Churst1997
New Member
Can I use branches/logs/rocks found in the woods as decor for my horsefield tortoise?
Branches
- Thread starter Churst1997
- Start date
Hi!
Yes, you can. I would bake the wood in the oven at 230F for a couple of hours to get rid of the potential pests. Rocks can be washed with a dish soap and rinsed.
P Birch
Member
Greetings!
The "landscaping" phase can be quite enjoyable. A few thoughts, for whatever they're worth:
1. The bigger the better for the enclosure. There's value in area for area's sake, as tortoises are ramblers and the ability to indulge that is healthy. Rocks and driftwood / logs can break up sight lines and invite exploration. There's value in area for microclimate diversity's sake, too. The more area you have the greater diversity of spots your tortoise can employ in its thermoregulation.
2. With that said, using rocks and wood can help create that diversity. A big flat rock positioned to get the morning's first sun can be a good place to start the day. A big taller rock can be good to be alongside and offers a nice thermal mass. It also would offer a sunny and shady side. Well-anchored rocks can be used to create safe climbing areas, and Russian tortoises love to climb.
3. I have a cool irregularly shaped piece of driftwood in the middle of my enclosure that our tortoise frequently goes beneath and positions himself in such a way that he's getting whatever degree of sun he desires, depending on his angle. Prairie grass arcs down on one side of the driftwood, so he can get dappled sun beneath the grass while feeling safe with the wood's proximity. They are so savvy in their use of what you offer: they'll teach you and you can make alterations as needed.
4. Be careful with the placement of such things that you don't facilitate any wall climbing.
Have fun designing!
You can place the driftwood in your oven on low heat for a half hour or so to kill any unwanted creatures it might hold.
Similar threads
