Outside eating

[Fe-2470]

My hermann's tortoise is 4 years old and i am desperate to get her outside this summer but every time I put her down in my garden anything that looks different or smells differnt she will try and eat. For example her poo, chicken poo, mud, stones, anything.

I want her to experience different terrain- not just a plain green lawn. Please help

 

[JoesMum]

That's not unusual behaviour.

Make a proper enclosure outside for your tort and keep it clear of chickens and other stuff that you don't want your tort to eat.

Make sure it's secure from any potential predators too.

It's not a good idea to let your tort roam free outside. We have far too many escapes reported where the owner was only distracted for a moment. Torts blend into a garden very easily. Even a big 7 pounder like my Joe is incredibly hard to find on occasion.

 

[Fe-2470]

Thanks ao much. The other thing was i want her to be safe be also to be able to her outdoor enclosure in the undergrowth so it is as much like her natural habitat as possible but don't want to her to eat something bad.

 

[JoesMum]

Your tort will enjoy plant protection to shelter from heat, cold and wet and feel safe but also open space to graze in too. Joe regularly cruises the grass taking in the weeds he finds.

Your tort will also enjoy a nice sunny open corner being created in the enclosure for basking.

 

[JoesMum]

I've just realised you're a Brit. Have you seen this thread about outdoor accommodation in the UK?
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/outdoor-accommodation-in-a-colder-uk-climate.140866/

 

[Fe-2470]

Yes i do live in the uk. But the north west, in cumbria so the weather is very cold and unpredictable.
Here are some pics of the garden.

 

[JoesMum]

Yes i do live in the uk. But the north west, in cumbria so the weather is very cold and unpredictable.
Here are some pics of the garden.

I grew up in Yorkshire and went to university in Lancaster. I know Cumbria pretty well from walking and kayaking... and the umm "dampness" up there!

You can still get your tort outside. The season will be shorter than here in Kent

Lovely garden by the way!

 

[Fe-2470]

Thank you. Do you think i can put her into the undergrowth?

 

[JoesMum]

Thank you. Do you think i can put her into the undergrowth?

She'll roam through the undergrowth, Joe certainly did, but she needs open areas too. Try to incorporate some of both in the enclosure.

Gardening for torts involves 3 types of plants: 'Edible', 'stomped over' and 'too big to be demolished by your tort'. An enclosure ideally incorporates all 3. Some shrubs to hide under and provide shade, some lawn to graze on and some edible weeds in that lawn.