New respect...

[Moozillion]

Well, I've learned lots about tortoises in the last 3 years or so, but it seems I always learn something new.

Yesterday I let my Hermann's, Elsa, out into her new outdoor enclosure for the first time. It is by far the biggest space she's had: 20 x 18 feet. She seemed to love it: she walked around the perimeter continuously for over an hour. I did some calculations and figured that within about and hour and a half she had walked 101 yards: the LENGTH OF A FOOTBALL FIELD (not counting the end zones)!!! I was astonished! Now I can really see how tortoises can quickly get TOTALLY lost once they get out. She just kept plodding along and covered a remarkable amount of territory.

 

[Jacqui]

Slow and steady does indeed cover ground and win the race. I love that there is always something new to learn about these guys.

 

[Tom]

I love your posts!

Now after watching that, imagine Elsa in a 40 gallon indoor enclosure all the time.

With the exception of babies who benefit from it, I HATE seeing tortoises in little cramped indoor enclosures. They need room to move and stretch those little legs! I am so glad you have discovered how fantastic large outdoor enclosures can be, AND decided to share it.

 

[guille24]

That's amazing And very interesting ! Thanks for sharing !!

 

[jmhoesch]

Our Mr. Pickles did the same thing! We JUST made an outdoor enclosure for him and we're putting in there a few hours each day to get him used to it and he's been stomping all around exploring everywhere. I love watching him transverse the huge mound on the back of his burrow and the rock garden we have in there as well.

 

[bouaboua]

None stop walking for an hour and half!!

Thank you for the warning. They can cover lots ground fairly fast too.

May I ask you show the new outdoor enclosure?

 

[ALDABRAMAN]

Interesting! Strong and active are great signs of a healthy tortoises!

 

[N2TORTS]

Well Hello...Moo'z.......Nice to see you back and things are doing well.

 

[Moozillion]

The enclosure is not finished yet: the walls are in place but I'm still installing plants and hides. I hope to have photos up in another couple of weeks!

 

[Moozillion]

Well Hello...Moo'z.......Nice to see you back and things are doing well.

Thanks! Been waaaay to busy with my "real job."

 

[Moozillion]

Interesting! Strong and active are great signs of a healthy tortoises!

THANKS!!!