Hello all! I am in need of some help getting started with a tortoise, and I don't know too much about taking care of it, and I want to give it a good home!
This is what I do know: Many years ago, this tort wandered into my Grandmother's yard in Anaheim, (Southern) California. After checking around to see if it "belonged" to any of the neighbors, she adopted it and named it Matilda. Matilda has been with her ever since. Now I don't remember ever visiting my Grandmother and Matilda not being there, so Matilda has been in our family at least 30 years. Unfortunately, my Grandmother recently had a stroke, and had to leave her home, leaving no one to take care of Matilda, so I volunteered, out of respect for my Grandmother and fondness for Matilda.
Matilda's care was pretty basic as far as I know. My Grandmother put out lettuce every day for her. I don't remember a water dish, but from reading the forums, there must have been one. Otherwise, Matilda lived outside all the time, roaming around the backyard and patio at my Grandparent's house. She had a little box to hide in, and when she stopped coming out of it in the late fall, they would take the box into the garage and Matilda would stay there until spring. I see from what little reading I've managed that "hibernation" is not really recommended, but this is how it was as far as I know. My Grandmother can no longer speak, so I can't ask any specific questions.
I live in Los Angeles and have a suitable (I hope) yard of a similar size to my Grandparents. She has been hibernating until recently, and my
Father drove her up to my place over the weekend. I have put her out in the yard and she has done some exploring, alternating between sunny and shady spots on the lawn.
I have attached some pictures of Matilda below. She is about 10 1/2" long (based on the "how to measure your tortoise" forum technique.) For starters, I am hoping for help identifying what kind of tortoise Matilda is.
Also, what should I be immediately concerned about? I have been putting lettuce and water out every day, but I can't really tell if she's eating or drinking much yet.
Finally, I have citrus trees, a plum tree, an apple tree, and an avocado tree. Do I need to be concerned about Matilda eating fruit that drops on the ground? I've read fruit can be bad for torts.
Thanks to everyone in advance. This forum seems like a friendly place, and I look forward to reading and learning more about Matilda.
This is what I do know: Many years ago, this tort wandered into my Grandmother's yard in Anaheim, (Southern) California. After checking around to see if it "belonged" to any of the neighbors, she adopted it and named it Matilda. Matilda has been with her ever since. Now I don't remember ever visiting my Grandmother and Matilda not being there, so Matilda has been in our family at least 30 years. Unfortunately, my Grandmother recently had a stroke, and had to leave her home, leaving no one to take care of Matilda, so I volunteered, out of respect for my Grandmother and fondness for Matilda.
Matilda's care was pretty basic as far as I know. My Grandmother put out lettuce every day for her. I don't remember a water dish, but from reading the forums, there must have been one. Otherwise, Matilda lived outside all the time, roaming around the backyard and patio at my Grandparent's house. She had a little box to hide in, and when she stopped coming out of it in the late fall, they would take the box into the garage and Matilda would stay there until spring. I see from what little reading I've managed that "hibernation" is not really recommended, but this is how it was as far as I know. My Grandmother can no longer speak, so I can't ask any specific questions.
I live in Los Angeles and have a suitable (I hope) yard of a similar size to my Grandparents. She has been hibernating until recently, and my
Father drove her up to my place over the weekend. I have put her out in the yard and she has done some exploring, alternating between sunny and shady spots on the lawn.
I have attached some pictures of Matilda below. She is about 10 1/2" long (based on the "how to measure your tortoise" forum technique.) For starters, I am hoping for help identifying what kind of tortoise Matilda is.
Also, what should I be immediately concerned about? I have been putting lettuce and water out every day, but I can't really tell if she's eating or drinking much yet.
Finally, I have citrus trees, a plum tree, an apple tree, and an avocado tree. Do I need to be concerned about Matilda eating fruit that drops on the ground? I've read fruit can be bad for torts.
Thanks to everyone in advance. This forum seems like a friendly place, and I look forward to reading and learning more about Matilda.
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