Alaskamike
Well-Known Member
So you want a tortoise …… ?
I have friends.
Friends who come over and admire my torts, awed at their unique prehistoric appearance. We sit on the lanai and watch them gobble greens and trot across enclosures; great entertainment and curiosity.
“I want one like that”, they say, expecting me to encourage the acquisition of one of these shelled wonders – 3 of the top 4 behemoths; Leopard, Sulcata or Aldabra. Or they ask about the smaller species; red foots, Boxies, Russians and Greeks We talk about pets of youth, wild ones nursed back to health and those that didn’t make it, red-eared–sliders, our favorite dogs, exotic reptiles -odd oddities. It’s fun and wistful.
Often they are taken back when I am less than enthusiastic. When I frown and discourage.
“But.. but… YOU have them”, they protest.
And “ Yes…” I say “but…….”
And without trying to be a butt, I tell them….
“Please think about these things before you take that cute little shelled creature home”
If not… well…
I don’t want to be a butt….. but……
“Alaska” Mike
I have friends.
Friends who come over and admire my torts, awed at their unique prehistoric appearance. We sit on the lanai and watch them gobble greens and trot across enclosures; great entertainment and curiosity.
“I want one like that”, they say, expecting me to encourage the acquisition of one of these shelled wonders – 3 of the top 4 behemoths; Leopard, Sulcata or Aldabra. Or they ask about the smaller species; red foots, Boxies, Russians and Greeks We talk about pets of youth, wild ones nursed back to health and those that didn’t make it, red-eared–sliders, our favorite dogs, exotic reptiles -odd oddities. It’s fun and wistful.
Often they are taken back when I am less than enthusiastic. When I frown and discourage.
“But.. but… YOU have them”, they protest.
And “ Yes…” I say “but…….”
And without trying to be a butt, I tell them….
“Please think about these things before you take that cute little shelled creature home”
- Tortoises’ are reptiles. Seems obvious, but, reptiles are cold blooded creatures. They are not mammals like cats or dogs – not similar to us. Heat, sunlight, humidity are not just nice to have , they are vital to their survival – they do not internally self-regulate like we do. Their bodies take on the heat (or cold ) of the environment. So they require….
- Specific climate control. And this is not the floor of your kitchen or breezway.
- They may be slow (except when you turn your back on them in a yard! ), but they need to roam. More space is needed than you dream, even for the smaller species. Despite the cramming in fish tanks or small tables in pet stores, they will not survive this treatment for long. Even a small baby needs space to explore. And what about when they are older? Can you provide a climate controlled 4’X8’ tortoise enclosure? Where would you put it?
- The cost and effort to create a healthy environment for a tortoise far outweighs the cost of acquisition. This is point bank blunt – do you have the $ to do this? If not the money, then the building skills? Both? Because you really cannot easily buy the ready-made right thing.
- It takes EDUCATION to do this in a reasonable way. Are you willing to read, study, experiment, ask questions and tweak care till you get it right? Or do you just wanna get a pet and hope for the best. Makes a difference what kind of person you are and what you are willing or able to invest of your own time.
- These are long lived animals; a hundred to two- hundred years (I’m not kidding!). I’m not one who thinks in terms of ‘forever homes’, however, what are you gonna do when you can’t care for the tort any longer? Do you have a plan?
- The large breeds are interesting – yes, but need large space. Look… you cannot raise an Aldabra or Sulcata in an Apartment. Not more than few years. One day , and very soon, you will need a house – with a large backyard; and not get freaked out ‘cause they dig up your petunias, trample the grass, wear a path along the fence, poop like a horse, knock down gates. Or… you will HAVE to re-home him / her. No alternative and Do NOT think a zoo will take them - they have all they want.
- Feeding them takes effort and knowledge. Wallmart does not have what they need next to the Alpo. Store bought greens are a supplement – not a diet. Can you grow your own tortoise garden, pick weeds for them, provide the variety and nutrient they need for those prehistoric growing shells?
- These are solitary animals. They will not be your dog’s friend. They don’t want to cuddle with you on the couch.
- They are vulnerable – despite the armored shell. Can you protect them from becoming a chew toy? From your children dropping them? From the raccoons that roam the neighborhoods at night? From digging out of their enclosures, tunneling under the fence?
- When they are sick your local vet may have limited knowledge of how to help. Can you afford a Specialist? What would you do?
If not… well…
I don’t want to be a butt….. but……
“Alaska” Mike