Burrowing in Central Texas Heat

mbakes

New Member
5 Year Member
Joined
Dec 22, 2018
Messages
13
Location (City and/or State)
Austin,TX
So sweet Tort is enjoying his cave / burrow that I made for him, but has taken upon himself to continue digging. We put him up in his night box at night to ensure his safety, but it’s becoming increasingly harder to lure him out of the burrow and into his box. Any suggestions? 1E2ECAF1-F42B-4AD6-8E96-76B776CB1741.jpeg1E2ECAF1-F42B-4AD6-8E96-76B776CB1741.jpeg4702F1BE-768C-480E-A78F-766506EFE803.jpeg021D534D-1FB4-4D3A-82FF-955910B9521E.jpeg
 

Tom

The Dog Trainer
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Jan 9, 2010
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63,265
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Southern California
Let him burrow. Its the best place for him to be in summer. Just be sure it doesn't flood during a heavy rain. Even if it does, the tortoise will usually just come out of the burrow in the mud.

In fall, you will have to catch him above ground and block the burrow entrance securely. I Make them sleep above ground in their heated night boxes from about late October to mid June. The rest of the year, they are in their burrows. They come out to eat and drink when they feel like it, and stay underground at night and in the heat of the mid day summer sun.
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mbakes

New Member
5 Year Member
Joined
Dec 22, 2018
Messages
13
Location (City and/or State)
Austin,TX
Thanks so much Tom! I was worried I still needed to lock him up at night, but makes sense to let him burrow during those months instead!
And it’s okay that he isn’t as big as your fellows yet, he should still be fine?
 
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