Housing Situation

[Locknesscrazy]

Hello everyone, my name is, well I'll just go with my username. Lock, short for locknesscrazy. But enough about me right, this forum is for the tortoises.
I have a pet tortoise (Russian) and his name is Jerry, he's around 11 years old, and I've had him for as long as I can remember, he has gone through his fair share of trials, but he has been looking healthier than ever before. We both live in the desert known as Utah (United States), in the biggest city known as Salt Lake City, named from the massive body of saltwater to the northwest.

But back to the topic at hand, sadly my tortoises housing is subpar to say the least (not good... at all) due to me getting the tortoise at a very young age and not understanding him at all except that he, "looked cool."

my parents were the financial backers for the tortoise, and didn't care too much about him at all. Then Later, as I grew up I started to learn more about my tortoise and his needs, but never had the funds to accomplish it, neither the backing from my parents to implement it. Years later, I've come to the present situation...
I have money now, sufficient to upgrade his needs and give him the home he deserves... but, and there is a but I don't have the space, and my parents do not want in the slightest to help construct a 8x4 foot enclosure, or want it in the house. (Utah's climate changes rapidly, and they don't want an outdoor one either)

and so it is with a heavy heart, emotional as well. that I'm faced with a decision, which I'm sure you've already guessed by now.

And so my first question, on this forum (might even be my last) is, "Where can I give/send my tortoise, to give him the proper home he needs and deserves..."
of course if this option could be avoided I would jump at the opportunity, but more so than that I want what's best for my tortoise.

Any advice on where he can go (somewhat near me), the process on how to do it, or any locations that you all know would be greatly appreciated. Or If any of you live close too me and are in the market for a Russian tortoise, we can discuss more.

thank you all for you help in advance, I wish you all a fantastic Christmas!

 

[zovick]

Hello everyone, my name is, well I'll just go with my username. Lock, short for locknesscrazy. But enough about me right, this forum is for the tortoises.
I have a pet tortoise (Russian) and his name is Jerry, he's around 11 years old, and I've had him for as long as I can remember, he has gone through his fair share of trials, but he has been looking healthier than ever before. We both live in the desert known as Utah (United States), in the biggest city known as Salt Lake City, named from the massive body of saltwater to the northwest.

But back to the topic at hand, sadly my tortoises housing is subpar to say the least (not good... at all) due to me getting the tortoise at a very young age and not understanding him at all except that he, "looked cool."

my parents were the financial backers for the tortoise, and didn't care too much about him at all. Then Later, as I grew up I started to learn more about my tortoise and his needs, but never had the funds to accomplish it, neither the backing from my parents to implement it. Years later, I've come to the present situation...
I have money now, sufficient to upgrade his needs and give him the home he deserves... but, and there is a but I don't have the space, and my parents do not want in the slightest to help construct a 8x4 foot enclosure, or want it in the house. (Utah's climate changes rapidly, and they don't want an outdoor one either)

and so it is with a heavy heart, emotional as well. that I'm faced with a decision, which I'm sure you've already guessed by now.

And so my first question, on this forum (might even be my last) is, "Where can I give/send my tortoise, to give him the proper home he needs and deserves..."
of course if this option could be avoided I would jump at the opportunity, but more so than that I want what's best for my tortoise.

Any advice on where he can go (somewhat near me), the process on how to do it, or any locations that you all know would be greatly appreciated. Or If any of you live close too me and are in the market for a Russian tortoise, we can discuss more.

thank you all for you help in advance, I wish you all a fantastic Christmas!

You could donate the tortoise to Joshua Tree Reptile Haven in CA. They will give him a perfect forever home. https://joshuatreereptilehaven.org/

I recommend that you contact them and try to work it out. They are experts on shipping also if they can't pick up the tortoise personally.

 

[Locknesscrazy]

You could donate the tortoise to Joshua Tree Reptile Haven in CA. They will give him a perfect forever home. https://joshuatreereptilehaven.org/

I recommend that you contact them and try to work it out. They are experts on shipping also if they can't pick up the tortoise personally.

Thank you so much! I'll give them a call

 

[COmtnLady]

At 19 you will be out on your own soon. Why not build a two-story enclosure in your room? That would give extra space without taking up excessive amounts of floor space.

It would be a great project, you'd learn a lot of practical skills for later life. You could pick up a job for funds to be able to buy what is is needed (though quite a bit can be acquired if you look through the "free" section of CraigsList or contact other sources that are trying to clear out their storage room... which is also a good skills to have for later on.)

Also, you could request that instead of the traditional Christmas/birthday/etc. presents, they give you what you need to create a better life for your tortoise. Create a list for them to pick from, or show the amount it would cost and allow them to subsidize the project.
.

 

[Locknesscrazy]

Interesting Idea thanks for the recommendation, but, how would one go about constructing this two story enclosure, In terms of the planning process.

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

Interesting Idea thanks for the recommendation, but, how would one go about constructing this two story enclosure, In terms of the planning process.

There are a bunch of examples here on the forum that could be helpful, here is just a few:

Made from PVC

2 Level PVC enclosure

I splurged and made myself a PVC enclosure. Took months of designing, planning, and getting quotes for the materials and a week to build (with my husband and kids' help). I'm so happy with how it turned out and our little Russian is getting used to his new space.

tortoiseforum.org

Made from wood

Murray’s Build Thread! Table 3.0

I’ve mentioned in a few other posts that we moved states, when we moved we were unexpectedly unable to bring our Russian Tort’s (Murray) 8’x4’ table I had made him (photo attached, this was prior to it’s completion/final setup of lights, etc). I panic bought a 3’x2’ table off of Amazon...

tortoiseforum.org

Using ready made tortoise houses

Help improve indoor enclosure expansion for Hermes tortoise

Hermes, my approximately 4.5-year-old Hermann's tortoise, has spent the summer enjoying the 12 foot by 14 foot outdoor enclosure that I set up for him, filled with lots of green things to eat, a deep cave, and plenty of other hiding spots. However, we've had well below freezing temperatures for...

tortoiseforum.org

On top of double deckers, some people tackle lack of space with not a whole another level but a loft for the enclosure, L or U shaped builds, or even builds for under the bed etc.
An example of under the bed enclosure in post #8

glass tank or tortoise table?

I'm moving into my college dorm room in 3 weeks and still need to get an enclosure to take with me for my Russian tortoise. He is currently in a 60-gallon long glass tank 48x18x16. My parents and college housing have recommended I downsize his tank but I'd never do that. I have limited space but...

tortoiseforum.org

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Bless your heart for reaching out on here and for caring to give your tortoise a better life! It’s not an easy decision to make

I hope Dana at Joshua tree can help you out, they are wonderful, dedicated people, and you can rest easy knowing he’d have a home for life with them(they never sell them on)

If you do reconsider, there’s definitely some creative ways to build an enclosure that can provide more roaming room, whilst talking less square footage in the home, as mentioned above, two story enclosures are one option, there’s also ‘L’ or triangular shaped enclosures, perhaps you might find some inspiration from the indoor bit here, check the comments too

Enclosure inspiration

Howdy folks! Hope everyone is well! As you all know, I’m a big fan of making threads that cater more towards visual learners like myself, I’ve really been wanting to create a thread full of adult enclosure inspiration for a while now, I’ve managed to find some great references over time! I do...

tortoiseforum.org

 

[Locknesscrazy]

You could donate the tortoise to Joshua Tree Reptile Haven in CA. They will give him a perfect forever home. https://joshuatreereptilehaven.org/

I recommend that you contact them and try to work it out. They are experts on shipping also if they can't pick up the tortoise personally.

Hi Ben again Housing Situation dude yeah, I'd like to ask a couple of questions if you don't mind, concerning this tortoise sanctuary you've referred me too...

Is it a reliable and a trusted tortoise sanctuary?

From the information I've dug up it seems most of the area is cut and paste (in terms of enclosures and tortoise lifestyles), is there a reason for that?

Why are they so accepting of all tortoises sick or otherwise? Others for example are not.

why do you trust this sanctuary?

Have you ever sent tortoises there now or at some point in your life? What was your experience with that?

What kind of food do they feed there tortoises?

Do all the tortoises receive the same kind of care and personal attention as others?

How long have they been operating as a sanctuary?


Sorry for the bombardment of questions, as you can see I'm just nervous for me tortoise. I only want what's best for him and a better life then what I can give him.

One last question, I've also heard of a place called garden state tortoise that seems to be doing things in a better light, which one of these two is the better option? What separates them both? Which one will guarantee a happy and fulfilled life for my tortoise?

Thank you in advance

 

[Tortellini0000]

Hi Ben again Housing Situation dude yeah, I'd like to ask a couple of questions if you don't mind, concerning this tortoise sanctuary you've referred me too...

Is it a reliable and a trusted tortoise sanctuary?

From the information I've dug up it seems most of the area is cut and paste (in terms of enclosures and tortoise lifestyles), is there a reason for that?

Why are they so accepting of all tortoises sick or otherwise? Others for example are not.

why do you trust this sanctuary?

Have you ever sent tortoises there now or at some point in your life? What was your experience with that?

What kind of food do they feed there tortoises?

Do all the tortoises receive the same kind of care and personal attention as others?

How long have they been operating as a sanctuary?


Sorry for the bombardment of questions, as you can see I'm just nervous for me tortoise. I only want what's best for him and a better life then what I can give him.

One last question, I've also heard of a place called garden state tortoise that seems to be doing things in a better light, which one of these two is the better option? What separates them both? Which one will guarantee a happy and fulfilled life for my tortoise?

Thank you in advance

@EppsDynasty are amazing humans doing amazing things for these tortoises! They definitely care and provide a forever home- something I’d consider if I had to rehome my family pet. Goodluck!

 

[COmtnLady]

Garden State rehomes turtles and tortoises so you won't know where your tort ends up. They'd be fine if you don't care.

Joshua Tree was founded by members here and does a great job. They take any tortoise in need because the tort is in need. Many other sanctuaries and rescues won't even take healthy ones if it inconveniences them. They care for and about tortoises and go to lengths other places won't (they drive hundreds of miles to pick up tortoises, rescued a couple huge sulcatas off a roof of an apartment building that had been left there after the owner died and they had been forced into eating the insulation from an abandoned refrigerator *see link below*, get veterinary care when other places wouldn't even look at the tortoise in need, and much much more.).

They know tortoises and turtles inside out and upside down.

Their climate is better than New Jersey's and they make the commitment to you to keep your tortoise well, not sell it or give it away.

You are seeing building and "in progress" because the need for their services is so HUGE that it demands new pens and such all the time.





Roof Tortoises

Joshua Tree Reptile Haven

Joshua Tree Reptile Haven is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit tortoise and turtle sanctuary! Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and provide lifelong care for displaced, injured and endangered tortoises and turtles while promoting conservation through education, advocacy, and habitat preservation...

www.youtube.com

Call them and talk with them.

Joshua Tree Reptile Haven

We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Please click below to make a contribution today. Every penny counts!

joshuatreereptilehaven.org

 

[EppsDynasty]

Hello @Locknesscrazy my name is Dana.....

I will try to answer your concerns with respect BUT it will be honest so here goes.....
We don't breed, We don't rehome, We don't do anything but give a Forever Home to Torts and Turtles.
Our children inherit our land for the torts to continue to have their forever land, this is why we say forever. Why do we help every tort? Because no one else does. We are not in this for ourselves or our lifestyle, we do this for 1 reason .... THEM. Our sanctuary has NO paid employees or staff all donations are 100% the animals. How can a 'rescue' be a non profit when the tortoise surrender fees is what pays the new Subaru car payment? We are a true non profit meaning NO ONE profits. We have existed for 18 months now and in that time went from 1 tort to over 200....now we are the largest Tortoise Sanctuary in the country. What do we feed? Well over 100 different species of plants as well as Mazuri ( a very important part of a healthy tort). Our sanctuary goes through over $100 of food everyday and do not skimp (because of cost) on anything. We spend everyday with our members and can tell you their names just by site.....yes they all have names and yes we know everyone of them. Why trust us? Well unlike ANY other rescue or sanctuary we are all over YouTube and social media. We show you their enclosures, we show you what we do and do not hide behind words...Talk is cheap
Most rescues (especially the other you are thinking of) breed to fund the rescue. Well how in the hell is that rescuing when you are creating literally hundreds if not thousands of lives with only 1 goal in mind, make money. Name 1 rescue that just gives the torts or turtles a life ....... I'll wait .................
NOT 1, this is why we are so trusted. Name a rescue that takes in an animal that has 10's of thousands of dollars of surgeries needed without any hesitation...... I'll wait ..............................
NOT 1, this is why we are so trusted. It may sound like BS but this is who we are and what we do everyday, this is why we are so trusted. We show you and the world everything, we aren't just talking.
I would encourage you to view our YouTube channel I will include a video for you to go to and see our channel. This tort needed someone and we feel blessed to be that person Period.

This tortoise suffered for decades, why do we help the ones no one else will? Look into his eyes would you help? Well there's your answer. We are not in this for ourselves someone needed to step up and help torts and turtles and we have dedicated our lives to doing just that. Our phone number is (760)499-4723 .... you are free to call us anytime and ask any questions or concerns you may have. Try to find another rescue that post their number AND answers the phone. I hope this will help you understand the 'WHY' you are wondering about, basically we are different solely because the tort comes first not our lifestyle.

 

[zovick]

Garden State rehomes turtles and tortoises so you won't know where your tort ends up. They'd be fine if you don't care.

Joshua Tree was founded by members here and does a great job. They take any tortoise in need because the tort is in need. Many other sanctuaries and rescues won't even take healthy ones if it inconveniences them. They care for and about tortoises and go to lengths other places won't (they drive hundreds of miles to pick up tortoises, rescued a couple huge sulcatas off a roof of an apartment building that had been left there after the owner died and they had been forced into eating the insulation from an abandoned refrigerator *see link below*, get veterinary care when other places wouldn't even look at the tortoise in need, and much much more.).

They know tortoises and turtles inside out and upside down.

Their climate is better than New Jersey's and they make the commitment to you to keep your tortoise well, not sell it or give it away.

You are seeing building and "in progress" because the need for their services is so HUGE that it demands new pens and such all the time.





Roof Tortoises

Joshua Tree Reptile Haven

Joshua Tree Reptile Haven is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit tortoise and turtle sanctuary! Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and provide lifelong care for displaced, injured and endangered tortoises and turtles while promoting conservation through education, advocacy, and habitat preservation...

www.youtube.com

Call them and talk with them.

Joshua Tree Reptile Haven

We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Please click below to make a contribution today. Every penny counts!

joshuatreereptilehaven.org

Well said.

 

[zovick]

Hello @Locknesscrazy my name is Dana.....

I will try to answer your concerns with respect BUT it will be honest so here goes.....
We don't breed, We don't rehome, We don't do anything but give a Forever Home to Torts and Turtles.
Our children inherit our land for the torts to continue to have their forever land, this is why we say forever. Why do we help every tort? Because no one else does. We are not in this for ourselves or our lifestyle, we do this for 1 reason .... THEM. Our sanctuary has NO paid employees or staff all donations are 100% the animals. How can a 'rescue' be a non profit when the tortoise surrender fees is what pays the new Subaru car payment? We are a true non profit meaning NO ONE profits. We have existed for 18 months now and in that time went from 1 tort to over 200....now we are the largest Tortoise Sanctuary in the country. What do we feed? Well over 100 different species of plants as well as Mazuri ( a very important part of a healthy tort). Our sanctuary goes through over $100 of food everyday and do not skimp (because of cost) on anything. We spend everyday with our members and can tell you their names just by site.....yes they all have names and yes we know everyone of them. Why trust us? Well unlike ANY other rescue or sanctuary we are all over YouTube and social media. We show you their enclosures, we show you what we do and do not hide behind words...Talk is cheap
Most rescues (especially the other you are thinking of) breed to fund the rescue. Well how in the hell is that rescuing when you are creating literally hundreds if not thousands of lives with only 1 goal in mind, make money. Name 1 rescue that just gives the torts or turtles a life ....... I'll wait .................
NOT 1, this is why we are so trusted. Name a rescue that takes in an animal that has 10's of thousands of dollars of surgeries needed without any hesitation...... I'll wait ..............................
NOT 1, this is why we are so trusted. It may sound like BS but this is who we are and what we do everyday, this is why we are so trusted. We show you and the world everything, we aren't just talking.
I would encourage you to view our YouTube channel I will include a video for you to go to and see our channel. This tort needed someone and we feel blessed to be that person Period.

This tortoise suffered for decades, why do we help the ones no one else will? Look into his eyes would you help? Well there's your answer. We are not in this for ourselves someone needed to step up and help torts and turtles and we have dedicated our lives to doing just that. Our phone number is (760)499-4723 .... you are free to call us anytime and ask any questions or concerns you may have. Try to find another rescue that post their number AND answers the phone. I hope this will help you understand the 'WHY' you are wondering about, basically we are different solely because the tort comes first not our lifestyle.

Also well said.

 

[zovick]

Hi Ben again Housing Situation dude yeah, I'd like to ask a couple of questions if you don't mind, concerning this tortoise sanctuary you've referred me too...

Is it a reliable and a trusted tortoise sanctuary?

From the information I've dug up it seems most of the area is cut and paste (in terms of enclosures and tortoise lifestyles), is there a reason for that?

Why are they so accepting of all tortoises sick or otherwise? Others for example are not.

why do you trust this sanctuary?

Have you ever sent tortoises there now or at some point in your life? What was your experience with that?

What kind of food do they feed there tortoises?

Do all the tortoises receive the same kind of care and personal attention as others?

How long have they been operating as a sanctuary?


Sorry for the bombardment of questions, as you can see I'm just nervous for me tortoise. I only want what's best for him and a better life then what I can give him.

One last question, I've also heard of a place called garden state tortoise that seems to be doing things in a better light, which one of these two is the better option? What separates them both? Which one will guarantee a happy and fulfilled life for my tortoise?

Thank you in advance

If you want to know where your tortoise is in 5 years, send it to Joshua Tree. They do NOT rehome animals as has been pointed out above. They will keep the animal forever. The collection at Garden State Tortoise is generally in a state of flux due to the fact that it is a for profit entity.

Do some research on here and look at the success stories from Epps Dynasty and JoJo's Mom who run Joshua Tree Reptile Haven. That should give you a good sense of how your tortoise will be treated there.

 

[EppsDynasty]

O 1 more thing........
Why are we so 'Cut and paste' looking? We have built over 40,000 sq. ft. of outdoor enclosures in 9 months. We will fill our 10 acres with as many torts as we can fit and still provide a great life for....then what? We will just buy more land and do it all again. Name a rescue that builds their own enclosures? Name a rescue that makes no excuses and spends $50,000 to give electricity to all torts for healthy temps even in the coldest of times. We look like this because we are doing this, not talking about 'what' needs to or 'what' should happen. When others are talking we are out in the trenches building real lives for real torts. I don't mean to knock any other rescues BUT there is no one like us period.

 

[SinLA]

The reason people trust Joshua Tree is not only their transparency thru videos, but they started on this site long before they were a rescue. This sanctuary is basically Tortoise Forum born.

 

[Locknesscrazy]

Hello @Locknesscrazy my name is Dana.....

I will try to answer your concerns with respect BUT it will be honest so here goes.....
We don't breed, We don't rehome, We don't do anything but give a Forever Home to Torts and Turtles.
Our children inherit our land for the torts to continue to have their forever land, this is why we say forever. Why do we help every tort? Because no one else does. We are not in this for ourselves or our lifestyle, we do this for 1 reason .... THEM. Our sanctuary has NO paid employees or staff all donations are 100% the animals. How can a 'rescue' be a non profit when the tortoise surrender fees is what pays the new Subaru car payment? We are a true non profit meaning NO ONE profits. We have existed for 18 months now and in that time went from 1 tort to over 200....now we are the largest Tortoise Sanctuary in the country. What do we feed? Well over 100 different species of plants as well as Mazuri ( a very important part of a healthy tort). Our sanctuary goes through over $100 of food everyday and do not skimp (because of cost) on anything. We spend everyday with our members and can tell you their names just by site.....yes they all have names and yes we know everyone of them. Why trust us? Well unlike ANY other rescue or sanctuary we are all over YouTube and social media. We show you their enclosures, we show you what we do and do not hide behind words...Talk is cheap
Most rescues (especially the other you are thinking of) breed to fund the rescue. Well how in the hell is that rescuing when you are creating literally hundreds if not thousands of lives with only 1 goal in mind, make money. Name 1 rescue that just gives the torts or turtles a life ....... I'll wait .................
NOT 1, this is why we are so trusted. Name a rescue that takes in an animal that has 10's of thousands of dollars of surgeries needed without any hesitation...... I'll wait ..............................
NOT 1, this is why we are so trusted. It may sound like BS but this is who we are and what we do everyday, this is why we are so trusted. We show you and the world everything, we aren't just talking.
I would encourage you to view our YouTube channel I will include a video for you to go to and see our channel. This tort needed someone and we feel blessed to be that person Period.

This tortoise suffered for decades, why do we help the ones no one else will? Look into his eyes would you help? Well there's your answer. We are not in this for ourselves someone needed to step up and help torts and turtles and we have dedicated our lives to doing just that. Our phone number is (760)499-4723 .... you are free to call us anytime and ask any questions or concerns you may have. Try to find another rescue that post their number AND answers the phone. I hope this will help you understand the 'WHY' you are wondering about, basically we are different solely because the tort comes first not our lifestyle.

wow, amazing response... I respect you guys so much now, I had questions and concerns yes. But only for worries about my tortoise. But its absolutely amazing to know you guys and girls care so much about tortoises, and turtles.

 

[EppsDynasty]

We started 18 months ago because there was no one doing THIS....what's THIS? Helping torts and turtles just for that, to help. We do not profit or take ANY money we just don't ever see that in ANY rescue or sanctuary. We have an income it's the animals that need help not us. Thank You @Locknesscrazy please feel free to call anytime and we will do anything we can.

 

[EppsDynasty]

The reason people trust Joshua Tree is not only their transparency thru videos, but they started on this site long before they were a rescue. This sanctuary is basically Tortoise Forum born.

MOMMY ................?
DADDY....................?
Does this make me an 'Earth Child' ......I've always wanted to be one of those.