Escaping tortoise

[TheBruce]

So.... Torty has been flipping over on the edges of the glass tank... So I put paper on the exterior since I know they just go where they want. Kinda used it to block vision.

Torty is still doing it. Any suggestions?

 

[WillTort2]

Make the enclosure more interesting with plants, obstacles, etc. Is it a closed top enclosure?

 

[TheBruce]

The problem Mainly is that it isn't my tortoise... So I'm giving gentle tips that "sometimes" fall on deaf ears. I really think the enclosure is way too small but I can't win on that one.

I just fear I'll come home one day and it will have been flipped for too long

 

[WillTort2]

I think you will have to kidnap the tortoise! OK just kidding.

Print out Tom's care sheet for raising young tortoises and give it to the tort owner. Try to be diplomatic.

Good luck.

 

[Lyn W]

Could it be its reflection affecting its behaviour?

 

[leigti]

Hi still like the idea of kidnapping it. Does this tortoise belong to a friend or roommate? Definitely needs more cover, hides plants etc. you can also make the terrain varied such as little hills etc. so if he does flip over he can slip himself back over.

 

[TheBruce]

I live with my bro and it is his. He seems to be more receptive to the advice but I'm finding wifey isn't.

 

[leigti]

Do you want a tortoise? Maybe you could adopt it and raise it right but your brother could still have it around. I'm only half kidding

 

[TheBruce]

The more I research them, and my interactions with this little one definitely has my interest. I run into the DT's all the time out here, but this species is very interesting to me as well. Just huge!

I'm not sure they knew what they were in for when they bought it off a truck on the side of the road, because it is a lifetime commitment ( and more)!

Maybe one dAy I'll have one of my own, but until then I'll do everything in my power to make sure this one is raised happy and healthy.

 

[DawnH]

He might be seeing his reflection or maybe he is just bored. Here is a photo of Tuleo's first enclosure when he was bitty. Maybe it will give your brother some ideas? I think it's pretty amazing that this little guy has you to look after him and to nudge you brother into giving him the proper care. Keep nudgin'! He needs you!

 

[Vishnu2]

He might be seeing his reflection or maybe he is just bored. Here is a photo of Tuleo's first enclosure when he was bitty. Maybe it will give your brother some ideas? I think it's pretty amazing that this little guy has you to look after him and to nudge you brother into giving him the proper care. Keep nudgin'! He needs you!

DawnH,
How did you make that hideaway out of rocks? I like it a lot.

 

[DawnH]

DawnH,
How did you make that hideaway out of rocks? I like it a lot.

Two bricks and one piece of slate for the top. I sunk the bricks so they don't move, substrate inside (coco coir) so it stays humid and he loved it. Every evening I would pour half a cup of water on top. This was his oasis for the first year. I also used a kiddie pool to make him an outdoor oasis for a bit of outdoor time (make sure it is covered, when they are this little I would sit out with him while he was in it each day.)

 

[TheBruce]

Thank you everyone for all your kind advice. I got torts a hide log and I'm also going to get some little containers of various organic grasses to put in there so there can be edibles too.

 

[Vishnu2]

Two bricks and one piece of slate for the top. I sunk the bricks so they don't move, substrate inside (coco coir) so it stays humid and he loved it. Every evening I would pour half a cup of water on top. This was his oasis for the first year. I also used a kiddie pool to make him an outdoor oasis for a bit of outdoor time (make sure it is covered, when they are this little I would sit out with him while he was in it each day.)

Thanks for writing me DawnH. I am going to build one or 2 for mine.

 

[DawnH]

Thanks for writing me DawnH. I am going to build one or 2 for mine.

Happy to help!