Egrets and Torts

[pdelpizzo]

A cattle egret has been frequenting my backyard recently. He occasionally eats anoles and drinks ftom my pool. Has anyone known egrets to go after smaller torts? I have a 4 yr old Russian that sometimes roams around back there.

Thanks!

Patrick Del Pizzo
Cooper City, FL

 

[wellington]

I think I would be a little worried. They are Carnivores. They will eat fish, snakes, frogs, and some insects. I have seen them perched on alligators, very brave. I can image them perched on a tortoise and picking at their head or feet
Just my thought.

 

[Jacqui]

I don't have any real knowledge of them, but just with what I know of birds, yes you should be worried. Birds love eating the tender parts of turtles and tortoises.

 

[bouaboua]

Those bird do have long and very powerful beak. If your tortoise basking under the sun, the egret can very quietly walk up to your torts and do some serious damages to the torts.

 

[whisper]

To my knowledge egrets are more interested in grubs, crickets grasshoppers and other insects with an occasional frog or small snake. I haven't heard of them eating any tortoises. I don't know how big a 4 yr old Russian is (4-5"?) but I'd be more concerned about larger birds like cranes which I have known to take water turtles a couple inches in length. And of course you've got your birds of prey. I personally wouldn't feel comfortable letting anything smaller than 5-6" roam in any open areas.

 

[Instinct]

While turtles and or tortoises are not part of their usual diet, I'm sure a curious egret would find either one to be very interesting. They may not decide to eat it but they could definitely harm or even kill one.

I would be very cautious when you take your tortoise out. If possible, supervise his outdoor activity at all times.