They can sometimes survive cold temps, but that does't make it good for them.

They evolved in an area that is always hot. There is no place they can go in their native range where it would be too cold for them. When we house them in areas different than the climate that they can live in, it is our job to help them out and ensure their safety. My sulcatas put themselves away in their heated boxes every night, but I still check them and lock them in for the night, EVERY night, except in summer when they sleep underground in their burrow.

Your tortoise should not have the option to choose to be out in cold weather. Many of them die this way.

I agree with you and try to give ideal conditions and am seeking advice. Thank you for your opinion.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

While I don't have Sulcata tortoises, I have had times when it was necessary to remove one of my Redfoot from a den for whatever reason and I now have burrow substitutes that allow me to remove the top for gaining access to the animal and the den itself. Also, each den is raised up slightly so the they do not fill with water.

 

[TerrapinStation]

Scary stuff. Tortoises can be so stubborn, but I think as their keeper, we have to make the decision on what is right/best for their health.

Glad nothing bad happened, best of luck this winter.

 

[Gillian M]

Wow! What a fright that would have given me!

Glad to hear your tort is well.

 

[Gillian M]

Scary stuff. Tortoises can be so stubborn, but I think as their keeper, we have to make the decision on what is right/best for their health.

Glad nothing bad happened, best of luck this winter.

Oh yes, torts can be extremely stubborn, that I noticed on OLI!

 

[AnimalLady]

I'm probably the only one who finds that pic cute! I know it wasnt safe for him but my goodness he looks so cute in that picture!!!!!

Glad you're getting this resolved

 

[Yvonne G]

I agree with AnimalLady. When I saw that first picture I chuckled. It's really cute!

You have to remember that displaced tortoises don't understand why they can't sit in water when its cold out. It's up to us to make sure they're safe and secure. If it were my tortoise, I would backfill that burrow and put something over it so he can't use it anymore. Every night get him and put him into his warm house, and keep it up until he starts going in there on his own. He eventually will.

 

[Dkozi7]

I agree with AnimalLady. When I saw that first picture I chuckled. It's really cute!

You have to remember that displaced tortoises don't understand why they can't sit in water when its cold out. It's up to us to make sure they're safe and secure. If it were my tortoise, I would backfill that burrow and put something over it so he can't use it anymore. Every night get him and put him into his warm house, and keep it up until he starts going in there on his own. He eventually will.

I have to agree it was cute once I noticed his head was out of water and he looked so content to be there, but yes I know very dangerous. Hole is covered and we will be very vigilant this winter with his stubborn butt.

 

[Speedy-1]

WOW !! I am sure glad he is all right !