tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58503258511755434382024-03-13T23:17:09.959-07:00Tortaddictiontortoise [ˈtɔːtəs]
noun;
any herbivorous terrestrial chelonian reptile of the family Testudinidae, of most warm regions, having a heavy dome-shaped shell and clawed limbs KatharineBradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06816396358813823981noreply@blogger.comBlogger117125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5850325851175543438.post-53049774218360151742016-04-11T21:17:00.002-07:002016-04-11T21:23:28.999-07:00A handy solution to protect your plants in your tortoise yardTortoises are little bulldozers. They will flatten plants by walking across and over them (again and again), or will eat them down to the root, permanently destroying them. In an outdoor tortoise enclosure, it can be really frustrating when your hard work (and money) gets eaten or trampled.<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDTGNzLDi5SptYXtM00T2h2OTWW7Ncd5ndP41gyoo5IfRPEaejwrEl88VvER6lTuLvSBr1fIS5d5RZaBdFGR5yeodnsB8uh1t3T22zSo6HdhFea-VipAQgbosdjpGg5B0OlvohyphenhyphenaV7InI/s1600/20160408_180412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDTGNzLDi5SptYXtM00T2h2OTWW7Ncd5ndP41gyoo5IfRPEaejwrEl88VvER6lTuLvSBr1fIS5d5RZaBdFGR5yeodnsB8uh1t3T22zSo6HdhFea-VipAQgbosdjpGg5B0OlvohyphenhyphenaV7InI/s400/20160408_180412.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lady, squishing a cranesbill geranium</td></tr>
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I wanted to share the following quick, easy, and cheap solution with you: Dollar Store hanging baskets + landscaping staples!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8_q54sI45T39LVAdxAa47ryQIMQidKJWoMPHf1sGJliX8ET5USp1OpziBF_KS-67Zy4oHJle0DC9pT0F1eiLE5G-Ma3o3xAaXf_R2EYg7nF5ZypBMo2e4hLJoMsq6zQTSkcjbP-v87a4/s1600/20160408_180422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8_q54sI45T39LVAdxAa47ryQIMQidKJWoMPHf1sGJliX8ET5USp1OpziBF_KS-67Zy4oHJle0DC9pT0F1eiLE5G-Ma3o3xAaXf_R2EYg7nF5ZypBMo2e4hLJoMsq6zQTSkcjbP-v87a4/s400/20160408_180422.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dollar Store planting basket, fastened down with landscaping staples</td></tr>
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Get a couple of the metal hanging baskets from Dollar Store, and detach the chains. Flip it over, and place it over the plant you desire to protect. Then use 2 or 3 landscaping staples to fasten the basket down to the ground. This way, the tortoise(s) will be able to eat the leaves that grow out of the basket, but won't be able to flatten and destroy the entire plant.<br />
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Here is the kind of staple I use (but any kind will work): <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTKS94ypxLmrTl4dVTFKt-unURhR1wVpobpf7_uhGVRHYkp7shMTpbi5djWQhajAzv2lb82bZ4zh3nAD4ISfF8W_v3tjzAaxSMGZfij4vvXU-tAQWNk5UGli7jxrVFPvKEnbzh25QvIv4/s1600/20160408_180831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTKS94ypxLmrTl4dVTFKt-unURhR1wVpobpf7_uhGVRHYkp7shMTpbi5djWQhajAzv2lb82bZ4zh3nAD4ISfF8W_v3tjzAaxSMGZfij4vvXU-tAQWNk5UGli7jxrVFPvKEnbzh25QvIv4/s400/20160408_180831.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Landscape staples example</td></tr>
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You may consider adding a bright little piece of tape to each basket, so you can see it more easily - I've stepped on a few of them, squishing them accidentally.<br />
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I have about 8 or 9 such planter baskets, in addition to several other similarly shaped plant savers that I got from Goodwill - e.g. fruit baskets, cookie drying racks, etc. that I've installed in a similar matter, to protect the roots and base of a plant, while allowing the tortoises to graze off the leaves that stick out.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX4Z3eTKPlxlJaWGLzS2ngZqI-jZAgC6nCpCBlivCkBp1uktHRKcWEkGCxoGJe8KV__peo3nL-NglyGXaCpp6EnquFY3Yc-SEy8Ng2Zdi8OaJTTwpiJU8x5hZMRJ0T8-q2O3PU53LWL4s/s1600/20160408_180555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX4Z3eTKPlxlJaWGLzS2ngZqI-jZAgC6nCpCBlivCkBp1uktHRKcWEkGCxoGJe8KV__peo3nL-NglyGXaCpp6EnquFY3Yc-SEy8Ng2Zdi8OaJTTwpiJU8x5hZMRJ0T8-q2O3PU53LWL4s/s400/20160408_180555.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some tall phlox, starting to grow this Spring</td></tr>
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One word of caution: when choosing items to use for protecting your plants, be mindful of preventing tortoise feet from getting caught. This is one reason I don't use e.g. chicken wire structures. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5850325851175543438.post-15909907714273533152015-11-04T08:29:00.000-08:002015-11-07T06:10:05.602-08:00Visiting Ethiopian Leopard tortoises in EthiopiaWhile traveling to Ethiopia last week we took a little detour to the "Lucy Cafe" in Addis Ababa to have lunch, and to visit the beautiful Ethiopian leopard tortoises that live in the field behind the restaurant. The Amharic word for tortoise is, by the way, pronounced "Ellie"...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's no sulcata... it's one of 3 XXL Ethiopian leopard tortoises!</td></tr>
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The tortoises were housed in a nice large field, edged with wrought iron fencing embedded in cement. A few busts of past Ethiopian Emperors stood here and there. They had several water containers, as well as shade huts. Trees partially shaded the enclosure, and the weather was in the mid 80s that day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see 2 of the 3 leopard torts here. Note the geraniums, which grow all over Addis</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice shade huts. There were a few pumpkin rinds lying around there as well. </td></tr>
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Here is the 'prettiest' of the 3 leopard tortoises. The pattern was the most distinct on this one's shell, but it wasn't quite as large as the really old one. I would guess this one was still about 20"+ long though.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grazing on grass</td></tr>
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To one side of the outdoor enclosure, there was a big pile of dried grass and yard trimmings, including geraniums, and some other flowers. One of the tortoises was "hiding" in one side of the pile. This one was probably 25" long, possibly a little more.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMTIQWv4b6w6mkoC4uwqsNiIb-KQPguiLgJDgOzmngAOAKa8RYj2KgxaNFjXU5PLAn1P3bPihyS7cJFB2yLRXJkNcvpMp8N6J-CRCWwxoaLh21UURXUOtW32wS5-J-Wc7LkKnWzgr1QFA/s1600/IMG_0091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMTIQWv4b6w6mkoC4uwqsNiIb-KQPguiLgJDgOzmngAOAKa8RYj2KgxaNFjXU5PLAn1P3bPihyS7cJFB2yLRXJkNcvpMp8N6J-CRCWwxoaLh21UURXUOtW32wS5-J-Wc7LkKnWzgr1QFA/s400/IMG_0091.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one was larger than the 'pretty' one above, but also a little pyramided</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlXzyM6D6zT2LXxdjbARYMN8LjNbrQI22krZMz_ycS3yyfuZb4GFSl2l4yOSkPdX8kwP7ZT2fQWjVRykrVnGTe5gRpOeUwal1sOEV4T9xGERrNPEBK6-krH-qUuCSIlS4nGa2giLzr8sY/s1600/IMG_0092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlXzyM6D6zT2LXxdjbARYMN8LjNbrQI22krZMz_ycS3yyfuZb4GFSl2l4yOSkPdX8kwP7ZT2fQWjVRykrVnGTe5gRpOeUwal1sOEV4T9xGERrNPEBK6-krH-qUuCSIlS4nGa2giLzr8sY/s400/IMG_0092.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I noticed there were calla lilies in the pile - which actually are NOT safe for tortoises.</td></tr>
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Ethiopian weather varies widely from region to region, but it should be noted that it rains extensively between August and October. During this time, the countryside greens up, the soil is very saturated and muddy, and the air is very humid and warm. This is also the season during which baby leopard tortoises hatch. Following the rainy season, the weather is hot and muggy for several months, and then transitions to hot and dry, until the next rainy season. We were in Ethiopia right after the rainy season (though this year, some regions didn't get enough rain, which is expected to cause problems for the population). Plants and flowers in Addis were blooming lushly:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJqFUlIzxvssRTkm_cTzUz_Kvw-I6LwGjYu4ChlH4CqJ7ea_LviOLlqqK3QlClJJDvK-FkNNrW0EpMx1dlTW_eDdS5zXnR8GkVYJZKhFDnFD4Rk-GRB2xCaeLVazRLSJKXS-w7d-QyAsg/s1600/IMG_0086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJqFUlIzxvssRTkm_cTzUz_Kvw-I6LwGjYu4ChlH4CqJ7ea_LviOLlqqK3QlClJJDvK-FkNNrW0EpMx1dlTW_eDdS5zXnR8GkVYJZKhFDnFD4Rk-GRB2xCaeLVazRLSJKXS-w7d-QyAsg/s400/IMG_0086.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hibiscus and geranium growing next to the tortoise enclosure</td></tr>
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Finally, here is the really large Ethiopian leopard tortoise that we saw. At first sight, it resembles a sulcata, since the shell is so worn. If you look closely though, you will see the black leopard spots. This big guy was larger than 30" in my rough estimation, and still showed signs of growing. I'd be curious to know how much this tortoise weighs.<br />
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I very naughtily reached over the fence to take a picture of my hand in relation to the scutes. Otherwise it is hard to imagine the size of this big dude:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2nH-bZEzX0ZH4Z6pAQeKPWbsGopywaJTVl_0SR6nsm6GBXUPe77h2ei4CQFqUQ2qa1XUCnhwdXU-ag3lz6Go0bJyPsOu3duWIMKD3lceAFVC3gthyyai1tyRhxaVWwM54aIGJ7mXMldo/s1600/IMG_0081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2nH-bZEzX0ZH4Z6pAQeKPWbsGopywaJTVl_0SR6nsm6GBXUPe77h2ei4CQFqUQ2qa1XUCnhwdXU-ag3lz6Go0bJyPsOu3duWIMKD3lceAFVC3gthyyai1tyRhxaVWwM54aIGJ7mXMldo/s400/IMG_0081.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A close-up of his ancient face.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOf9DGhY8YkRup53nUAbchoPwE86DFlSxbiVd8i5yowHDfDKC0r47bAU3S7_hrY50dyFlPrh4aEqthfQaxetMywg0crH6lE5GFGlz68oASqm7oceTHBpGcqZDgqWbr_HM0NNAJ9RXmJVE/s1600/IMG_0084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOf9DGhY8YkRup53nUAbchoPwE86DFlSxbiVd8i5yowHDfDKC0r47bAU3S7_hrY50dyFlPrh4aEqthfQaxetMywg0crH6lE5GFGlz68oASqm7oceTHBpGcqZDgqWbr_HM0NNAJ9RXmJVE/s400/IMG_0084.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one was friendly - he followed me all around the edge of the enclosure</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 'poop spot' was right by the water container, apparently</td></tr>
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I was hoping to see some tortoises in the wild as well, but there was no opportunity to look for them. I did take note of the tortoise safe plants I recognized in the fields and ditches as we drove:<br />
-mallow (both the low growing kind, and the taller marsh mallow)<br />
-stinging nettle<br />
-grasses (many different kinds)<br />
-plantain weed (giant broadleaf plantain, as well as the narrow leafed variety)<br />
-geranium (grows so profusely, it forms 6ft tall hedges!)<br />
-white vetch<br />
-collard greens (both wild and cultivated)<br />
-kale (both wild and cultivated)<br />
-hedge mustard<br />
-thistle (some varieties I recognize, plus some XXL varieties I hadn't seen before)<br />
-evening primrose (LOTS of it in the fields)<br />
-hollyhock<br />
-sugar cane<br />
-sedum (both the small low growing kinds, and the taller varieties<br />
-hibiscus (many different kinds)<br />
-aloe (the small kind as well as the kind that resembles the century plant in CA - some were huge, may have been agave)<br />
-opuntia and other paddle-style cacti<br />
-yucca (some were 30ft tall)<br />
There were many other low bushes and plants we saw goats eating that are probably also tortoise safe, but I didn't know their names.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMDnmFlBSv8WBj4OR77CGw2c8_fjqyTb-OAMBtbK2Z2Ps-AELuO0rl4x2uHFaOmGpEKuGdi426rvHCNIDkcm1rSzVMEEES9frzqVb0aQne8PNHDiVGDvPj1GZZy0NI024fj4wkEP6udnU/s1600/IMG_0098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMDnmFlBSv8WBj4OR77CGw2c8_fjqyTb-OAMBtbK2Z2Ps-AELuO0rl4x2uHFaOmGpEKuGdi426rvHCNIDkcm1rSzVMEEES9frzqVb0aQne8PNHDiVGDvPj1GZZy0NI024fj4wkEP6udnU/s400/IMG_0098.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amharic sign telling people who visit the tortoises to stay off the grass</td></tr>
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It was so fun for me to see these Ethiopian leopards, for one because they don't (officially) exist anywhere else in the world (I hear rumors of a breeding program in Switzerland). It was amazing to see just how big this subspecies gets, and I've heard of even larger ones.<br />
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One thing that was a little sad to me was seeing 'cow bells' in the marketplace in Addis that had crudely been made out of tortoise shells by cracking them open, drilling a hole, and hanging a piece of bone inside. Here's a pic I took with the vendor's permission. I'd be interested to find out what the other species are that are in this pile.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLaoqmBA18q_8YtOl7xtn38ZmE8f6aNjHsEwSFrmO4qoiUAW9-6AWoPW5fCaUVbWowhuDNC_qCpupEobW2d7Hdg_fTOdk5Shdj4GLXM_0GxmeXxwsx_7Ydy2dv4V6CsNcP7JQThASkPOU/s1600/IMG_20151024_044500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLaoqmBA18q_8YtOl7xtn38ZmE8f6aNjHsEwSFrmO4qoiUAW9-6AWoPW5fCaUVbWowhuDNC_qCpupEobW2d7Hdg_fTOdk5Shdj4GLXM_0GxmeXxwsx_7Ydy2dv4V6CsNcP7JQThASkPOU/s400/IMG_20151024_044500.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This picture makes me sad... crude bells made out of tortoise shells.</td></tr>
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I know that it is not uncommon for tortoises to be collected and eaten, so it does make sense that the shell would also be used for a purpose. I just hope that not too many are killed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiavLPBV48EjFL8LE36Y-9LPJuseJFuNT3Ti6Rj0t-5GC6Vpgjn-EdTrvlKPC7ytlaUhjTodsWeY7lrymOh17ECpxfVqkdT02FiWFKR5p6LCHyuGkmnE2kSwoCslRMM3Fpxrhyphenhyphen0jx9x2rs/s1600/IMG_20151024_044531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiavLPBV48EjFL8LE36Y-9LPJuseJFuNT3Ti6Rj0t-5GC6Vpgjn-EdTrvlKPC7ytlaUhjTodsWeY7lrymOh17ECpxfVqkdT02FiWFKR5p6LCHyuGkmnE2kSwoCslRMM3Fpxrhyphenhyphen0jx9x2rs/s400/IMG_20151024_044531.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up of one of the bells made from a juvenile leopard tortoise</td></tr>
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(For the record, I only LOOKED at those tortoise shell bells, I didn't not buy any - would have been illegal to take out of the country, and also, would have supported something I don't agree with).<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAGIdrWGcA1qYLGwnUforNQVwCY7yERhrFDMav7Zx3rBK3OjQMmliWHv75xBVsAkFHTezMGOMheWLOwpwCkTVuv9HLVHRnf1SkEj8W-QI-yoGy6wN902l8vGyOdU5PLSeE5iaFyeSjPAk/s1600/IMG_0088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAGIdrWGcA1qYLGwnUforNQVwCY7yERhrFDMav7Zx3rBK3OjQMmliWHv75xBVsAkFHTezMGOMheWLOwpwCkTVuv9HLVHRnf1SkEj8W-QI-yoGy6wN902l8vGyOdU5PLSeE5iaFyeSjPAk/s400/IMG_0088.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The 'pretty' leo decided to come investigate what this ferengi was up to</td></tr>
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What a beautiful country Ethiopia is... we have fallen in love, and surely will return as often as we can in years to come! If you happen to be there, be sure to have lunch at the Lucy Cafe so you can also visit the tortoises that live behind it!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5850325851175543438.post-33411091567970228072015-07-05T16:00:00.001-07:002015-07-05T16:06:51.893-07:00The importance of DEEP shadeOk, folks, we need to talk about SHADE.<br />
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You have probably (hopefully) heard tortoise keepers talking about the fact that tortoises need "DEEP SHADE" to retreat into on a hot Summer day (really any day that has air temps above 80 degrees).<br />
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What do we mean by "deep shade?" - this is NOT slapping a board across the tortoise enclosure, nor does a little house do the trick. To create DEEP shade, you have to use the *AND* principal. So, for example, deep shade would be under a tree, AND inside a burrow. Or under an umbrella (or shade cloth) AND under a dense bush. Under a dense bush AND inside a deep burrow. Only there can a significantly cooler environment be achieved that our tortoises need to be comfortable on a hot day.<br />
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Not convinced? If you have a temp gun, I would love it if you would go outside, and measure the ground temperature in a nice shady spot, and then in the sun. There can be a temperature difference of 60 degrees! (e.g. the deep shade under our tree is a nice balmy 80 degrees... the dappled shade under a bush is 90, and the flat rocks in the tortoise enclosure measured 140 degrees F before I hosed them down! In comparison, in the burrow that is behind the dense bush, covered in 10 inches of soil, and has been dug out pretty deep by the tortoises, it is 65-70 degrees. Guess where the tortoises are? Except for the 2 crazy ones who are out first thing in the morning, and don't seem to mind the sun (they are also the lightest colored ones), they are all in the burrows right now.</div>
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While we are talking about shade and sun - PLEASE do NOT soak your tortoise in the sunshine when it is warm outside - at least not without supervision! Just this year, I have heard of 2 tortoises that died during their soaks, simply because the owner placed the soaking dish in the sun, and then walked away for 30 minutes. A tortoise in a soaking bin has no place to go. If it is overheating, it can't hide, and sitting in 1 inch of cool water certainly won't protect the top of its shell.<br />
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Please be sure to provide DEEP shade for your tortoise when it is outside - that's TWO kinds of shade nested inside each other, as explained above. If your tortoise constantly hides during outdoor time, chances are that you might not be providing enough shade in the enclosure. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5850325851175543438.post-83852580379069961302015-03-30T22:43:00.000-07:002015-03-30T23:06:19.532-07:00Outdoor tortoise enclosure Version 2.0!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our outdoor tortoise enclosure expansion is finally ready to be shown off to you! I started the expansion project last August, and then had to take a break during the cold, wet winter months. As soon as it was warm and dry enough to work outside, I was out there! Before showing you the work-in-progress, I thought I'd first show you the finished product: </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tadaaa! Outdoor tortoise enclosure expansion!</td></tr>
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The above picture shows the large portion of the enclosure in the shade - I took the pic in the morning. That side of the house gets full afternoon and evening sun!<br />
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So, let's rewind to last August. Here is the tortoise yard Version 1.0 - not bad, actually... nice sun, nice shade, good weeds to eat... the tortoises were happy.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 'old' enclosure... Version 1.0</td></tr>
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However, I wanted to be able to section off the males from each other and from the females, and wanted to provide MORE room for everyone. I also wanted the enclosure to be attractive and functional. We have the space, and so I went for it.<br />
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First, I wanted to make sure that I actually did things 'right' this time - pre-planning, measuring, etc... rather than winging it as I worked. I used a free online landscaping planner to come up with the following design plan:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'The plan' </td></tr>
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Next, I measured, staked, and used spraypaint to mark where I needed to dig. The lines were going to be straight, darn it! Once the lines were marked, I started removing the grass. The grass wouldn't hurt the tortoises, but I needed to dig the anti-escape-trench, and Russian tortoises don't particularly like to eat grass, so it can take over.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvTmXwm8U6GOKjJZbSHroffKxhSeav-DeAQMfERXhvqDDp5rTW9O7FDAdbxD9af1OL-ezAR7E6ifReW1MKH0821eoy2tyrNww3eDbcly_xGDFgVrUGHVxn5FzOOZOxOCovAc0qp-x6YI/s1600/DSC_7241+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvTmXwm8U6GOKjJZbSHroffKxhSeav-DeAQMfERXhvqDDp5rTW9O7FDAdbxD9af1OL-ezAR7E6ifReW1MKH0821eoy2tyrNww3eDbcly_xGDFgVrUGHVxn5FzOOZOxOCovAc0qp-x6YI/s1600/DSC_7241+-+Copy.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting to remove the grass where the expansion will go</td></tr>
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I had to find a good option to drain the gutters in a way that wouldn't flood the tortoise yard... we get a lot of rain in the Spring and Fall! You'll see the solution I came up with in later pics. I also had to dig up a bunch of toxic plants from the South side of what would be the tortoise yard.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2x5se1J_RbXe7i1qsMcqrNs0BwiWeZUPKT-MpNSRpA4NOQNBRfbKVJyHqi2qCY2k6WkiyiHSVwJa951_uWle4olGTpgT7lOU0INDWb1g-KUqnZxS6OOWBdll1Cp_ksbVNAzJHrMIF4Fg/s1600/DSC_7242+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2x5se1J_RbXe7i1qsMcqrNs0BwiWeZUPKT-MpNSRpA4NOQNBRfbKVJyHqi2qCY2k6WkiyiHSVwJa951_uWle4olGTpgT7lOU0INDWb1g-KUqnZxS6OOWBdll1Cp_ksbVNAzJHrMIF4Fg/s1600/DSC_7242+-+Copy.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...progress... </td></tr>
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To prevent the tortoises from digging out, I dug a deep trench. This was back-breaking work... I used a prospecting axe, and dug and dug and dug. When the trench was done, I installed a line of pavers/bricks, embedded deeply enough that the tortoises wouldn't tunnel out.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK-oqXBoO6y-k1FMlFTgi8d235GrqlKwRDiO6D8xaqGlBFlR_wsYp0IdnMS9PGeGFM3hyJ0WE7yw1lB6Nnn8E9Zk1KW7_4YOHQvOr7XDkx2KYBJLS6Z27gxvbKgvLxA0zAvG5hlRkfc-c/s1600/DSC_7355+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK-oqXBoO6y-k1FMlFTgi8d235GrqlKwRDiO6D8xaqGlBFlR_wsYp0IdnMS9PGeGFM3hyJ0WE7yw1lB6Nnn8E9Zk1KW7_4YOHQvOr7XDkx2KYBJLS6Z27gxvbKgvLxA0zAvG5hlRkfc-c/s1600/DSC_7355+-+Copy.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Got a hibiscus bush at a nursery close-out</td></tr>
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I had to work bit by bit, digging the trench and removing the grass. This is what it looked like when that portion of the prep-work was done.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB96RDQ_WzRQ8bC_8WhuzdHCLptAfoV3WcTTzWezBHswkyBy3neK6r_2zEQUWhcC_d0S6Q04ObXF-XnB6tDcoGi83A9-e4wNXAZv4wGhzaVqw2840uwo7RmkO_8jMLfsBA9F-aZzUU-w8/s1600/DSC_7356+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB96RDQ_WzRQ8bC_8WhuzdHCLptAfoV3WcTTzWezBHswkyBy3neK6r_2zEQUWhcC_d0S6Q04ObXF-XnB6tDcoGi83A9-e4wNXAZv4wGhzaVqw2840uwo7RmkO_8jMLfsBA9F-aZzUU-w8/s1600/DSC_7356+-+Copy.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The digging and grass removal is done!</td></tr>
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After this point, winter came, and it became too cold and wet to continue. Life also got really busy, so I had to put the expansion project on hold until this Spring. As soon as it was warm enough, I got back to work. First, my friend Lynne and I took down the structure of the old enclosure (THANK YOU!). Then we started laying the foundation for the new wooden boundaries. Unlike in Version 1.0, the Tortoise Yard 2.0 has a leveled foundation - extra work, but VERY worth it in the end. I first put landscape fabric into the trench, and then a leveled layer of gravel. Then I installed lawn edging pavers (which I got for free via a neighbor who was going to bring them to the dump) into the trench. Then we installed the 2"x10" cedar boards, using rebar to hold them upright. Cedar is harmful to reptiles. However, these boards had weathered for 1 year, and so don't pose a danger to the tortoises outdoors. You can see the work in progress in the following picture:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEufwHJeFHb67MSAzC5cXwgFr-LFtwtYXPYecSZeUq4_W-qfXBhzpUYLlNlVxuygTx4zeBi-na41hX6p_KLkQdAGb54wKUhLqafUfR-fN1MfQZwGQ17aQOVAQjdCeJdMzDWEi0kkXbsgc/s1600/10955953_10204529161686860_1716410666_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEufwHJeFHb67MSAzC5cXwgFr-LFtwtYXPYecSZeUq4_W-qfXBhzpUYLlNlVxuygTx4zeBi-na41hX6p_KLkQdAGb54wKUhLqafUfR-fN1MfQZwGQ17aQOVAQjdCeJdMzDWEi0kkXbsgc/s1600/10955953_10204529161686860_1716410666_n.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...progress!</td></tr>
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Lynne decided to be camera shy, so I didn't get a picture of her working... I did manage to catch our shadows on camera together though! We spent several crisp winter days working out there together.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiGnbfjD1IKa8Oa2CS3hpUeidqGc3uXbct6SwFupnl5d1h-58JdNDLm6sMO_1hx_DkP7VqjSuhS4GmlNv_TDPvZZiUaFBvhM-9LL88THUt-W9OgaBMr4TLGTKmEtxbo1jF6FQOMGZEreA/s1600/10877948_10204531140696334_376632966_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiGnbfjD1IKa8Oa2CS3hpUeidqGc3uXbct6SwFupnl5d1h-58JdNDLm6sMO_1hx_DkP7VqjSuhS4GmlNv_TDPvZZiUaFBvhM-9LL88THUt-W9OgaBMr4TLGTKmEtxbo1jF6FQOMGZEreA/s1600/10877948_10204531140696334_376632966_n.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
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Once the cedar board boundary walls were all installed and the rebar was hammered in and attached to the boards to hold them in place, the really hard part of the work was finished. The pre-measuring and pre-planning paid off: the boards were level, I had the right amount of lumber, and it looked nice.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT29KK_dOg_zzhqsB1esamtBHRBw5yFwT5MtkhkUvSBFzgTclheOuwQVfRlOrW9nhKxAZ9Zwl1yovraqX1khxojHKdOSogyuFndN13GNzmaSksiSCdlQJAayMozcy2_4Eg04Zi4gQBkFc/s1600/10968508_10204541883084887_2662320987759137241_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT29KK_dOg_zzhqsB1esamtBHRBw5yFwT5MtkhkUvSBFzgTclheOuwQVfRlOrW9nhKxAZ9Zwl1yovraqX1khxojHKdOSogyuFndN13GNzmaSksiSCdlQJAayMozcy2_4Eg04Zi4gQBkFc/s1600/10968508_10204541883084887_2662320987759137241_n.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Far from done, but it gives a good idea of the space</td></tr>
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However, the work was not yet done. The tortoises could potentially climb over the 10" boundary, and the kids (and various other critters) could certainly climb/walk/jump into the tortoise enclosure. (Ps: see the drain pipe that I installed, through a hole in the board?). I started to install the railing, with hardware cloth (similar to chicken wire, but smaller holes).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGiqsA3MxJbREmlOmOAuPtseeJuvsz87wD9AMYxTzQIkMZ10_zDPwbF3Z9t9h9MB4_r2WqK7UdInkmVOuDsM7FlUKFYYRBQtDQNIDFYdj2bYS7lwtnTf2POcjnTcOHcSMq94AOjpQbCUU/s1600/10411067_10204636706815421_840760484570765111_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGiqsA3MxJbREmlOmOAuPtseeJuvsz87wD9AMYxTzQIkMZ10_zDPwbF3Z9t9h9MB4_r2WqK7UdInkmVOuDsM7FlUKFYYRBQtDQNIDFYdj2bYS7lwtnTf2POcjnTcOHcSMq94AOjpQbCUU/s1600/10411067_10204636706815421_840760484570765111_n.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Installing the railing</td></tr>
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Installing the hardware cloth was a 2-person job. I managed to install about 15ft of it myself, using my hands, feet, and head to hold things in place. NOT efficient. Thankfully, I was able to enlist my hubby and Lynne to help me (Thank you, again!). I used little stainless screws and washers to hold the hardware cloth onto the wood - this worked MUCH better than the staples I used in Version 1.0!<br />
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If you look in the next picture, you'll see that in addition to the anti-dig-mote (filled with lawn edging pavers), I also placed 12x12 cement pavers all along the inside edge of the tortoise yard. The soil is flush with the edge of the pavers, and so tortoises will walk up and down, but won't be able to dig at the edge. With the many other digging options I've provided, I don't anticipate any escapes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9lMJ1o4UhXB3YmMBRRutAccffsBm6BsJ7-7LZq6vSJelzUI85CCDrohTWCBCk_Yc7VGfcBtLddlw4BFyzY68ucMUyhW3ZqW4Amb_6OV90wQrcergB86oU1oBNtLf-btEajpgHp37KpTs/s1600/1662057_10204636706495413_777820014855277725_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9lMJ1o4UhXB3YmMBRRutAccffsBm6BsJ7-7LZq6vSJelzUI85CCDrohTWCBCk_Yc7VGfcBtLddlw4BFyzY68ucMUyhW3ZqW4Amb_6OV90wQrcergB86oU1oBNtLf-btEajpgHp37KpTs/s1600/1662057_10204636706495413_777820014855277725_n.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Functional, but not quite as pretty as I'd like...yet.</td></tr>
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The vertical 2x2 posts and the hardware cloth were enough to functionally keep tortoises in and kids out, but since we will see the tortoise yard daily, I wanted to make the structure more optically pleasing. To do so, I installed a 1x2 railing, with a 1x4 railing top, complete with miter cut corners.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrWrE9UjWw-ydsigV2eDRQMaxWMUGyYmTrHzEm6BJoiy9vxv34P1PFPTEzMGWMfSWxByyMmNYH5N_soSiI_evKVMfrYlE2KPrkxVBgF-VPJx2P8Jc5bl6bTAECIM5osNvAlIH3CbPgsHY/s1600/10408130_10204633051204033_3522718144665510818_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrWrE9UjWw-ydsigV2eDRQMaxWMUGyYmTrHzEm6BJoiy9vxv34P1PFPTEzMGWMfSWxByyMmNYH5N_soSiI_evKVMfrYlE2KPrkxVBgF-VPJx2P8Jc5bl6bTAECIM5osNvAlIH3CbPgsHY/s1600/10408130_10204633051204033_3522718144665510818_n.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...working on making a proper railing...</td></tr>
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I reused railing pieces from Version 1.0, so I had to piece them together a little bit... but in the end, it worked out nicely. To add to the anti-escape factor, I installed the railing with an inward-facing lip, just in case a tortoise happened to manage to climb up the hardware cloth.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2eDuBsaHDUrN2JPIoSl5Tcfljbg74KCaPw-6EVBf2EwqS2xXIBWNr9CK6koXcLrxkabo3WOLFhOGWPPy-RhsjEuhR9Ih7QbKpIOqRUp9Z76721d2NN4Z1CHFkdxHWg4yLybsHlw65LsA/s1600/10993400_10204696246903886_5536127084036512871_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2eDuBsaHDUrN2JPIoSl5Tcfljbg74KCaPw-6EVBf2EwqS2xXIBWNr9CK6koXcLrxkabo3WOLFhOGWPPy-RhsjEuhR9Ih7QbKpIOqRUp9Z76721d2NN4Z1CHFkdxHWg4yLybsHlw65LsA/s1600/10993400_10204696246903886_5536127084036512871_n.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The structure is finished!</td></tr>
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Since my kids sometimes help me feed and water the tortoises, I even installed a little 'short person entrance' - the rest of the fence is purposefully the perfect height for me to step over without much effort. <br />
On the far left is our leopard tortoise's pen, with the big 'juvenile tortoise' bin (converted koi pond). Then the large Russian tortoise area, with the sectioned-off areas to keep the males separate from each other and the females. We named their sections "Dukelandia" and "Rozlandia" (the males are named Duke and Roz).<br />
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At this point in late January, the weather was warm enough some days that I could even let the tortoises spend a few hours in their outdoor space.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTbRSBhpLtyRrhXMt1Rijv_er6adCFITdsywp4Am0_jLw9K0FUhE2tmu6sMoUqyWEdKzR2lV9MbEUPSdSSRWGx0fw1tq_JIXNQVWjMdRo03xYG0e_HQtoXd3XCMOPvfskOXJ6QboRpuOE/s1600/10599668_10204649990387502_1057617448927295917_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTbRSBhpLtyRrhXMt1Rijv_er6adCFITdsywp4Am0_jLw9K0FUhE2tmu6sMoUqyWEdKzR2lV9MbEUPSdSSRWGx0fw1tq_JIXNQVWjMdRo03xYG0e_HQtoXd3XCMOPvfskOXJ6QboRpuOE/s1600/10599668_10204649990387502_1057617448927295917_n.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duke found a sunny spot to bask in</td></tr>
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Here are a few pics of the inside of the enclosure, before plants started growing in properly. I seeded out two broadleaf seed mixes (from Carolina Pet Supply and from Tortoise Supply), and also transplanted hundreds of weeds I dug up in other people's yards (#crazytortoiseladywantsyourweeds).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgffkuFBzFJ_zIek6xteuqti7Lh-zGF7t3HfR9Ew5KlptNJ_5HVtUkkgzTopix554RVn0_Z5XPrybU010T7lp1LlJiEkPrQpnAJUUaCE_waGJBuhxa8omTc2ooJ7ifaTbyvfI6YMga3w8k/s1600/10346540_10204696247703906_4009163074440509784_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgffkuFBzFJ_zIek6xteuqti7Lh-zGF7t3HfR9Ew5KlptNJ_5HVtUkkgzTopix554RVn0_Z5XPrybU010T7lp1LlJiEkPrQpnAJUUaCE_waGJBuhxa8omTc2ooJ7ifaTbyvfI6YMga3w8k/s1600/10346540_10204696247703906_4009163074440509784_n.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rozlandia gets the little tortoise house I built 2 years ago</td></tr>
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I tried to make the interior of the tortoise yard interesting to explore, with different textures such as little hills, rock piles, rocky flat areas, soil, planted areas, and logs to climb over or hide under. I placed sight barriers to help the tortoises not become too territorial towards each other. I also made a weird little log tepee, since tortoises like to bask in filtered shade.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhkqKqK8TaSKzaSgxY8oGZGv_iZ-UknrqBUgV7QXOtGzhPVqZbWfBnPZq9-FsWScfdFlOZHArYeiWWlRW1PkCGJd61IcFnsAcXfATlb_h37nN8h6PBK_nwHVyEgiXaIqUGazE0ZvBEudk/s1600/10422153_10204696245943862_255820559860011260_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhkqKqK8TaSKzaSgxY8oGZGv_iZ-UknrqBUgV7QXOtGzhPVqZbWfBnPZq9-FsWScfdFlOZHArYeiWWlRW1PkCGJd61IcFnsAcXfATlb_h37nN8h6PBK_nwHVyEgiXaIqUGazE0ZvBEudk/s1600/10422153_10204696245943862_255820559860011260_n.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
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The leopard tortoise area (below) has some grass in it, since this species does like to graze. The large black koi pond will have the juvenile Marginated tortoises in it. I will create a separate post showing more of the leopard tortoise area at a later point.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-Kb7Js_JOaF2EyseBvudchUMW1HnPoHJj2Rv8b3B__i_Mi5w3axTwAqMODVob1qjJXK5Ik7j1w2qyxuwLPBkYb3PGRFOlCsGjdW1hbpsIQtrZ_OnhK6ZUaMFW6Ah_VmMKgfawb-L9tY/s1600/10422157_10204696246143867_3168322512395412533_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-Kb7Js_JOaF2EyseBvudchUMW1HnPoHJj2Rv8b3B__i_Mi5w3axTwAqMODVob1qjJXK5Ik7j1w2qyxuwLPBkYb3PGRFOlCsGjdW1hbpsIQtrZ_OnhK6ZUaMFW6Ah_VmMKgfawb-L9tY/s1600/10422157_10204696246143867_3168322512395412533_n.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see part of the leopard tortoise area here.</td></tr>
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One part of the tortoise yard expansion I am particularly pleased with is the old fire pit that I re-purposed into a baby tortoise enclosure. First, I asked my hubby to drill some drain holes into the bottom. Then I filled it with dirt, and planted a little garden inside with stones, moss, a soaking dish, and plenty of yummy weeds. The mesh cover has holes large enough to let UVB light in, while protecting the babies from predators. The adult tortoises can easily walk under the structure.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilyiH-H-i9ubvqampuRG410s-AeetLPvUnNlvUSR00giTqtpjSw-ItnwM7fQL1bXR2iB9ytiCG4nYh-Cgx_7jf9FGIQSLocUpHp1EQR94u5ojiYdZwQmXp3lKcHA_IUgeYI4HXeWzgD_w/s1600/2015-03-30+15.46.19+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilyiH-H-i9ubvqampuRG410s-AeetLPvUnNlvUSR00giTqtpjSw-ItnwM7fQL1bXR2iB9ytiCG4nYh-Cgx_7jf9FGIQSLocUpHp1EQR94u5ojiYdZwQmXp3lKcHA_IUgeYI4HXeWzgD_w/s1600/2015-03-30+15.46.19+-+Copy.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby tortoise enclosure! (previously: a fire pit)</td></tr>
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It will still take a few more weeks for the weeds I planted to start growing in properly. Soon, the whole area will be lush and green! Here are a few more pictures that I took today, a few weeks after the above pictures were taken. The weather has been beautiful (65-70 degrees air temp, warmer on the ground), and the tortoises got to explore their new habitat.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSO60U6pMod61EjLkH1nyw3RIc_mHulR5_kY4apJP_3C7ZgKxebqm4hg4odkiZRt4O0cFfC2Edul8XH26FNu9EogMeQ_5ecM0K8Vs1Fb0IAwEWSlSfS-nJVVE_mIVjXrJAEaAL_sh0E6A/s1600/2015-03-30+15.46.33+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSO60U6pMod61EjLkH1nyw3RIc_mHulR5_kY4apJP_3C7ZgKxebqm4hg4odkiZRt4O0cFfC2Edul8XH26FNu9EogMeQ_5ecM0K8Vs1Fb0IAwEWSlSfS-nJVVE_mIVjXrJAEaAL_sh0E6A/s1600/2015-03-30+15.46.33+-+Copy.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring is here!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhfUPJgvgtRjtfH2pWBWCMTgUqcRLvv9pbUfTvgX1cmROS3Ujb8zMcu3isMvk1T_6uwyWFmLOpBOvkVBpHmAeCGUfRAJCj9milRGrgf6yfuWopOjfKOif7Ez8oeA_l3pu-7gQWaxFJX_Q/s1600/2015-03-30+15.46.51+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhfUPJgvgtRjtfH2pWBWCMTgUqcRLvv9pbUfTvgX1cmROS3Ujb8zMcu3isMvk1T_6uwyWFmLOpBOvkVBpHmAeCGUfRAJCj9milRGrgf6yfuWopOjfKOif7Ez8oeA_l3pu-7gQWaxFJX_Q/s1600/2015-03-30+15.46.51+-+Copy.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the weeds I transplanted... </td></tr>
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This year I am keeping the males separate, to give the females a break. The females may still lay fertile eggs, as they can store sperm for years... but at least they will not be bothered. Here is a view of Rozlandia, with Roz climbing one of the logs I put in there for him. The fern is deer fern. The tortoises ignore it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiC3MBCkg_lD37Vl2fZxqD14Yt2KyaFTpJlomSRGgJt75oY1-wBmBZGHrxDnOZc3GuMFrTsV1jfz85a6rETf5GhaHkDKkyLLsHmdhey7pKzTZRR1AfzJPXF0MmunixgpEECIar18uYHPY/s1600/2015-03-30+15.47.05+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiC3MBCkg_lD37Vl2fZxqD14Yt2KyaFTpJlomSRGgJt75oY1-wBmBZGHrxDnOZc3GuMFrTsV1jfz85a6rETf5GhaHkDKkyLLsHmdhey7pKzTZRR1AfzJPXF0MmunixgpEECIar18uYHPY/s1600/2015-03-30+15.47.05+-+Copy.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rozlandia</td></tr>
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It was cute to see that Roz knew EXACTLY where the sun would hit first. He positioned himself just right on the log to catch the first rays!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOsUodVBtTtSVt303Gh52yym9STWHeHSOjVQ7AxjblAMwtMr2klvaDzukcTX5u0ln8MHJTrT83a_QvqbBiOiyYBoZkuKdINrjO8zYz5mX608AV9jJ8edG-Q3VUoUp8tlsgcWe3Rdm9l58/s1600/2015-03-30+15.47.20+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOsUodVBtTtSVt303Gh52yym9STWHeHSOjVQ7AxjblAMwtMr2klvaDzukcTX5u0ln8MHJTrT83a_QvqbBiOiyYBoZkuKdINrjO8zYz5mX608AV9jJ8edG-Q3VUoUp8tlsgcWe3Rdm9l58/s1600/2015-03-30+15.47.20+-+Copy.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for when the sun hits Rozlandia</td></tr>
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It is always fun to watch tortoises explore and claim their 'favorite' spot to make a wallow or burrow. Lady likes to burrow down halfway near a plant, and then lazily lies in the sun, nibbling on leaves close-be.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhslWZLIQuiXMLurfK3v-cJiPLRAD19uM9f-9DcKLKHfmNS2JwRzPPCFJrj3TLazrefy-lyceyQYxEem-cQWL2S3SQY_B5S9p3l1ssgGv7qSz_K_7AvuW9w8wyEWqY1_a1X6z-ZYTu-Dx0/s1600/20150330_120625+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhslWZLIQuiXMLurfK3v-cJiPLRAD19uM9f-9DcKLKHfmNS2JwRzPPCFJrj3TLazrefy-lyceyQYxEem-cQWL2S3SQY_B5S9p3l1ssgGv7qSz_K_7AvuW9w8wyEWqY1_a1X6z-ZYTu-Dx0/s1600/20150330_120625+-+Copy.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lady found a good sunny spot by a fern</td></tr>
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Duke didn't settle down in Dukelandia for a while. He spent most of the day walking around.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP4T8ns_hMMOfu_5SIxRt2R_Xlr6AlBHknfs_FXuUheybgloY3tIfUNFF91u_r2rRkDtlMAwoAsxJCjqyMVFXWkV6-IpvomvlU3nMdf_U-FTR0xJSio7fy7n6Rnx7AXwAicKqhXwGpgdY/s1600/20150330_120651+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP4T8ns_hMMOfu_5SIxRt2R_Xlr6AlBHknfs_FXuUheybgloY3tIfUNFF91u_r2rRkDtlMAwoAsxJCjqyMVFXWkV6-IpvomvlU3nMdf_U-FTR0xJSio7fy7n6Rnx7AXwAicKqhXwGpgdY/s1600/20150330_120651+-+Copy.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duke exploring Dukelandia</td></tr>
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Here is a view of the area the female Russian tortoises live in. It is shaded in the morning, but around 10:30am, the sun creeps in. I brought the tortoises outside when there was enough sun for them to bask in.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5FiUF-Wh1pZl1QbC_WnEiCAcH341unSNRyS9yjndYmLBvfnHAS6kZwfVZV1wIRZAfzJrdsntL75k0lMTCduMvdwX7uDQn8-fN_z8Z2ElysAT30Zmax6gy9cvYA8pn1RWnC9w0oYFZI8/s1600/20150330_122157+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5FiUF-Wh1pZl1QbC_WnEiCAcH341unSNRyS9yjndYmLBvfnHAS6kZwfVZV1wIRZAfzJrdsntL75k0lMTCduMvdwX7uDQn8-fN_z8Z2ElysAT30Zmax6gy9cvYA8pn1RWnC9w0oYFZI8/s1600/20150330_122157+-+Copy.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do you see the tortoise who found the sun?</td></tr>
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Mila did her best impression of being a rock. Well, a weed-eating rock... there was a blooming dandelion plant there a few minutes ago!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1MmwYZ-ZcVF-_7i871fKSKCvHkElE2W98nUr7YsOJv5VWMNah8ZbRtYa1GIiyHCBeIzGuZFCetR8so3ZriaM7ioWEBTa2oSGF7ApSTrDWx3vPY93b8aJJlnWjhTp3lkRBD8pg-XXIP1A/s1600/20150330_160140+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1MmwYZ-ZcVF-_7i871fKSKCvHkElE2W98nUr7YsOJv5VWMNah8ZbRtYa1GIiyHCBeIzGuZFCetR8so3ZriaM7ioWEBTa2oSGF7ApSTrDWx3vPY93b8aJJlnWjhTp3lkRBD8pg-XXIP1A/s1600/20150330_160140+-+Copy.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Why yes, that is the most comfy way to eat.</td></tr>
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I checked on the tortoises sequentially throughout the day... and they were happily exploring and munching away. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd7jENK02RYXe_Udzig6YvmdIlj9GqevQuUBHDQa3Qs5ytZquJW8ufLzPy-Z-alqECH-4zUsiy3Q9pX5CnBzKpYpkg_oZQCqoZXUkAi01AwHr49ooVRTaNcbBJaEyktGg09wLPPXDwGGE/s1600/20150330_161737+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd7jENK02RYXe_Udzig6YvmdIlj9GqevQuUBHDQa3Qs5ytZquJW8ufLzPy-Z-alqECH-4zUsiy3Q9pX5CnBzKpYpkg_oZQCqoZXUkAi01AwHr49ooVRTaNcbBJaEyktGg09wLPPXDwGGE/s1600/20150330_161737+-+Copy.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mila and Timmy girl exploring</td></tr>
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Can you believe that Mila is almost as large as Timmy now?! She is growing up! She laid a single fertile egg last year, which hatched in October.<br />
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Here is a view of the tortoise yard, as seen from balancing on one of the posts:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgprffjxiREWo0eH_MuupAyaoKUI6zNAbLW6c2H8QuJJ8C8NHrxbmE7O34IU4qmA1ubCDj1RatkTO7xWeHjYOeE3vsMQMGVZ5hHFCTf8suBMb6faJgdjFtdoyJvp62HxZhyphenhyphen2g8G12HYUi0/s1600/20150330_161814+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgprffjxiREWo0eH_MuupAyaoKUI6zNAbLW6c2H8QuJJ8C8NHrxbmE7O34IU4qmA1ubCDj1RatkTO7xWeHjYOeE3vsMQMGVZ5hHFCTf8suBMb6faJgdjFtdoyJvp62HxZhyphenhyphen2g8G12HYUi0/s1600/20150330_161814+-+Copy.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you spot the tortoise?</td></tr>
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...and here is another view from ground level:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIhE1w2vhwLRqKipZLGfE3T-49ltXi1N-br-IxLob2YzrBGorZ2Id5VSc6CrD81CK_923sNTaDeMahq6Gn6QxRvBy0Xc-dERDgkEI5x828lyUGqGqS2uT6EH7z1C1AhTgiaSa1XLXLTCk/s1600/20150330_161915+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIhE1w2vhwLRqKipZLGfE3T-49ltXi1N-br-IxLob2YzrBGorZ2Id5VSc6CrD81CK_923sNTaDeMahq6Gn6QxRvBy0Xc-dERDgkEI5x828lyUGqGqS2uT6EH7z1C1AhTgiaSa1XLXLTCk/s1600/20150330_161915+-+Copy.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How many tortoises do you see?</td></tr>
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I would say, the verdict is overall: Our Tortoise Yard Version 2.0 is tortoise approved!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr61hX7YjOZXUKY-yt0GRv8FiE6B5n4y1yciZLOfrYrax2TV-W4mW-PPcXeMEPhN0klyKUviICmNs1Ut-hF-7n0GNPBZ5k6zK2yfsVNXAYQfXhdQb-RQ3WOZGgtgTZjy4VzJPEvaWJA4g/s1600/20150330_162240+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr61hX7YjOZXUKY-yt0GRv8FiE6B5n4y1yciZLOfrYrax2TV-W4mW-PPcXeMEPhN0klyKUviICmNs1Ut-hF-7n0GNPBZ5k6zK2yfsVNXAYQfXhdQb-RQ3WOZGgtgTZjy4VzJPEvaWJA4g/s1600/20150330_162240+-+Copy.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jill has a green mustache from eating weeds...</td></tr>
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Was it worth the hard work? Absolutely! Guess what... instead of paying to go to the gym... you could build your tortoises an outdoor enclosure, and get a workout in the process!</div>
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<i>Ps: The tortoise yard expansion plan includes a cold frame, which I will show in a separate post. Many of the shrubs are already in place, and I used reclaimed materials when possible. I want tortoise owners to know that it is possible to build a beautiful and functional enclosure on a budget. You may have to comb Craigslist for free materials... but in the end, it is worth it! Grand total material cost was $185, which included lumber, hardware cloth, and high quality screws. The bricks/pavers and some of the lumber was reclaimed. I could have done it for less, but chose the 'pretty' variety for some things (e.g. getting very large continuous pieces of lumber, and building a 'pretty' railing, rather than leaving things rustic). </i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5850325851175543438.post-25394558017477001662015-03-22T18:53:00.002-07:002015-03-22T18:53:51.487-07:00Egg season has begun! Today Timmy girl decided it was time to lay the first clutch of eggs this year. I have suspected that she was gravid, since she was pacing a lot, eating tons, and had scarfed down 1.5 entire cuttlefish bones within a few days.<br />
After 2 weeks of beautiful sunny weather, unfortunately it is cold and rainy again, so putting Timmy outdoors to lay her eggs was not an option. Thankfully, my marvelous Timmy girl is ok with laying eggs indoors into a deep bin filled with warm, soft, moist soil.<br />
When my son observed Timmy digging with her back legs, I set up such a bin near the basking area, with a little ramp up to it, and she knew exactly what it was intended for. Within a few minutes, she started to dig her nest hole!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUEk4IZUajqj85HbWtBKeTJmeBHIuhRgwud858hIkKnoJ4T2ZaWniTr_WTZURMunZTG5tNOWR3o0yHyZ7OFLSWK3BQJkGy6ApB-7Gwao-WSx7PLtZmYvfsr-i2uSI7BsTejZ9FaYoq3HM/s1600/20150322_142224+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUEk4IZUajqj85HbWtBKeTJmeBHIuhRgwud858hIkKnoJ4T2ZaWniTr_WTZURMunZTG5tNOWR3o0yHyZ7OFLSWK3BQJkGy6ApB-7Gwao-WSx7PLtZmYvfsr-i2uSI7BsTejZ9FaYoq3HM/s1600/20150322_142224+-+Copy.jpg" height="400" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Timmy starting to dig her nest hole with her back legs</td></tr>
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After about 1.5 hours of digging, Timmy started to drop her eggs. She caught each egg with one leg as it came out of her vent. I happened to catch it on my phone camera:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-AmX8VtuKS9Yn30K98nKkceyvG4-dHfrfgICmzE8bI3Xnjdx_nsdtllM0ImEJEvhADbM3RXbi0FF2pLMKijaumNWFD5_V0Vm_oNz6NQqG2vVLME0J-ddG8xWhIHJisx7GY0N24tQZ6A/s1600/20150322_155316+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-AmX8VtuKS9Yn30K98nKkceyvG4-dHfrfgICmzE8bI3Xnjdx_nsdtllM0ImEJEvhADbM3RXbi0FF2pLMKijaumNWFD5_V0Vm_oNz6NQqG2vVLME0J-ddG8xWhIHJisx7GY0N24tQZ6A/s1600/20150322_155316+-+Copy.jpg" height="400" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see the egg starting to come out of her tail. </td></tr>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLUTEISGxrYOvJFhjqQbLvbqEkrzs7WEkBig4Sb06nNBTmAEXsoJwG-jKJQoc7TWnDb3tBsQbWwx2-QO782DwJfvDOgTS3Y6QzDOkOmgAE8ISDo_9zHDn8F8h69pxwzfVjkhGI4H-_3t8/s1600/20150322_155351+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLUTEISGxrYOvJFhjqQbLvbqEkrzs7WEkBig4Sb06nNBTmAEXsoJwG-jKJQoc7TWnDb3tBsQbWwx2-QO782DwJfvDOgTS3Y6QzDOkOmgAE8ISDo_9zHDn8F8h69pxwzfVjkhGI4H-_3t8/s1600/20150322_155351+-+Copy.jpg" height="400" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once the egg was out, Timmy gently moved it into further the hole with her foot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieY6iQ6LeUvKJMlCB7lBnI_jne_f__JdSy3TQB58XOFFyvoAnsno8QhgkNDlzFljz1OG53277qWV42t-Tsclsnd-jbPOXeQbqu9H9TtcisXS7jqYjY7G1DoacZcz10njxiWSIrzoIJSB0/s1600/20150322_155427+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieY6iQ6LeUvKJMlCB7lBnI_jne_f__JdSy3TQB58XOFFyvoAnsno8QhgkNDlzFljz1OG53277qWV42t-Tsclsnd-jbPOXeQbqu9H9TtcisXS7jqYjY7G1DoacZcz10njxiWSIrzoIJSB0/s1600/20150322_155427+-+Copy.jpg" height="400" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Next egg is on its way out</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGqRAgJ4v1XEfdgXID9v02Lq8P7HKo4XTN7__gGU9Uf6XoqGvtHVwncxNeUtosX6hSDWvPRMAb6ZlQW07PTgBpn0qyO_3T_0Wz9VzcuptkuWJ31wxMN2GHYKLJ9V9w52sivo1VGTZ9CMA/s1600/20150322_155428+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGqRAgJ4v1XEfdgXID9v02Lq8P7HKo4XTN7__gGU9Uf6XoqGvtHVwncxNeUtosX6hSDWvPRMAb6ZlQW07PTgBpn0qyO_3T_0Wz9VzcuptkuWJ31wxMN2GHYKLJ9V9w52sivo1VGTZ9CMA/s1600/20150322_155428+-+Copy.jpg" height="400" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Timmy uses her foot to catch the egg, so it doesn't fall into the hole and break</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj06sm-AcugCb1WpGkmvo0Srq9HTAH3lil3nJtwaYxEMdtybNYDmGr-bod6WSS988nEgqs47wqAb8fh2hc0-VK7hkV3enjI4NgBsQrEZlHbtfPR3kx_GUwO-JEEiXbSBYKFAgb9je2b7iw/s1600/20150322_155526+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj06sm-AcugCb1WpGkmvo0Srq9HTAH3lil3nJtwaYxEMdtybNYDmGr-bod6WSS988nEgqs47wqAb8fh2hc0-VK7hkV3enjI4NgBsQrEZlHbtfPR3kx_GUwO-JEEiXbSBYKFAgb9je2b7iw/s1600/20150322_155526+-+Copy.jpg" height="400" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Third egg is out. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Within a few minutes of each other, Timmy laid 3 beautiful little eggs, weighing 20g, 22g, and 22g. These are a little bit smaller than last year's eggs, but still a very normal size. I will incubate them at 89 degrees F for the next 65-75 days.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7FP9erJMxRwdaRakC-s2Ev2mS-0E6ejCBiKeyL-MNH-3a6sr-7ylnn6EJUFHjNjZjLNfPhsitoW2E5fznOlDK1aaIZknuL-AGrzHOq7bHAI3TqoKhGizEE_hxacPyxAMY4mMw7axPhKs/s1600/20150322_160234+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7FP9erJMxRwdaRakC-s2Ev2mS-0E6ejCBiKeyL-MNH-3a6sr-7ylnn6EJUFHjNjZjLNfPhsitoW2E5fznOlDK1aaIZknuL-AGrzHOq7bHAI3TqoKhGizEE_hxacPyxAMY4mMw7axPhKs/s1600/20150322_160234+-+Copy.jpg" height="400" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All tucked in for incubation</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When nesting, tortoises go into sort of a trance, and they must be allowed to finish the whole process, from digging a hole, to laying the eggs, to covering up the hole. If they are interrupted (e.g. if they are removed after laying eggs, without being allowed to cover the hole), females have been known to be in a serious funk for many months. This has never happened here, because I make sure that the nesting female does not get interrupted. If I catch the tortoise in the act of laying, I carefully remove each egg from the hole as it is laid, and replace it with a round egg-sized rock. That way the eggs aren't in danger of being crushed. The female doesn't care, and happily covers up the rocks, pats the dirt to firm it down, and walks away.<br />
<br />
After laying her eggs, Timmy's legs were super wobbly, but she headed down the ramp, basked for a little while, and then tucked into some fresh weeds I offered her.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7lr3Yuff5rpiTqIE3bmNz5nRYBl5LvkwWsDq0EA9lOJQky0AeG2MWBSM4me2Fb7_jX7gN6yPpsP4DqscDpgzCZ3_iDUj6s3WfSEiM9CRhxLEbwHl2UQuh_vKEn3UPWAHnziajKWwv9H0/s1600/20150322_163218+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7lr3Yuff5rpiTqIE3bmNz5nRYBl5LvkwWsDq0EA9lOJQky0AeG2MWBSM4me2Fb7_jX7gN6yPpsP4DqscDpgzCZ3_iDUj6s3WfSEiM9CRhxLEbwHl2UQuh_vKEn3UPWAHnziajKWwv9H0/s1600/20150322_163218+-+Copy.jpg" height="400" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see that she completely covered her nest hole in the bin before leaving.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrW1b9Q1R2E_uEIMZ3ZO6lLRkZWEmTz24pjbT0DNcoT_VWKyhUYXiim5qain75JyyIoDVBhF-2LRg2xuSEQgjHKCJJTbaO47Nmve_X2sFzKB9fCTcH6kDaVF7iI_UtXAYt34opK6pxazM/s1600/20150322_163322+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrW1b9Q1R2E_uEIMZ3ZO6lLRkZWEmTz24pjbT0DNcoT_VWKyhUYXiim5qain75JyyIoDVBhF-2LRg2xuSEQgjHKCJJTbaO47Nmve_X2sFzKB9fCTcH6kDaVF7iI_UtXAYt34opK6pxazM/s1600/20150322_163322+-+Copy.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nothing like a good meal after birthing those eggs!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It has been 22 days since I woke Timmy girl up from brumation, and she has not been with a male since last year. However, tortoise females can store viable sperm for many years. If these eggs are fertile, they are due to hatch near the end of May. Last year, Timmy laid a second clutch about 3 weeks after the first clutch, so I am curious to see if this happens the same way this year.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5850325851175543438.post-320181828683324882014-12-13T16:19:00.003-08:002014-12-13T20:01:45.536-08:00Baby Russian tortoise care sheet (also for other herbivorous tortoise species)<div class="MsoNormal">
Baby Russian tortoises have very
similar needs to adult Russian tortoises. A requirement of higher humidity and
hydration is the main difference. With good humidity, UVB, and healthy food, your
tortoise will grow healthily and smoothly. If kept too dry, they will have
irregular, pyramided shell growth, and may appear stunted. You can transition
to an ‘adult’ RT care regimen once your baby is 4” (10cm) or larger SCL, or 2-3
years old. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc5nwujQSstrwCBhLsjWCydWgZuT3nEDt0e53k_ZaIp05dM3W1iXbRvj8WD5JeWZ6rNd8WcjrSqcVMGJ75EZ-Mqlv1VnzV9jOfPYBEYL8HgRtXsnV2-lt0cXcprORX5mlsqM5nC-91D_A/s1600/DSC_6402+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc5nwujQSstrwCBhLsjWCydWgZuT3nEDt0e53k_ZaIp05dM3W1iXbRvj8WD5JeWZ6rNd8WcjrSqcVMGJ75EZ-Mqlv1VnzV9jOfPYBEYL8HgRtXsnV2-lt0cXcprORX5mlsqM5nC-91D_A/s1600/DSC_6402+-+Copy.JPG" height="318" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 7.5pt;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">WHAT TO DO UPON ARRIVAL</span></u></b><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">:<br />
</span></b><span style="color: #141823; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">When your baby arrives, you can unpack her and set her
in a small bowl of shallow lukewarm water – just up to the seam where the top
shell and the bottom shell meet - for 10 or so minutes. Then place her in her
enclosure in front of a pile of greens. She might eat right away, or she might
just explore. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 7.5pt;">
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #141823; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Don't be shocked when you pick her up - baby tortoises have some
"flex" in their shells - they are not hard yet like adult tortoises.
As they ingest calcium, the shell will harden. It will be fairly hard by 18
months. The belly hardens more slowly than the carapace. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">You may observe small, light-colored ‘squiggly’ lines in the
tortoise’s shell keratin – these are normal in growing tortoises, and are also
a sign that the animal is well-hydrated. Below is a good example of a well-hydrated juvenile Russian tortoise.</span><br />
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT0DIHQJL6t2vK6cOdD8LdjCq7PxObeW27bonPv6tAycWzeDQeIM0c0oaCpDWwN6XcSwVtUei5K9dWrLFIJWuD-S5bwrCMJl3tq_ZZGtmlAqew0jBU9y5e0RratxUFwNbXY0v4RtVC-Kg/s1600/Siu's%2BSquiggles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT0DIHQJL6t2vK6cOdD8LdjCq7PxObeW27bonPv6tAycWzeDQeIM0c0oaCpDWwN6XcSwVtUei5K9dWrLFIJWuD-S5bwrCMJl3tq_ZZGtmlAqew0jBU9y5e0RratxUFwNbXY0v4RtVC-Kg/s1600/Siu's%2BSquiggles.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(picture used with permission from Siu)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">WARNING: baby tortoises are VERY quick! If you are picking up
the tortoise, please secure it so it can’t jump/run off your hand. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 13.45pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><u>INDOOR HOUSING</u>: <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: #FCFCFF; color: #141414;">Russian tortoise babies
should be kept in an <b>enclosure</b> that
provides room to roam, safety from other pets (e.g. dogs and cats), and holds
in warmth and humidity well. For this reason, open-top tortoise tables are
often not ideal for the first year, as too much humidity is lost otherwise, and
the wood can start rotting from the high humidity.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="background: #FCFCFF; color: #141414;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinlfVvSmYNBTo2joBLsQMc8AAwseGkxG9_5LIjJIWxXBPb0LC3QEqIlTpt0O1YffRTzu0oeLWosf956hTTGEqWcl5pptQ3r8ybjCFXk_R8n1mupJr_KxDqN_xnkei35OL_D-bQtodzrLo/s1600/DSC_6494+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinlfVvSmYNBTo2joBLsQMc8AAwseGkxG9_5LIjJIWxXBPb0LC3QEqIlTpt0O1YffRTzu0oeLWosf956hTTGEqWcl5pptQ3r8ybjCFXk_R8n1mupJr_KxDqN_xnkei35OL_D-bQtodzrLo/s1600/DSC_6494+(2).JPG" height="156" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="background: #FCFCFF; color: #141414;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="background: #FCFCFF; color: #141414;">I personally like the 40gal glass breeder
tanks for baby tortoises. I cover part of the top with plexi glass and/or heavy
duty foil, to help keep in more of the humidity. A large 40-50gal Rubbermaid
bin can be converted into a good baby enclosure as well by cutting holes into
the lid for the light and heat sources. I have also used Christmas Tree Storage
bins, which are about 2ft x 4ft. They are large enough for the first year or
two, but not so large that I constantly ‘lose’ the babies in the enclosure. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: #FCFCFF; color: #141414;">A space of 1.5ft x 3ft floor dimension is sufficient for 1
baby. Of course once they get bigger, Russian tortoises need much more space
(e.g 3ft x 6ft or more)! Depending on the location of the enclosure, it may be
necessary to <b>insulate</b> it – I have taped
foil-covered Styrofoam insulation board around 3 sides of my baby tank. The
foil bubble wrap-looking insulation works well, too. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
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<w:wrap type="tight"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="background: #FCFCFF; color: #141414;">This picture shows a creative solution
Jessica found using a 54gal Rubbermaid bin. She cut out a portion of the lid,
and replaced it with mesh that is held on by Velcro, for easy access, and to
keep her cat out. Please note that mesh filters out UVB light, so should not be
used under the light source.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: #FCFCFF; color: #141414;">More information about
lighting will be provided below.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAwrclUbt-_5V8JUqYcYLMWGMWQNwdP_ckbYA7Q0gduPDfnBIDEWfVmHgLa4cvIexDIwxF8GLQ-hp8BZpyoxy6ZG7k-rTeUZVkths556cv1kxSPUqFf7vsDFgN5k8dTRQ5pyBIpNwU_4I/s1600/Jessica5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAwrclUbt-_5V8JUqYcYLMWGMWQNwdP_ckbYA7Q0gduPDfnBIDEWfVmHgLa4cvIexDIwxF8GLQ-hp8BZpyoxy6ZG7k-rTeUZVkths556cv1kxSPUqFf7vsDFgN5k8dTRQ5pyBIpNwU_4I/s1600/Jessica5.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(picture used with permission from Jessica)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_19" o:spid="_x0000_s1042"
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<span style="background: #FCFCFF; color: #141414;">For <b>substrate</b> I put in about 5” of ACE brand topsoil, mixed with
coconut coir. Any additive free soil without perlite or fertilizers or manure
will work, but I have found the ACE brand to consistently be good, and it has a
nice consistency. I buy it at ACE Hardware. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyAy_SsTilnpo0JQAjscmHd2ju127UIuQKSt6SeJ0CT795n03Xyk2iabIQCr2MGndLgNfkQrn8bJcozoErUdMrA5AIfGxbmCqF0z4tkgNdWTWsU7kIvhUhrtgx2OITwkmE11FiF5GGprM/s1600/ACE+topsoil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyAy_SsTilnpo0JQAjscmHd2ju127UIuQKSt6SeJ0CT795n03Xyk2iabIQCr2MGndLgNfkQrn8bJcozoErUdMrA5AIfGxbmCqF0z4tkgNdWTWsU7kIvhUhrtgx2OITwkmE11FiF5GGprM/s1600/ACE+topsoil.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="background: #FCFCFF; color: #141414;"><br /></span>
<span style="background: #FCFCFF; color: #141414;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: #FCFCFF; color: #141414;">The soil should be kept pretty
moist, enough that if you run your finger across it, it looks a little muddy. I
pack it down enough that it provides secure footing. I place a flat stone under
the basking spot, and place a nice little landscape of large and small rocks
and plants throughout the enclosure, keeping safety in mind. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: #fcfcff; color: #141414;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #fcfcff; color: #141414;">I add 20-ish pill bugs
into the enclosure from our yard – they come out at night and clean up any poop
or left over plant matter!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
All tortoise babies should be given constant access to a <b>water dish</b>, so that they can drink and
soak as needed. I like to use a 4” glazed plant saucer, with several pebbles or
small rocks in it, to help baby get in and out safely. Placing a few rocks
around the water dish will also help less of the substrate to be tracked into
the water.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: #FCFCFF; color: #141414;">Please be sure to read
below info about soaking your baby!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9mGwtvd7sZxPZJz8l7njahijLpAtEqY9O-1UekTTM1F_hC_MRasYRwdCwzeu-5BhwYs5kuaJUp5FZmu3k1ke3vAI_4cxJPqM2Kk-58zDxVxGy3NSglRdzv9t-5Ob2W3BKdP9ZZVcOUd8/s1600/Jessica.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9mGwtvd7sZxPZJz8l7njahijLpAtEqY9O-1UekTTM1F_hC_MRasYRwdCwzeu-5BhwYs5kuaJUp5FZmu3k1ke3vAI_4cxJPqM2Kk-58zDxVxGy3NSglRdzv9t-5Ob2W3BKdP9ZZVcOUd8/s1600/Jessica.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(picture used with permission from Jessica)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="background: #FCFCFF; color: #141414;">A baby tortoise
enclosure must have <b>UVB light</b>, a <b>basking spot</b> of 95 degrees, a <b>hot humid hide</b> (always 80 degrees,
using a CHE and a Hydrofarm thermostat). I outline the specifics of lighting
and heating in more detail below. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPD2k6SFBaFzhx6i5RpcTGuqk73x6SzhzcJY8i0PSuHvcO4FbQwHVvmfkGOcJHoohFN4U8ET9S4QZ-XXcfabgMW_xrKU2iDfdv2E1aYbCC-Q8Geaqk5RFSML1PmaV_bAEyTfYREeGy9QA/s1600/DSC_6265+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPD2k6SFBaFzhx6i5RpcTGuqk73x6SzhzcJY8i0PSuHvcO4FbQwHVvmfkGOcJHoohFN4U8ET9S4QZ-XXcfabgMW_xrKU2iDfdv2E1aYbCC-Q8Geaqk5RFSML1PmaV_bAEyTfYREeGy9QA/s1600/DSC_6265+-+Copy.JPG" height="310" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="background: #FCFCFF; color: #141414;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_27" o:spid="_x0000_s1039"
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<w:wrap type="tight"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="background: #FCFCFF; color: #141414;">I place a <b>flat rock</b> under the basking lamp, to keep the basking temperature
more constant, and I also place a flat rock somewhere in the mid-section of the
enclosure, for feeding on. This will later help keep claws and beak nice and
healthy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: #FCFCFF; color: #141414;">You can put a variety of
drift wood and rocks, tortoise safe plants (in a pot with additive free soil,
or planted into the substrate), into the tortoise enclosure to provide climbing/exploring
opportunities. Please be mindful of safety… you don’t want baby to flip over
into the water, or get stuck behind something. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: #FCFCFF; color: #141414;">In addition to the top
soil/coco coir substrate, the baby tortoises have moist sphagnum moss in their
hot humid hide (see below), as well as in their favorite hang-out spots, and
they dig and burrow extensively. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: #FCFCFF; color: #141414;">I use a humidifier
(which is optional – it just makes my life easier), and I mist them with warm
water every time I walk by, minimum of 4x per day using a pump mister that I
got at the garden center (see pic below). Be sure to unscrew the lid
after each use to release the pressure… otherwise the pump will leak!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2qsPpD9LBufVhbnX6IUtW-w1RWWOck_ZbcbmDS1WQ2zxfXOdiY_1L5pbI548H_QQHGEb-EulrLo1lqwPDY2BaxIp_jcOYXAfAMElt9W2_Kn3pL9MNsiGYpaNRpZ9I25l5DtfUIof6v3o/s1600/pump+mister.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2qsPpD9LBufVhbnX6IUtW-w1RWWOck_ZbcbmDS1WQ2zxfXOdiY_1L5pbI548H_QQHGEb-EulrLo1lqwPDY2BaxIp_jcOYXAfAMElt9W2_Kn3pL9MNsiGYpaNRpZ9I25l5DtfUIof6v3o/s1600/pump+mister.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background: #FCFCFF; color: #141414;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>HOT HUMID HIDE</b>: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
If your tortoise is still a baby or juvenile (under 4") it will
benefit from a <b>hot humid hide</b>. I
like the plastic shoe boxes from the dollar store. I cut a round or square door
hole in about 1" -1.5" up from the bottom. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5X3bFZR7ooyT6ngQOpIjnPnYyTaq25fY1imwv5lrXU0xh4IDE9g_s2-ZF9hAWq1vS8E9_XUc-8jm3FOCy61EujCwwJ80MPDzQLVFuQlRw7Q3i8-47ySKOCp5tB_88svtpAbwFKtva_S8/s1600/sphagnum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5X3bFZR7ooyT6ngQOpIjnPnYyTaq25fY1imwv5lrXU0xh4IDE9g_s2-ZF9hAWq1vS8E9_XUc-8jm3FOCy61EujCwwJ80MPDzQLVFuQlRw7Q3i8-47ySKOCp5tB_88svtpAbwFKtva_S8/s1600/sphagnum.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I fill it with <b>wet sphagnum moss</b>
(garden center usually has it near the orchids). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Then I sink the hide into the substrate in the middle of the enclosure,
between the hot end and the cool end. I
suspend a 60W ceramic heat emitter (CHE) above it, attached to a Hydrofarm <b>thermostat</b>, with the probe inside the
hide. I set the thermostat to 80 degrees F. It is REALLY IMPORTANT to use a
thermostat, because otherwise the CHE can overheat the whole tank. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxq27PCSSKU1kMZGfmjfPRDuxv2TzSgrMqG1xUCFIjtInRafge6NiwljMPhWOSaOjIfGUXuCrP1g8tRyzH4Fs1T1XLGjealmdsPLm8-0Xl5xkuX7_9CdTv1hHoRD6_B_owFJ2L-g0zWXM/s1600/DSC_6494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxq27PCSSKU1kMZGfmjfPRDuxv2TzSgrMqG1xUCFIjtInRafge6NiwljMPhWOSaOjIfGUXuCrP1g8tRyzH4Fs1T1XLGjealmdsPLm8-0Xl5xkuX7_9CdTv1hHoRD6_B_owFJ2L-g0zWXM/s1600/DSC_6494.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do you like my turkey-pan cover?!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<!--[endif]--></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 1.2pt 0in 0.0001pt;">
The CHE that heats
the hot humid hide stays plugged in 24/7, and is controlled by the thermostat. <span style="background: #FCFCFF; color: #141414;">The key is to keep baby humid and WARM
(since moist+cold is bad). </span>Personally, I prefer a CHE over a heat pad - if you use a heat
pad, you still need a thermostat. Burning from below can be severe if the
bottom of the enclosure becomes too hot, which is why many choose to heat the
hot humid hide from above. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Here is a pic of an example of the hot humid hide box a friend made for
himself. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6qIkTfRM35bd2WKIGVAmtgtlIMRx7ZgCd80ydXMCbra6QnrqpRokzkT3VB21H8x2Y0xnwkSRvSivEQVW4AsUa8i-2SJxPoUZOrpdDiDk9T_oTFaZ4su95XrZ8lj-AfxlTibMIZ1MH840/s1600/1521522_10202165383209654_1122048957_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6qIkTfRM35bd2WKIGVAmtgtlIMRx7ZgCd80ydXMCbra6QnrqpRokzkT3VB21H8x2Y0xnwkSRvSivEQVW4AsUa8i-2SJxPoUZOrpdDiDk9T_oTFaZ4su95XrZ8lj-AfxlTibMIZ1MH840/s1600/1521522_10202165383209654_1122048957_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Raising RT babies in a more humid environment for the first year or two
has been shown to give them much more even growth. After the 2nd year (or once
they reach 4" SCL) they no longer need nighttime heat. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><u>OUTDOOR SPACE</u></b>:</div>
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Tortoises require UVB light to grow healthy bones and shells, and the
very best source of UVB is natural sunlight. Because of this, I try to provide
at least 30 minutes of outdoor time to the babies any time it is at least 70
degrees outside. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><i>IMPORTANT:</i></b><i> Baby tortoises
can overheat very easily! Please never leave them unattended on a hot day.
Please ALWAYS place their outdoor bin in a location that is half shaded, half
in the sun. If necessary, you can move the bin as the sun moves. Frequent
misting will help prevent the babies from drying out. Please also be mindful of
other animals or children that might harm your baby tortoise!<o:p></o:p></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsygacJG-ExJWJA20UP9L7UrU9x6CpeaaQ1ZSB7hHFqS2qYRSWXhnHNki9DN2OZEE0bb1xo2H72gZnI96XGxNvBJQtkJhjAiuJL7WmFcD96xaJk4GKOTkcEloTkSjlcg9Ubmkmr2s2eNk/s1600/DSC_6692+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsygacJG-ExJWJA20UP9L7UrU9x6CpeaaQ1ZSB7hHFqS2qYRSWXhnHNki9DN2OZEE0bb1xo2H72gZnI96XGxNvBJQtkJhjAiuJL7WmFcD96xaJk4GKOTkcEloTkSjlcg9Ubmkmr2s2eNk/s1600/DSC_6692+-+Copy.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i></div>
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<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_12" o:spid="_x0000_s1035"
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</i><span style="background: #FCFCFF; color: #141414;">I made a planted outdoor
rubbermaid bin that the babies spent 30 mins to 3 hours in daily during the
Summer. Before adding the dirt, I drilled several drainage holes into the
bottom. This helps prevent flooding. The hides are made of plastic flower pots
that I cut in half, and layered several inches of dirt over top for insulation.
The tortoises really enjoyed climbing the little hills! The water dish is
similar to the one in the indoor enclosure. I planted some succulents and weeds
in there, placed more moss, and I also spread some of Carolina Pet Supply’s
‘Broadleaf seed mix’ in here. Within weeks it was a jungle in there!</span><i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Here is another view of the outdoor tortoise bin, with the lid on. I
used a Dremel to cut out part of the lid, drilled small holes all around, then
zip-tied hardware cloth (similar to chicken wire, but with smaller holes) into
the lid. The locking lid let in the sunshine, but prevented predators from
getting in. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY_QEVoWMONXmFTxcq-4yKsfg1Zxm25xaSV-zXFynEnpUsdevRtMdAgNxIvhDu9W23g9Mfr_PUlRA-RXFGzOX4hqp0TcIekpfHb7pLVMorcVbNxBBjiLy4qbc94yThsk1uQLATEDGk_r8/s1600/DSC_3049+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY_QEVoWMONXmFTxcq-4yKsfg1Zxm25xaSV-zXFynEnpUsdevRtMdAgNxIvhDu9W23g9Mfr_PUlRA-RXFGzOX4hqp0TcIekpfHb7pLVMorcVbNxBBjiLy4qbc94yThsk1uQLATEDGk_r8/s1600/DSC_3049+-+Copy.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_13" o:spid="_x0000_s1034"
type="#_x0000_t75" alt="DSC_3049 - Copy.JPG" style='position:absolute;
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visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square;mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;
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mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:absolute;
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<v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\5462\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image025.jpg"
o:title="DSC_3049 - Copy"/>
<w:wrap type="tight"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->One tortoise friend of mine
got a little wheeled dolly and placed the baby bin onto it. This allowed them
to wheel the bin to different locations in their yard, depending on where the
sun was! Great idea, Lynne!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 1.2pt 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><u>LIGHTING</u></b><b>: <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: #FCFCFF; color: #141414;">Because lighting for
baby tortoises is the same as for adult tortoises, please read the following
article first: </span><a href="http://tortaddiction.blogspot.com/2014/05/quick-summary-of-lighting-for-tortoises.html"><span style="background: #FCFCFF;">http://tortaddiction.blogspot.com/2014/05/quick-summary-of-lighting-for-tortoises.html</span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 1.2pt 0in 0.0001pt;">
Baby tortoises require
basking light (95 degrees F at shell height), a UVB source (either separate
from the basking light, or an all-in-one MVB such as the Powersun), and a heat
source for their hot humid hide. DO NOT use the coil-style UVB bulbs because
they are also known to cause damage to tortoise’s eyes. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape
id="Picture_x0020_38" o:spid="_x0000_s1033" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="shelf bracket.jpg"
style='position:absolute;margin-left:1.5pt;margin-top:1.55pt;width:84.75pt;
height:84.75pt;z-index:-6;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square;
mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt;
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<v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\5462\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image027.jpg"
o:title="shelf bracket"/>
<w:wrap type="tight"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->When setting up an
enclosure, I securely install L-shaped shelf brackets (from Home Depot) onto
the wall, and use wire and/or a small chain to hang the basking light and the
CHE. I DO NOT rely on the clamps that often come with the lamps. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrfVL9-oyB8mXCP0pKwAi72AhxiNH1tzQv-a5lyG8m4ThqYXGpjhMUFrul-Sjth8GPI9l8zKj_7v8-r2tFVXkZExAbOW4obTWGFdwD2KUQFN_adtAhQR5FWCqSNjiSNHbc5n0rBS__0dg/s1600/shelf+bracket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrfVL9-oyB8mXCP0pKwAi72AhxiNH1tzQv-a5lyG8m4ThqYXGpjhMUFrul-Sjth8GPI9l8zKj_7v8-r2tFVXkZExAbOW4obTWGFdwD2KUQFN_adtAhQR5FWCqSNjiSNHbc5n0rBS__0dg/s1600/shelf+bracket.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 1.2pt 0in 0.0001pt;">
I have all my lights (NOT
the CHE) plugged into a timer to turn them on/off.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 1.2pt 0in 0.0001pt;">
<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape
id="Picture_x0020_16" o:spid="_x0000_s1032" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="Bobbye1.jpg"
style='position:absolute;margin-left:1.5pt;margin-top:1.3pt;width:259.5pt;
height:195pt;z-index:-7;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square;
mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt;
mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:absolute;
mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;mso-position-vertical:absolute;
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o:title="Bobbye1"/>
<w:wrap type="tight"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->Here is a creative solution
my friend Bobbye came up with for hanging the lights. She bought the shelf
brackets that can be used with a hang bar! I have seen a similar set-up where
the tortoise keeper used S-hooks to suspend the lights off of the bar. I love
this, because it allows you to move the lights back and forth as needed, and
you can adjust the height, too. <br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmuECBLaGfSMfx0kLAc8eqY_By1CoLJHxxdlreou_ZYVIBO2uRvoNI5N89mKVMoImhGvZ66Qj6tFa9yydaWc4MQ_9h59PvOHM6f7oVLpRhgS752ID-jl_eGmxRfzE6qOh7bK6trJ8oIc/s1600/Bobbye1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmuECBLaGfSMfx0kLAc8eqY_By1CoLJHxxdlreou_ZYVIBO2uRvoNI5N89mKVMoImhGvZ66Qj6tFa9yydaWc4MQ_9h59PvOHM6f7oVLpRhgS752ID-jl_eGmxRfzE6qOh7bK6trJ8oIc/s1600/Bobbye1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(photo used with permission from Bobbye)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
For a glass
tank, if I am using a tube-style UVB light, I lay the fixture across the top
and secure it with duct tape on either end. In a rubbermaid tub, I hang the UVB
light fixture by drilling some small holes into the long wall of the rubbermaid,
and feeding zip ties through it. The fixture has holes, or you can loop the zip
tie all the way around the fixture on each end. The UVB tube should end up
being 12-13" above the top of the substrate to be effective. .<span style="background: #FCFCFF; color: #141414;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_24" o:spid="_x0000_s1031"
type="#_x0000_t75" alt="CCI11152014_0000 (2).jpg" style='position:absolute;
margin-left:-26.25pt;margin-top:19.5pt;width:260.5pt;height:186pt;z-index:-11;
visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square;mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;
mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt;
mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:absolute;
mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;mso-position-vertical:absolute;
mso-position-vertical-relative:text' wrapcoords="-124 0 -124 21426 21641 21426 21641 0 -124 0">
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<w:wrap type="tight"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="background: #FCFCFF; color: #141414;">Here are a few diagrams, as seen from
above and from the side, of possible set-ups:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk11QQa2m61FIcNKB6k8IPC4gHwf7Sl4Uk4wGGxtb1dv0V6jvcSP1GDG5m3nvaAE9Yy-l3I62_uE172KmkB5MfvbvqbCU51uFwTE1yvfgViCiW7j8I7fiQFeahrbU0crTPijMOCP9RzDI/s1600/CCI11152014_0000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk11QQa2m61FIcNKB6k8IPC4gHwf7Sl4Uk4wGGxtb1dv0V6jvcSP1GDG5m3nvaAE9Yy-l3I62_uE172KmkB5MfvbvqbCU51uFwTE1yvfgViCiW7j8I7fiQFeahrbU0crTPijMOCP9RzDI/s1600/CCI11152014_0000.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view from top</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhtZkoz9FgLzdxtbPwwwmAFcwz5Ap6APMwFB9Z-3p0kWfGrdpD-BuOrpoWOTJ2-N6QkT_O37JV59YvtCRpkifN-C-4-KqDVdMVWoFAPPf44kwL20mt1rMVN_JbK9WxfjaYWiorlWk1rX4/s1600/CCI11152014_0000+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhtZkoz9FgLzdxtbPwwwmAFcwz5Ap6APMwFB9Z-3p0kWfGrdpD-BuOrpoWOTJ2-N6QkT_O37JV59YvtCRpkifN-C-4-KqDVdMVWoFAPPf44kwL20mt1rMVN_JbK9WxfjaYWiorlWk1rX4/s1600/CCI11152014_0000+(2).jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from front</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
If you plan to use a 40gal
glass tank, I would use a 75W household bulb for basking, in combination with
the tube-style UVB light. If you are setting up a 54gal Rubbermaid bin, or a
75gal glass tank (or larger), I would use the 100W Powersun MVB, which produces
heat and UVB.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 1.2pt 0in 0.0001pt;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 1.2pt 0in 0.0001pt;">
I order my lighting supplies
online, because this is cheaper than going to a pet store. I'll provide a list
below that I've put together. No pressure to get those exact items, I just know
that 'new' tortoise keepers sometimes like to get specific information
sometimes. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 1.2pt 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
This <b>UVB light</b> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Exo-Terra-Repti-Glo-Fluorescent-15-Watt/dp/B0006346G0/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1413596383&sr=8-4&keywords=exo+terra+repti+glo">http://www.amazon.com/Exo-Terra-Repti-Glo-Fluorescent-15-Watt/dp/B0006346G0/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1413596383&sr=8-4&keywords=exo+terra+repti+glo</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
in this
fixture: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HJ75PW/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER">http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HJ75PW/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER</a> (you remove the
plastic cover)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 1.2pt 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
A <b>regular household light bulb</b> (75W) such
as this:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/GE-Lamps-41032-75-Watt-4-Pack/dp/B000X7T6O6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1413596854&sr=8-1&keywords=75+watt+light+bulb">http://www.amazon.com/GE-Lamps-41032-75-Watt-4-Pack/dp/B000X7T6O6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1413596854&sr=8-1&keywords=75+watt+light+bulb</a> with this
fixture: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Zilla-11596-Premium-Reflector-150-Watt/dp/B005OCWP1Q/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1413596720&sr=8-3&keywords=ceramic+light+fixture">Zilla
11596 8-1/2-Inch Premium Reflector Dome For Up to 150-Watt Bulbs, Black</a> (later
when you have a larger enclosure you can switch to using an all-in-one bulb
like the 100W Powersun, but for the small baby enclosure, 100W ends up being
too much). You can also get a fixture at ACE Hardware etc - just make sure the
socket is ceramic. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 1.2pt 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
For the first
2 or so years, baby requires a hot humid hide. I use either a <b>60W CHE</b> (ceramic heat emitter) like
this<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-ReptiCare-Ceramic-Infrared/dp/B0002AQCPK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1413596425&sr=8-2&keywords=ceramic+heat+emitter">http://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-ReptiCare-Ceramic-Infrared/dp/B0002AQCPK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1413596425&sr=8-2&keywords=ceramic+heat+emitter</a> and you can use a
smaller ceramic dome fixture for this, since the CHE is only 60W. Alternatively,
you can use a heat pad under the tank where the hot humid hide is. To regulate
the temperature, the <b>Hydrofarm
thermostat</b> is by far the best: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NZZG3S/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_9?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER">http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NZZG3S/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_9?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER</a> - this is important,
because both heat pads and CHE will otherwise overheat. You can use a smaller
ceramic dome fixture for this, since the CHE is only 60W.<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm64WcGY5wURXb-obG9fGULhCFzI8MFS1SVUKYk1x8EjlQz9eKm5L4g6EhoW0fGeGwW6hH54wq_ojani9ZyrD8_e3lyHy1Plq-n80Wa2VXsLJCU8KQ4lIXZLB6iOEw1-UiAGkhGQzjVC4/s1600/temp+gun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm64WcGY5wURXb-obG9fGULhCFzI8MFS1SVUKYk1x8EjlQz9eKm5L4g6EhoW0fGeGwW6hH54wq_ojani9ZyrD8_e3lyHy1Plq-n80Wa2VXsLJCU8KQ4lIXZLB6iOEw1-UiAGkhGQzjVC4/s1600/temp+gun.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
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o:title="temp gun"/>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
You also want
to get a <b>temp gun</b> so you can check
the temperature immediately under the basking spot. Here's the one I have used
for several years and love: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Etekcity%C2%AE-Digital-Infrared-Thermometer-Laser/dp/B00837ZGRY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1413596915&sr=8-1&keywords=etekcity+temperature+gun">Etekcity®
774 (ETC 8380) Digital Infrared (IR) Thermometer with Laser Sight, -58~+716°F,
12:1 D:S, Instant-read Temperature Gun, Battery Included</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
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<b><u>DIET<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
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Baby tortoises should be fed the same <b>widely varied diet of edible leaves and weeds</b> <b>and greens</b> and flowers that an adult eats. Special care should be
taken to provide maximum nutrition. Here is a link to The Tortoise Table’s
printable plant booklet: <a href="http://www.thetortoisetable.org.uk/site/files/Edible%20doc%203rd%20edition_2013_condensed.pdf">http://www.thetortoisetable.org.uk/site/files/Edible%20doc%203rd%20edition_2013_condensed.pdf</a></div>
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The Tortoise Table database is also an excellent resource when checking
if plants are safe to feed your tortoise. Please always err on the side of
caution!</div>
<br />
We are lucky to have weeds here most of the year, so I feed cat's tongue, thistle (sow thistle, mostly), hawksbit, plantain, mallow, grape leaves, and hibiscus leaves and flowers, violet leaves and flowers, sedum, daylily flowers, miner’s lettuce, dead nettle, rose petals (only from untreated, unfertilized plants), turnip greens, and many other plants on the 'safe' list of The Tortoise Table database. I add in some dandelions, but only when there aren't other things. If you don't have access to weeds during the winter, you can feed mustard greens, kale, and collard greens. Opuntia cactus (called ‘nopales’ in Hispanic grocery stores) is high in calcium, and can be added to the diet occasionally. There are many other tortoise-safe weeds that may be available throughout the year that I did not mention here.<br />
<br />
I don’t give the babies any lettuce, just because the nutritional value isn't great, but if you find yourself in a bind, that would be an option, too. <br />
<br />
I don't chop any of it up, or even tear it up. I like to make them work a little bit to get their food.<br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #141823; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">A rule of thumb is to give them a pile of food about the size of their
shell. As long as babies are kept nice and humid, and the food you offer is
healthy, you can allow them to eat their fill - if the food is all gone by
mid-day, it's totally fine to give them a second helping. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitJe0Ht0KQr3KDoM_AmNpw2AyCOxeGtXXOLA3VEelET7vNEdYexS_ns1b9J2aoTUPj7F7xVzjrS5Om1FNX74GVXxpFeUL5wEJYEUY0oRh0UcSnlGjpqmQ1GpAvjVqi2qB9ky3wGuhDPJk/s1600/DSC_5188+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitJe0Ht0KQr3KDoM_AmNpw2AyCOxeGtXXOLA3VEelET7vNEdYexS_ns1b9J2aoTUPj7F7xVzjrS5Om1FNX74GVXxpFeUL5wEJYEUY0oRh0UcSnlGjpqmQ1GpAvjVqi2qB9ky3wGuhDPJk/s1600/DSC_5188+-+Copy.JPG" height="278" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(a few examples of edible weeds)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
I have never fed any factory-made foods (mazuri or Zoomed grassland or other), simply because it's not necessary here, and because I don’t trust the formulation. I prefer to cook from scratch for my human kids, so it made more sense to go the natural route for the babies as well. If you do feed mazuri, I won't judge – please do your research!<br />
<div>
<br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #141823; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">I do not feed ANY fruit, and only very occasionally (1x per month) feed
a vegetable such as a bit of pumpkin, winter squash, or a bit of carrot, for
the vitamin A in it. Fruit is too high in sugar, and not only can become
addicting, but it can also harm a tortoise’s gut. It also creates a favorable
environment in the gut for parasites (worms and flagellates) to thrive. If I want
to give my tortoises a ‘treat’ I give them a flower, or an especially juicy
sedum leaf, or a slice of opuntia cactus. </span><br />
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<b><u>SUPPLEMENTATION<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
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I sprinkle TNT
(Carolina Pet Supply) 3x per week, and calcium powder 2x per week. <span style="background: #FCFCFF; color: #141414;">I also have cuttlefish bone (which is
available in the bird aisle of the pet store) in there, to which I have seen
them help themselves. </span>The babies also have a home-made calcium block available in their
enclosure, which they like (instructions: <a href="http://tortaddiction.blogspot.com/2014/10/how-to-make-home-made-calcium-blocks.html">http://tortaddiction.blogspot.com/2014/10/how-to-make-home-made-calcium-blocks.html</a>). <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><u>SOAKING</u></b><span style="background: white; color: #141823; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Baby tortoises have less body mass, and as a result, are more prone to
dehydration. Even if babies frequently self-soak in their water dishes, it is
recommended to soak them every day when they are very small, and every other
day once they are a few months old. Tortoises need water to maintain good
hydration and for proper organ function.</div>
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<br /></div>
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A soaking container should have tall enough sides that your tortoise
can’t climb out. The water should be lukewarm and shallow, just about up to the
seam where the top shell (carapace) meets the bottom shell (plastron). </div>
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Some people put a washrag into the soaking container, to provide a
little more footing to the tortoise. A soak should last about 20 minutes – you
may need to change the water if it gets too soiled, or too chilly. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRqJTzVBBVo37K5T8j_ovQUpgapQYhYzAUrtGYTzS5qpnzWXia_YrdV1kAeuAN_al7FsW_YKfSF4Kjvu0hIoTbLrr-Ml_gO9xsSMX50xIw-uayoyjre1CGDyuN6TB6w5whYCsE9DJHFx0/s1600/DSC_8103+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRqJTzVBBVo37K5T8j_ovQUpgapQYhYzAUrtGYTzS5qpnzWXia_YrdV1kAeuAN_al7FsW_YKfSF4Kjvu0hIoTbLrr-Ml_gO9xsSMX50xIw-uayoyjre1CGDyuN6TB6w5whYCsE9DJHFx0/s1600/DSC_8103+-+Copy.JPG" height="285" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->We
soak our baby tortoises during breakfast. This is fun for the kids (‘breakfast
buddies’!), and it also makes it easy for us to keep an eye on them to ensure
they don’t flip over and/or drown. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Tortoises will often poop during their soak. They will also often
release urates – which are a white creamy (or lightly granular) substance. Both
are perfectly normal.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><u><span style="background: #FCFCFF; color: #141414;">DAILY CARE ROUTINE</span></u></b><span style="background: #FCFCFF; color: #141414;"><br />
</span>Several people have asked me what my daily routine is with the
tortoises, since it does take a little bit of time to care of tortoises
properly. I have found that associating tortoise care with our regular daily
activities makes it easy to find a good routine. </div>
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In the morning the lights turn on by themselves, controlled by a timer.
After getting dressed, I get the babies and their soiled water dishes out of
their enclosure. I place the tortoises in their soaking containers, and I clean
the water dishes. The baby tortoises soak while we eat breakfast. After about
20 minutes (during which I’ve also fixed school lunch for kids, and made sure
they brushed their teeth etc), I put the babies back into their enclosure. I
give them a nice big pile of weeds (sprinkled with TNT), and mist the
enclosures thoroughly with warm water. Then we go about normal morning
activities.<br />
Mid-morning my youngest and I usually go outside on a walk or into our yard to
pick weeds for the next day. When we get home, I mist the babies again, wash
and pack up the weeds, and continue with our day. Sometime in the afternoon I
check on the babies, mist them, and if they have eaten all their food, I give
them a second pile of weeds. Before starting dinner, I usually mist them one
more time, and the lights turn out around 7pm. </div>
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I weigh them about once every 2 weeks. The pill bugs take care of most
of the clean-up in the enclosures. As needed I replace sphagnum moss, rearrange
tortoise furniture (if e.g. they outgrow things, or they climb on things
dangerously), add new plants, etc.</div>
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<br /></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><b>A note</b>: Our tortoises are used to
normal family activities around them. Their enclosures are in our living room,
and the kids play around them, are loud, and watch them. They sit on our dining
table for their morning soak, with little faces peeking down at them. However,
I minimize how much we actually touch and handle the tortoises. I believe that
observing them in a natural habitat is more beneficial than constantly actively
interacting or playing with them. As I check on them throughout the day, I
might place one of them that I’ve noticed has been sitting on the cool end for
a long time into the hot humid hide. But for the most part, I just let them do
their own tortoise thing. Please don’t handle your baby too often – this can
cause stress, which can lead to them eating less, which can slow down their
development. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><u>KEEPING MORE THAN ONE?<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
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Tortoises, especially Russian tortoises, are very territorial, and can
become violent towards others of their kind. Sometimes bullying is more subtle,
but just as deadly. I do not recommend keeping more than one tortoise in an
enclosure once they are older than two years. I definitely do not recommend
keeping a baby tortoise together with an adult tortoise!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-ic_qjigGOBjEzOME2BVQCiUleqVMO36uqua58AsH5v-qIgmdodgo_T1BESCV7hOAv7PEWnD8CJkEaT6vC1a1LanlM9c8uURGWTalHNmMh5EwOmrR5jgjbRlDoz8c-VwVMeQiXub6Ew/s1600/DSC_7425+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-ic_qjigGOBjEzOME2BVQCiUleqVMO36uqua58AsH5v-qIgmdodgo_T1BESCV7hOAv7PEWnD8CJkEaT6vC1a1LanlM9c8uURGWTalHNmMh5EwOmrR5jgjbRlDoz8c-VwVMeQiXub6Ew/s1600/DSC_7425+-+Copy.JPG" height="285" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
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When they are babies, you can sometimes get away with keeping multiples
in an enclosure that is large enough. However, please keep a constant watchful
eye on them, to make sure both are thriving!</div>
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For more reading on the hazards of keeping 2 tortoises together, please
refer to my blog post: <a href="http://tortaddiction.blogspot.com/2013/09/why-not-to-keep-2-tortoises-together.html">http://tortaddiction.blogspot.com/2013/09/why-not-to-keep-2-tortoises-together.html</a></div>
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If you have the resources to provide individual set-ups that are large
enough, and you have the time to care for multiple tortoises… obviously there
is no reason not to have more than one tortoise… just don’t house them together
as adults!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>Disclaimer:</i></b><i> This care sheet has been compiled based on
information I have gained from more experienced breeders/tortoise keepers, such
as Melissa, and Tom, Gary, Tim, and others (THANK
YOU!). There are excellent care sheets available e.g. on the Tortoise Forum (</i><a href="http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #3b5998; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/</span></i></a><i>). </i>I have written this care sheet
because I know some of you want more detail, and so that you will have
something printable in hand, with detailed pictures. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><u>Resources for further
reading: <br />
</u></b>Melissa’s Russian tortoise care sheet, posted on the Russian Owners
Facebook group (you may have to join the group to view it): <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/2209332828/10152298625877829/">https://www.facebook.com/groups/2209332828/10152298625877829/</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Please feel free to join the Facebook group “Russian Tortoise Owners” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Joe Heinen’s page on RTs: <a href="http://www.russiantortoise.net/">www.russiantortoise.net</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
The Tortoise Forum: <a href="http://www.tortoiseforum.org/">www.tortoiseforum.org</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Tom’s care sheet: <a href="http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/">http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Shelled Warriors: <a href="http://www.shelledwarriors.co.uk/">www.shelledwarriors.co.uk</a></div>
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The Tortoise Table (info on plants): <a href="http://www.thetortoisetable.org.uk/">http://www.thetortoisetable.org.uk/</a></div>
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The Tortoise Trust (good info on hibernating etc.): <a href="http://www.tortoisetrust.org/">http://www.tortoisetrust.org/</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
My tortoise blog: <a href="http://www.tortaddiction.blogspot.com/">www.tortaddiction.blogspot.com</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Carolina Pet Supply: <a href="http://www.carolinapetsupply.com/">http://www.carolinapetsupply.com</a>
(to order TNT and seed mixes from)</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i>Please never hesitate to ask questions!<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5850325851175543438.post-79481301237086439652014-11-09T21:56:00.001-08:002014-11-09T21:56:49.527-08:00Lady's first egg hatched today!Lady's first egg finally hatched! She is a healthy and perfect little Russian tortoise hatchling, and weighs 16g.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8v0OLK_bw5UU9OsxNu5infefkd19l7NpB4cvWCRwGkk1C-duZ1_R9CNGDywQjxK96LCFoE99x48jLYNtnsLzrkTs8Vqu7mrsbQD3w38gBb8EFXAYuAvrKK_rw1WedpRdWvhUM8h00Z9g/s1600/DSC_8039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8v0OLK_bw5UU9OsxNu5infefkd19l7NpB4cvWCRwGkk1C-duZ1_R9CNGDywQjxK96LCFoE99x48jLYNtnsLzrkTs8Vqu7mrsbQD3w38gBb8EFXAYuAvrKK_rw1WedpRdWvhUM8h00Z9g/s1600/DSC_8039.JPG" height="357" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally out! </td></tr>
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This wee baby had NO hurry to get out of her egg. She didn't pip until day 68, and then she sat in there, looking out of the little hole she had made, for 3 days! When we came home from church today, she was finally out of her egg.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuevbFM3m8u58F2hm9CYg_KL8zXX9vBp7HDZ-QNpUnD_Im5Lszcp8L4EaaPCYU5nick0VOrcPQNzkz9yNO6fjKATbdI6HG07NPh-M5bQHfRUA6iR4QgHQBsvh0dVZXWFQYSJhIzWI2fHI/s1600/DSC_8043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuevbFM3m8u58F2hm9CYg_KL8zXX9vBp7HDZ-QNpUnD_Im5Lszcp8L4EaaPCYU5nick0VOrcPQNzkz9yNO6fjKATbdI6HG07NPh-M5bQHfRUA6iR4QgHQBsvh0dVZXWFQYSJhIzWI2fHI/s1600/DSC_8043.JPG" height="343" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lopsided shape will even out in a few days</td></tr>
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She was rolled diagonally inside the egg, so she is still quite lopsided, but that will even out as her shell hardens, and she'll be a normal little oval baby. Look at her little nuchal scute (it's the one right above her head) - it's split in half, making it look like a perfect little heart!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSaSvDxsAwWw00M6riVHPnXEpMcsIE3vV4ClUV3jEKwz6rRHM1_inUyBIvWXxwbqIUe5hHLIYnJe91XOJl2A0hXxQqfXV6dxZz0zphSThMWvA0u1kvgiVhiW0i5CPnfvZKoKv9QU_C7jQ/s1600/DSC_8041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSaSvDxsAwWw00M6riVHPnXEpMcsIE3vV4ClUV3jEKwz6rRHM1_inUyBIvWXxwbqIUe5hHLIYnJe91XOJl2A0hXxQqfXV6dxZz0zphSThMWvA0u1kvgiVhiW0i5CPnfvZKoKv9QU_C7jQ/s1600/DSC_8041.JPG" height="285" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">16 g of pure cuteness</td></tr>
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She is dark, and very domed. Her Mom and Dad are both sunflower yellow with black markings, and very domed, so she's going to be a beauty!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5850325851175543438.post-21447159315498598092014-11-01T21:25:00.000-07:002014-11-01T21:25:17.021-07:00Dissection of a failed tortoise eggYesterday my son and I dissected a Russian tortoise egg that had stopped developing and dried out. Inside we found moldy icky stuff, but also a tiny blue tortoise fetus about 1.5cm long. It was truly amazing to see how fully formed it was, with tiny claws, little scales, closed eyes, a stubby tail, a little beak, and all the scutes on its shell.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEismJtLLktnJ5DoYP7xmpYRxuGgaCDvTUrv71UhSWt9AU1rnKfDGdZ-B56b3KFIYGPxUsxzNVJksGLx52Nv85a5S5ajoXG1Qw1z2N1-mflFkE2UIDKDa40CaR-HhP4cQj6qsU3lkpgujgU/s1600/DSC_8017+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEismJtLLktnJ5DoYP7xmpYRxuGgaCDvTUrv71UhSWt9AU1rnKfDGdZ-B56b3KFIYGPxUsxzNVJksGLx52Nv85a5S5ajoXG1Qw1z2N1-mflFkE2UIDKDa40CaR-HhP4cQj6qsU3lkpgujgU/s1600/DSC_8017+-+Copy.JPG" height="316" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My fingernail and the foot of a tiny penny-sized tortoise fetus from a failed egg.</td></tr>
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Since not everyone enjoys reading about or seeing pictures of this kind of thing, I am not creating a blog post about it here. However, if you would like to see pictures (no gore, just a tiny fully-formed penny-sized blue tortoise fetus), here is a link to my article on the Tortoise Forum: "<a href="http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/egg-dissection-of-dried-up-dud-egg-revealed-tiny-dead-rt-fetus-warning-graphic-pics.104931/" target="_blank">Egg dissection</a>"Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5850325851175543438.post-7620542429944209712014-10-23T16:59:00.001-07:002014-10-23T17:05:57.492-07:00Pip pip pip! First Fall Russian tortoise baby hatched!I am so excited to share with you that Mila's first egg hatched last week! This was the first time she ever laid, and the egg was quite large, at 30g. 63 days incubating at 89 degrees F later, the egg pipped (which means the shell started to crack where baby was pushing through).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7MJOQSYGtOziQfqVywnVt196RGPeg0XTm78PMfRmr1nYY-ylNetuu1hwt8GG0iAwmmVHGSoZxTz-v4pAkwld55HJbhal69MM5Cnxn0X5Bcf7Is2hGvr-9milDcoM3Uq3hcl2leYzPrk/s1600/DSC_7683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7MJOQSYGtOziQfqVywnVt196RGPeg0XTm78PMfRmr1nYY-ylNetuu1hwt8GG0iAwmmVHGSoZxTz-v4pAkwld55HJbhal69MM5Cnxn0X5Bcf7Is2hGvr-9milDcoM3Uq3hcl2leYzPrk/s1600/DSC_7683.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do you see the tiny pip there on the left side of the egg?</td></tr>
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Tortoises, just like many other animals, hatch at their own pace, some faster, some more slowly. It is super important to let them come out on their own. If rushed (helped), a weakened, unmotivated baby may be the result, or the yolk sac may not be fully absorbed.<br />
For this reason, as hard as it is, I just moved the pipping egg into a separate container in the incubator, with a moist paper towel, and then left it alone.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgipt3iTF92MY6DKVxAIPPVHH1gUv764m_b5Zopmj-9PSu6gF0eE4AtEq_VvuTa0NkwdjZQokylbXrZrMf_HWJp3k-JHdxMWgyTfB_Yi2m57tGUBZxDBPEc3gmLkwhiTr9wVbYZvpsC8Dw/s1600/DSC_7695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgipt3iTF92MY6DKVxAIPPVHH1gUv764m_b5Zopmj-9PSu6gF0eE4AtEq_VvuTa0NkwdjZQokylbXrZrMf_HWJp3k-JHdxMWgyTfB_Yi2m57tGUBZxDBPEc3gmLkwhiTr9wVbYZvpsC8Dw/s1600/DSC_7695.JPG" height="285" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1.5 days later, the head and front leg are out</td></tr>
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This baby took its time to hatch: one and a half days later, a tiny head and an arm were hanging out of the egg. It was responsive to light shining into the incubator, and was clearly breathing, so I continued to just leave the wee tyke alone.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_81yBq3blVy47_3X_GKEj7ydOTHdh6SVXD_XH5gtpVXHyf7w2z4NaNTVziJpuq4b3keAqVpp890NlkFCpmAgtM1pXN6a0otnBXgVXZnvDb13q669erjTy9KAKO6hN1FtODwSkqfSMFM/s1600/DSC_7699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_81yBq3blVy47_3X_GKEj7ydOTHdh6SVXD_XH5gtpVXHyf7w2z4NaNTVziJpuq4b3keAqVpp890NlkFCpmAgtM1pXN6a0otnBXgVXZnvDb13q669erjTy9KAKO6hN1FtODwSkqfSMFM/s1600/DSC_7699.JPG" height="285" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">48 hours after first pip, Mila's baby is out!</td></tr>
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Finally, 48 hours after pipping, Mila's baby finished hatching and burst out of her shell! Looking at her through the window of the incubator, she looked very fat and more domed than Timmy's Spring hatchlings.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioPrOaqqinDsA3opffAWFigzL7ifqDDYSwX3u7geygHKNivKYrYyCcrwQFWN8TstBtVHFSitvbsb6cWXhfeDPZ0icqWDtMagf6mveJdFce-RNVpmjD_1h80kjX8iDcx856UP30k3wse98/s1600/DSC_5458+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioPrOaqqinDsA3opffAWFigzL7ifqDDYSwX3u7geygHKNivKYrYyCcrwQFWN8TstBtVHFSitvbsb6cWXhfeDPZ0icqWDtMagf6mveJdFce-RNVpmjD_1h80kjX8iDcx856UP30k3wse98/s1600/DSC_5458+-+Copy.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mila, the baby's Mama</td></tr>
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As a reminder, I posted a picture of Mila above - she has a pretty greenish shell that is unusually domed. When I got Mila's baby out of the incubator to give her a quick look-over, I could see that she resembled her mother a lot!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFNSpuiC7apxa_nr-L7CbtPclmaox8y_GlpA49rLmPOAV8VOX5azRRdvmwdxchtK_RxiaYqHbfbImrsMC9Y-KxpyO4-MLb3KMSzc0PEyrcnEcRfpO4lyrT_4cjNFd1vknDmct5tjJvRps/s1600/DSC_7702+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFNSpuiC7apxa_nr-L7CbtPclmaox8y_GlpA49rLmPOAV8VOX5azRRdvmwdxchtK_RxiaYqHbfbImrsMC9Y-KxpyO4-MLb3KMSzc0PEyrcnEcRfpO4lyrT_4cjNFd1vknDmct5tjJvRps/s1600/DSC_7702+-+Copy.JPG" height="285" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hatched Oct. 15th, perfect, fat, and weighing 20g!</td></tr>
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This wee girl surprised me with her size - at 20g she is quite large for a Russian tortoise hatchling. She has fat rolls on her legs, she has a double chin, her shell is very domed, and my favorite part: she has a handlebar mustache!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2rw-Gu0bxTQwvKuRdZNNDqx3abtbwBsBxVrjd36XgPPiULcHHhX9aeA3__CasvvOvtxU67zdUagnHAerWor6_zU-QNsDNN64nddG6VOVe2szz8HZ4HOApLxeBzMZJkW9BmGAGfYKpwMM/s1600/DSC_7703+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2rw-Gu0bxTQwvKuRdZNNDqx3abtbwBsBxVrjd36XgPPiULcHHhX9aeA3__CasvvOvtxU67zdUagnHAerWor6_zU-QNsDNN64nddG6VOVe2szz8HZ4HOApLxeBzMZJkW9BmGAGfYKpwMM/s1600/DSC_7703+-+Copy.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pretty greenish-brownish shell like her Mama</td></tr>
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I am so proud that Mila is a Momma now. I am also happy (and a little surprised!) that Mila's huge, very elongated egg hatched out a perfect baby.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSUniKUHvB-IuJa0JO3Ilc7pm5DXKtqiwyEWxfUp1ZQEPO7N6aAKwm42MKvXP2iar5QiuAyIMsXTHjaFJ8k0xtnGCmLs_kcDWju3Yoyiidqc_wBVm5278ZQlItBafcobTQ1F8jVg_DkDs/s1600/DSC_7704+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSUniKUHvB-IuJa0JO3Ilc7pm5DXKtqiwyEWxfUp1ZQEPO7N6aAKwm42MKvXP2iar5QiuAyIMsXTHjaFJ8k0xtnGCmLs_kcDWju3Yoyiidqc_wBVm5278ZQlItBafcobTQ1F8jVg_DkDs/s1600/DSC_7704+-+Copy.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cute little belly, with the yolk sac mostly absorbed</td></tr>
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Baby's belly markings look like a clover leaf. Her yolk sac was mostly absorbed when she hatched - confirming that she knew what she was doing when she waited to come out of her egg.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidcrHyq7ntuinFGEfcRW3kqlR-kGZo23OrFTO2Tr-jkwXbLnscA4SWVroH52G7uvV65sZtYMyAHOzrhtELhYJr6CvvBSLA9BOnLchB9IHL__TqlszHgsbXh1GBtD81EuJ8kHshhLwflKs/s1600/DSC_7705+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidcrHyq7ntuinFGEfcRW3kqlR-kGZo23OrFTO2Tr-jkwXbLnscA4SWVroH52G7uvV65sZtYMyAHOzrhtELhYJr6CvvBSLA9BOnLchB9IHL__TqlszHgsbXh1GBtD81EuJ8kHshhLwflKs/s1600/DSC_7705+-+Copy.JPG" height="285" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having her first soak</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After 4-5 days in the incubator with daily soaks and mistings, I moved the baby into the baby enclosure. She is a little go-getter, very quick, and very curious. I see her scrambling all over the enclosure, burrowing down into the moist moss at night and several times throughout the day. She also takes teenie tiny bites out of tender greens.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevIyL72wF5cfbd3-r0bf-Wz-h7ycKYZuVZ4v1uJ0GPkdkCglL6BHdXp1au0Bni7Sj1dit0hXw1pPq_9LipApi4YJMyOgzcSbLxO6sEFwWONBMKdhPzJMG3J8ywk6AEfJIrLMT0dMu9bc/s1600/DSC_7880+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevIyL72wF5cfbd3-r0bf-Wz-h7ycKYZuVZ4v1uJ0GPkdkCglL6BHdXp1au0Bni7Sj1dit0hXw1pPq_9LipApi4YJMyOgzcSbLxO6sEFwWONBMKdhPzJMG3J8ywk6AEfJIrLMT0dMu9bc/s1600/DSC_7880+-+Copy.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo shoot with a dandelion</td></tr>
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We got lucky last weekend with some amazing sunny weather, so I brought all the tortoises outside for some time in the natural sunlight. I took some pictures of Mila's baby next to a dandelion. Cute little green fatty!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmSLeEbCwokRsd-jgicxCNuRi2vUYYO4HBUGT4GRotkLTqp4jZi5g87RbFnYS4ezpV1NH7iSKbRaEPQNlxpesdppncHbuHx99MQZgcxYM2sct6W2lfdg2VEeFtwwaJjknTsQMJaTGKJA/s1600/DSC_7883+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmSLeEbCwokRsd-jgicxCNuRi2vUYYO4HBUGT4GRotkLTqp4jZi5g87RbFnYS4ezpV1NH7iSKbRaEPQNlxpesdppncHbuHx99MQZgcxYM2sct6W2lfdg2VEeFtwwaJjknTsQMJaTGKJA/s1600/DSC_7883+-+Copy.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So tiny, but already on the go!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
...it was hard to get a good picture of her, because she was moving around so much. "Here I come, world!" she seemed to be thinking. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5850325851175543438.post-66279371223225251302014-10-19T21:28:00.002-07:002014-11-12T22:24:18.441-08:00Updated Baby Russian tortoise pics<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Russian tortoise babies are getting so big! Duchess hatched at the end of May weighing 14g, and now weighs 59g at not quite 5 months old. I thought you might like some pictures of Duchess (Timmy's Spring baby #2), who is the hatchling I'm keeping.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCt6dv0m9fDaRk-EKpOKcWEFMWoqyDjsH2PgoDDRiVVHVNEG4pYTpX1glAd7uB16juj574VFZSgj6w43RNjeFGBVnN5-dJjK2dOWkmgVImP_-kYvIgSS5JHPs9yEt2WzUfbCA38zPRiHM/s1600/DSC_7425+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCt6dv0m9fDaRk-EKpOKcWEFMWoqyDjsH2PgoDDRiVVHVNEG4pYTpX1glAd7uB16juj574VFZSgj6w43RNjeFGBVnN5-dJjK2dOWkmgVImP_-kYvIgSS5JHPs9yEt2WzUfbCA38zPRiHM/s1600/DSC_7425+-+Copy.JPG" height="285" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgspcEdEDjaMW6nWOFbgh1uIqOX_kYdScRSkzvbskEaV43Ros9GvaQSl38Y_Velo-D1ajUZevVqahqPHphD6ll07lyp3VveO9O-SLnrwnVhqPGZ9xeh6x3mNRMPaU6tSlN-1_CK4JSI2yM/s1600/DSC_7433+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgspcEdEDjaMW6nWOFbgh1uIqOX_kYdScRSkzvbskEaV43Ros9GvaQSl38Y_Velo-D1ajUZevVqahqPHphD6ll07lyp3VveO9O-SLnrwnVhqPGZ9xeh6x3mNRMPaU6tSlN-1_CK4JSI2yM/s400/DSC_7433+-+Copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Stay tuned for baby pictures of the brand new hatches... coming VERY soon!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5850325851175543438.post-18261275936176050862014-10-04T22:30:00.001-07:002015-03-30T11:48:02.902-07:00How to make home-made calcium blocks for tortoises<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Tortoises need <b>calcium</b> in order to build strong bones, a strong shell, and healthy organs. Ideally, they are fed a widely varied diet of nutritious weeds and dark leafy greens that have high levels of bio-available calcium in them. Adding a sprinkling of a healthy plant-based supplement such as <a href="http://www.carolinapetsupply.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=58" target="_blank">TNT</a> can help significantly. However, sometimes a tortoise's calcium requirements go beyond what is found in the plants we can provide. </div>
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Some tortoise keepers rely on <b>sprinkling calcium powder</b> on tortoise food. However, this has the danger of causing a dosage beyond what a tortoise needs, and may actually cause health problems. For this reason, I like to provide healthy tortoises with calcium sources that they can help themselves to, as needed. Tortoises seem to have a good instinct about when their body needs more calcium.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzFBoB_wMNXavouR51cWMijdHs4_oEl-1sYaHxOenN8hx6OWfHiIi6NvF0TCMrin-pw0uG0LGfct-pQ6WLwqhTzDkKY4fjfB8bQ8iU9fw29GleFgXWqPa_SN-slFmeIMJSB57vQa0upOo/s1600/DSC_2521+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzFBoB_wMNXavouR51cWMijdHs4_oEl-1sYaHxOenN8hx6OWfHiIi6NvF0TCMrin-pw0uG0LGfct-pQ6WLwqhTzDkKY4fjfB8bQ8iU9fw29GleFgXWqPa_SN-slFmeIMJSB57vQa0upOo/s1600/DSC_2521+-+Copy.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some tortoises readily eat cuttlefish bone on their own.</td></tr>
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<b>Cuttlefish bone</b> (found in the bird aisle of most pet stores, or available in bulk online) is a good option. However, not all tortoises seem to care for cuttlebone. <b>Quarry chalk</b> is a good source of calcium. It is widely available in the UK and some other countries, but is hard to come by here in the US. Finally, <b>man-made calcium blocks</b> are another good source of calcium. Some such products are available in the pet trade. However, I have found them to be <i>ridiculously expensive</i>, and they often have <i>undesirable ingredients</i> such as sugar or artificial dyes and flavors. For this reason, I did a little research, and decided to try making my own calcium blocks. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvSr1xfqhmvszvwbVxpsCih6D2TanUd5RX8Yp3EwN2ivrXaZUXVOmHVoDCvz6r8pCU2QdhU2ngQMBMmEpquoQT_njN5fNdBYzSkoeGIs2sFUS14XFpztmSG5RmeZmGfAvbrfOLYedZdTU/s1600/DSC_7300+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvSr1xfqhmvszvwbVxpsCih6D2TanUd5RX8Yp3EwN2ivrXaZUXVOmHVoDCvz6r8pCU2QdhU2ngQMBMmEpquoQT_njN5fNdBYzSkoeGIs2sFUS14XFpztmSG5RmeZmGfAvbrfOLYedZdTU/s1600/DSC_7300+-+Copy.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The home-made calcium blocks are tortoise-approved!</td></tr>
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After seeing how ridiculously easy it is to make the home-made calcium blocks, I wanted to share the recipe and procedure with you, so that you and your tortoise(s) may benefit from it as well. </div>
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First, you need to decide on the calcium source. <b>Food-grade calcium carbonate</b> (CaCO<span style="font-size: xx-small;">3</span>) is one good option, sometimes called Limestone flour (available e.g on Amazon). Another, more affordable and more easily available source is so called <b>Agricultural Lime</b> (CaCO<span style="font-size: xx-small;">3</span>) - I got it at our local feed store for $8 for a 50lb bag! Agricultural lime is produced by pulverizing limestone or chalk, and is commonly used as a soil amendment. <u>Please make sure to read the label CAREFULLY</u>: you want to make sure that it not so-called hydrated lime, that it does not contain Magnesium Carbonate, and that it does not have any other ingredients and impurities in significant amounts. Here is the kind I bought:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNxJPdEEt4nfeeSVZkvuNZv5ZaS8TJd0A4ygETtlqpYAXuTfMwwPqZy0gZwucGVWRO8GsCI33GgKyuCn047beo3VO0RcUzkS4EZLvQaKOwqSKYzQ1rOdeeRz-xIgPaTaloPWLIHcKbXM/s1600/DSC_7276+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNxJPdEEt4nfeeSVZkvuNZv5ZaS8TJd0A4ygETtlqpYAXuTfMwwPqZy0gZwucGVWRO8GsCI33GgKyuCn047beo3VO0RcUzkS4EZLvQaKOwqSKYzQ1rOdeeRz-xIgPaTaloPWLIHcKbXM/s1600/DSC_7276+-+Copy.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of many good options</td></tr>
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The only other ingredient you will need to make lime blocks is water.<br />
For tools, you will need:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>a large mixing bowl </li>
<li>a <b>sturdy</b> spoon to mix with </li>
<li>and some kind of mold that will withstand 200 degrees F (93 degrees C). I used a silicone muffin pan that I got at Goodwill for $2 </li>
<li>an oven, pre-heated to 200 degrees F (93 degrees C)</li>
</ul>
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It took a little bit of mixing and adding to find just the right consistency. Here is the ratio of ingredients that I found to work best:<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: purple;">1.5 cups of warm water</span> (H<span style="font-size: xx-small;">2</span>O)</li>
<li><span style="color: purple;">7 cups of CaCO<span style="font-size: xx-small;">3</span> powder</span> (Ok, sue me; I used a liquid measuring cup to measure the dry powder, which I know is a no-no in cooking... but in this case it worked fine, since I was just aiming for keeping track of the ratio that worked)<br /><br /><span style="color: #274e13;">NOTE</span>: Today I made the calcium blocks again, and this time it took 4.75 cups of CaCO<span style="font-size: xx-small;">3 </span>and nearly 1.5 cups of water. You may have to experiment just a tiny bit - the mixture should be mixable with a bit of muscle, but not all crumbly. It definitely should not be wet or soggy.</li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLLzdIE8z0EbCkukFaJSWpZWAgCdSa4HzLDyNnXbE4BgKN0pkYKAfZpbUcvWg2HYXMW6I4D8GBdYCLxhTFDPGFbBzjHMLNlzZepB0oE-vSJW7jVOqdGL_06k1htTb1wz8GIfGBv-Jtc_Y/s1600/DSC_7278+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLLzdIE8z0EbCkukFaJSWpZWAgCdSa4HzLDyNnXbE4BgKN0pkYKAfZpbUcvWg2HYXMW6I4D8GBdYCLxhTFDPGFbBzjHMLNlzZepB0oE-vSJW7jVOqdGL_06k1htTb1wz8GIfGBv-Jtc_Y/s1600/DSC_7278+-+Copy.JPG" height="353" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calcium Carbonate powder</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
First, I measured the Calcium Carbonate Powder into the mixing bowl. Then I made an indentation into the powder, and slowly poured the warm water into it. Then I very carefully stirred the mixture, to minimize clouds of powder flying up and all around. The mixture quickly gets very thick, so you really do need a sturdy spoon made of metal or wood. A spatula didn't cut it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfXvrAaCV3yjIJDgm2Ihv9rowGbqft-Xwdm_WysrbK7MXw4OR7bxfp93uqJaJxOsucIqnkaKMO4UBMTB87yix9u0pbO3TR7OiVSm4x28onXRNsj20vTOrgn0YclvipaoBx9TtjBlcfXHA/s1600/DSC_7279+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfXvrAaCV3yjIJDgm2Ihv9rowGbqft-Xwdm_WysrbK7MXw4OR7bxfp93uqJaJxOsucIqnkaKMO4UBMTB87yix9u0pbO3TR7OiVSm4x28onXRNsj20vTOrgn0YclvipaoBx9TtjBlcfXHA/s1600/DSC_7279+-+Copy.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yum! Calcium paste!</td></tr>
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Keep on mixing until there is no more liquid on top, and no more pockets of powder at the bottom. It will get progressively tougher to mix, and will start looking like mortar or thick plaster of Paris.<br />
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Next, spoon the Calcium Carbonate + water mixture into the molds you have chosen. The amount I made was exactly the right amount to fill all 12 wells of the muffin pan, plus 1 small cup.<br />
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<i><b>NOTE</b>: Please DO NOT dump excess slurry down your drain. It can clog your drain and/or wreck your in-sink disposal. I took the bowl outside and hosed it down. It is perfectly safe just to dump it onto your garden or your lawn. </i><br />
<i>In fact, if you don't have a lot of tortoises, and don't want to have the remnants of a 50lb bag (minus 7 cups) of agricultural lime sitting in your garage... just spread the rest into your lawn, or dig it into your flower beds or raised garden beds!</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhocvXIKW-R6rJ5rjm0PJnyeosuJAmuayCj74bEY2DUCbQ7-xgqzxSjdL0Qmtu0fTV6AmH-1jyePQ07c-yyc20teulmajyf3GlFUh3tHjkrkprU71hGnp7WCEpDLcjOqIrMNPPTfStX_bE/s1600/DSC_7281+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhocvXIKW-R6rJ5rjm0PJnyeosuJAmuayCj74bEY2DUCbQ7-xgqzxSjdL0Qmtu0fTV6AmH-1jyePQ07c-yyc20teulmajyf3GlFUh3tHjkrkprU71hGnp7WCEpDLcjOqIrMNPPTfStX_bE/s1600/DSC_7281+-+Copy.JPG" height="292" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soon-to-be Calcium blocks</td></tr>
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Next, carefully place the mold into the oven. I used a cookie sheet under the silicone muffin pan since it is a bit wobbly. Set the timer to 1 hour.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-i5vZvjCnZlDYEMCcfkdBkW6Y7ryp8xkkuku8s5tKaKpnBqmeo85EULuo9TZx6S9YFTPg8dopqOJgW6Efna_73OzrjD5vdkf381uM5kt_iD-5gNktf390YZlpstXsUVljYbBXqEnyICE/s1600/DSC_7289+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-i5vZvjCnZlDYEMCcfkdBkW6Y7ryp8xkkuku8s5tKaKpnBqmeo85EULuo9TZx6S9YFTPg8dopqOJgW6Efna_73OzrjD5vdkf381uM5kt_iD-5gNktf390YZlpstXsUVljYbBXqEnyICE/s1600/DSC_7289+-+Copy.JPG" height="230" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bake the calcium cakes</td></tr>
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After 1 hour of baking, open the oven door and carefully pull the oven rack out far enough that you can safely touch the calcium cakes. You will notice that water has risen to the top of them. Use a paper towel or napkin to wick off the excess liquid. This will significantly cut down on the drying time.<br />
Bake for another 2-3 hours, depending on your oven. I checked every hour to remove more liquid, and after a total of 4 hours, they looked completely dry, and had shrunken in the molds.<br />
<br />
Carefully remove the mold(s) from the oven, and place somewhere to cool down. This took a long time. I used our handy dandy infrared thermometer to check the temperature of the calcium blocks, and waited for them to <strike>almost</strike> be cool enough to touch.<br />
Once they are cool enough, carefully remove each calcium block from the mold, and place it on a cookie drying rack. They should come out easily. I let them sit like that overnight, just to make sure all the moisture had dried out.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-2Zd2NRMmDjtoSJDgCVMRE_3bRScIt4RSrryfTcNg5fYNY38bD2l1uwtf1oF0_Vj5zwDoqg5jRMvjX1oH3LuuBNsQtNJVnfkEYrNkMfc6i_RQUmK0FZwEVPs-M1c0sCntfBTnltQ1ZSg/s1600/DSC_7291+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-2Zd2NRMmDjtoSJDgCVMRE_3bRScIt4RSrryfTcNg5fYNY38bD2l1uwtf1oF0_Vj5zwDoqg5jRMvjX1oH3LuuBNsQtNJVnfkEYrNkMfc6i_RQUmK0FZwEVPs-M1c0sCntfBTnltQ1ZSg/s1600/DSC_7291+-+Copy.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">12 beautiful calcium cupcakes.</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The next day, I put one of these beautiful calcium cupcakes into each of the tortoise enclosures, and packed the extra ones into ziploc bags for later use. Within minutes of placing the cakes into the enclosures, the tortoises congregated around them, and took a few nibbles. Pretty soon, they were sporting cute little calcium mustaches... </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPdCU1-sHA6GlMbfjjp_lHwn85p8j2RJpJZqfxIpxuAYbK6bkaRGG8Tq-yYOEZg9ibuBvDZ_P1azMWquNF3MTmwUp-pqVQK2abTLwLguWpxXSF5fp5MrOirNBkTgBgNvKKyBeV-G9qgQE/s1600/DSC_7308+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPdCU1-sHA6GlMbfjjp_lHwn85p8j2RJpJZqfxIpxuAYbK6bkaRGG8Tq-yYOEZg9ibuBvDZ_P1azMWquNF3MTmwUp-pqVQK2abTLwLguWpxXSF5fp5MrOirNBkTgBgNvKKyBeV-G9qgQE/s1600/DSC_7308+-+Copy.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jill approves.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The part that really made my day: Amber, my XXL female Russian tortoise had just laid eggs. She has been stubbornly refusing to eat cuttlefish bone, and does not eat weeds if I have sprinkled them with calcium. However, by evening, her calcium cake looked like this:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjweaojhkPePhil_Wl9dm3kOC2IIJehYIaK11tsF4gEnvZEUdcbkygqyAI6l_TocrZnANHGqjgAOxkgke8GMG0LSBbET6ZtgOhLzAA9_pRCqYRUIEJqiNVoDr0gDY3WukVMElysr84tVg4/s1600/DSC_7314+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjweaojhkPePhil_Wl9dm3kOC2IIJehYIaK11tsF4gEnvZEUdcbkygqyAI6l_TocrZnANHGqjgAOxkgke8GMG0LSBbET6ZtgOhLzAA9_pRCqYRUIEJqiNVoDr0gDY3WukVMElysr84tVg4/s1600/DSC_7314+-+Copy.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amber loves her calcium cupcake!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I hope you have fun making your own calcium blocks, and that your tortoises enjoy them as much as mine do! Please keep in mind that in order to properly absorb calcium, a tortoise needs UVB to produce vitamin D3. You can read a little more about this <a href="http://tortaddiction.blogspot.com/2014/05/quick-summary-of-lighting-for-tortoises.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
Ps: When you mist your enclosures, please avoid spraying the calcium cakes too thoroughly (you might take them out briefly), because otherwise they may disintegrate.<br />
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<div>
Pps: You might experiment with mixing in ground up weeds, or a little bit of carrot juice for a nice orange color... however, my tortoises (even the ones who NEVER eat cuttlefish bone!) heavily approved and helped themselves to these calcium cupcakes within minutes of placing them into each enclosure.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Ppps: I am not the inventor of home-made calcium blocks. There are several conversation threads on the Tortoise Forum (e.g. <a href="http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/homemade-calcium-carbonate-blocks.39356/page-2#post-388999" target="_blank">HERE</a> and <a href="http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/calcium-carbonate.14149/#post-126401" target="_blank">HERE</a>) that mention them long before I ever thought of making them. They don't however, mention the exact ratio of water and CaCO<span style="font-size: xx-small;">3</span> (Calcium Carbonate) that works best. </i></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5850325851175543438.post-32863263322051080732014-09-29T22:10:00.000-07:002014-09-29T22:20:42.953-07:00More Russian tortoise eggies!This last month has been very rewarding in the tortoise egg department. Three of my Russian tortoise females laid eggs for the first time. Mila laid one single but large egg outside. Lady laid 3 beautiful eggs outside a couple weeks later, and today my HUGE (9"SCL) female Amber laid eggs for the first time, too. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRy72ZubAhH3va24NiMGXWFXukgClGRwdlrEvfJo0K7M9Qr36Gx9gp4dyBdduVpj9URI0Oo8Qux10Da8x8H85jRSrLXNr9FROrK1_5EIakWoIjyusubxIQIdt9KUfPzSirlbU6f0a5sI/s1600/eggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRy72ZubAhH3va24NiMGXWFXukgClGRwdlrEvfJo0K7M9Qr36Gx9gp4dyBdduVpj9URI0Oo8Qux10Da8x8H85jRSrLXNr9FROrK1_5EIakWoIjyusubxIQIdt9KUfPzSirlbU6f0a5sI/s1600/eggs.jpg" height="314" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lady, digging a nest hole outside, and in the pic below, her 3 eggs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Amber has been pacing and digging test nests outdoors for a few weeks, but nothing quite seemed to please her. She was covered by a male for the first time in August, so she may have not been nesting seriously yet. However, last week the weather got cold and I had to bring the tortoises inside. Within a day, Amber started digging nest holes again. The substrate in her tortoise table is generous, but not deep enough to dig a nest hole (6"+ deep), so I added 1.5 more bags of ACE topsoil to provide her with deep enough substrate (have I mentioned she is a BIG girl?!).<br />
<br />
Well, she got really serious about digging nest holes yesterday, and again this morning, and finally this afternoon she laid 2 big, beautiful eggs. One weighs 34g, one weighs 30g (the big one came first). She was absolutely exhausted after that. After a good soak she is now dug in for the night.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyyRM4mp4AtuqJjwSJ8QZ293I6DL7U8M7f_XmFKTXzv4J6GhdNfWWdOwrRPT99jTBbYjLB5KGcxcnbWuKQrUGL_EMeFZpTfFCouun8jW1tEc9mKIsR57wbZz4YroE2hd9LWsBxhkLHz3o/s1600/AmbersEggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyyRM4mp4AtuqJjwSJ8QZ293I6DL7U8M7f_XmFKTXzv4J6GhdNfWWdOwrRPT99jTBbYjLB5KGcxcnbWuKQrUGL_EMeFZpTfFCouun8jW1tEc9mKIsR57wbZz4YroE2hd9LWsBxhkLHz3o/s1600/AmbersEggs.jpg" height="400" width="282" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amber digging her nest hole by the basking spot, and her eggs.</td></tr>
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This means I currently have 6 eggs in the incubator, due to hatch ever 2 weeks starting October 15th-ish. Things will be busy in the hatchling care department this Fall!<br />
<br />
I should mention that breeding Russian tortoises is more involved than just throwing together a male and a female. This was the first year I got eggs, and I believe there is a direct correlation with the following factors:<br />
<ol>
<li>The tortoises hibernated this winter</li>
<li>The tortoises spent the Spring and Summer outside. This means they had LOTS of space to roam, good fresh and varied food, and plenty of natural sunshine. </li>
<li>I added a second male to my 6 girls. Roz is a cutie, but he strangely is only interested in my Timmy girl. He ignores other females. The new captive-bred male Duke <strike>is a rapist</strike> is not as choosy. Clearly he has "done his job" fertilizing these eggs. </li>
<li>The tortoises had constant access to cuttlefish bone, which they helped themselves to generously.</li>
<li>The females (and males) are in excellent health, and at a good, healthy weight.</li>
</ol>
As mentioned in previous posts, males can be very aggressive towards females, and so care must be taken to protect the females from constant male attention. A ratio of 3 females per 1 male is recommended for the sake of the female's sanity. Even then, it may become necessary to separate the male temporarily or permanently.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9sCDbV1WBnMDbnwnNPOZGApiV_vF8OwrKZGoFBtP-36Wow0fLHVjpl0Qg-HS0iHp3SbZlra-QcwwiL2sVMepSSxndAkyR3AbvKQftZ8JWe3adUILXE_qCMmXQPCu6XP-ViZAmOWf65Y/s1600/DSC_6340+-+Copy+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9sCDbV1WBnMDbnwnNPOZGApiV_vF8OwrKZGoFBtP-36Wow0fLHVjpl0Qg-HS0iHp3SbZlra-QcwwiL2sVMepSSxndAkyR3AbvKQftZ8JWe3adUILXE_qCMmXQPCu6XP-ViZAmOWf65Y/s1600/DSC_6340+-+Copy+-+Copy.JPG" height="320" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of this Spring's hatchlings</td></tr>
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<div>
Stay tuned for hatch announcements, which are sure to come throughout the next weeks and months!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5850325851175543438.post-45531886186953054022014-09-27T20:57:00.000-07:002014-09-27T20:57:01.890-07:00A reminder about tortoises bullying each other...<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
It is time to bring up the issue again of keeping two (or more) tortoises together.</div>
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When new keepers ask about getting another tortoise, long term keepers usually chime in to recommend against this.<br />The main reason for this is that either subtle or obvious bullying will result, and outright bloody fighting can occur that can lead to death.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg975I_vL5orxiETy8DD8B93P5VTy3B8qXhVz62DUvk-kTjTpXgkyLSPd9Dks3CZKW3Xr_N1Qro769XptgyQQkWGx1fRIBNuzzXUODQ3YUdMEHga7zMBwsnmry-uz_FOnxA_9fusYERr-c/s1600/DSC_9629+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg975I_vL5orxiETy8DD8B93P5VTy3B8qXhVz62DUvk-kTjTpXgkyLSPd9Dks3CZKW3Xr_N1Qro769XptgyQQkWGx1fRIBNuzzXUODQ3YUdMEHga7zMBwsnmry-uz_FOnxA_9fusYERr-c/s1600/DSC_9629+-+Copy.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">This is an older pic... but it demonstrates well what I am talking about. Those three are not cuddling, even though their heads are resting on each other's shells. Those three are COMPETING FOR THE BEST BASKING SPOT.</span></td></tr>
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Death can result from multiple tortoises being kept together, even when no active fighting is visible. Tortoises can be VERY sneaky. They will hog the best basking spot from their 'buddy' which results in the other tortoise not being able to reach proper body temperatures to digest their food. They will sit on the biggest part of the food pile, preventing the other tortoise from eating. They will intimidate through head bobbing, biting, and ramming. A bullied tortoise is often perceived as 'more shy' or 'not as active' - and can become so withdrawn that it stops eating and dies.</span></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
When keepers chime in to point out that their tortoises are the exception because they "like to cuddle" and that they "always eat together" - what they are observing is actually subtle, non-violent bullying.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgENuW1WqvfxQHmR1Gy_Y0B9yf5wvxXqMesY2PtHNBGLz8FTIaK-3-Eoo22fkEBATh61CMCNHsSRK5XvuPUlghu4K4U6TdZGXT56w2MlEw7wrbs1_gAJAfqUVPAL_x_vmwD4umsbTy1P4E/s1600/DSC_0354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgENuW1WqvfxQHmR1Gy_Y0B9yf5wvxXqMesY2PtHNBGLz8FTIaK-3-Eoo22fkEBATh61CMCNHsSRK5XvuPUlghu4K4U6TdZGXT56w2MlEw7wrbs1_gAJAfqUVPAL_x_vmwD4umsbTy1P4E/s1600/DSC_0354.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #141823; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Again, an older pic. These two are not having a relaxed lunch together. They are ravenously eating every weed they can grab, while hoggishly sitting on top of the weeds TO PREVENT THE OTHER FROM GETTING TO THEM.</span></td></tr>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Now, we humans love to put our anthropomorphic interpretation into the things our little reptilian friends do. We seek out companionship, and so our assumption is often that our tortoise wants to have a friend, too. Please don't let this happen at the expense of your tortoise.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
As a keeper of 8 adult Russian tortoises (plus the babies that result), I know that I am not abiding by the '1-tortoise-rule' - HOWEVER, the tortoises spend the warm season in a LARGE outdoor area, with many different hides, holes and houses, many sight barriers, and plenty of room for a tortoise to escape from the others. When the tortoises are indoors, they are separated into different tables. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMYKCNbvxnpJVMELksAe7zcpbrYSXNocor8MiX4WNqm1DmBdYEoE3482lSjkRgIA19ZMVVi-dkeeeYb8A6QQQ1EfKjRUuQKaezf-m5A5u6lXx9BpwdGppuoDeWIGJS3dThkSY9ZwNe11Q/s1600/DSC_6116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMYKCNbvxnpJVMELksAe7zcpbrYSXNocor8MiX4WNqm1DmBdYEoE3482lSjkRgIA19ZMVVi-dkeeeYb8A6QQQ1EfKjRUuQKaezf-m5A5u6lXx9BpwdGppuoDeWIGJS3dThkSY9ZwNe11Q/s1600/DSC_6116.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This outdoor area looks large, but there is still sometimes conflict. We are working on an expansion!</td></tr>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
If you look at the set-ups of other keepers who SUCCESSFULLY keep multiple tortoises, you will see that they have extensive outdoor space. An indoor set-up generally is NOT sufficient to keep multiple tortoises together in the long run.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Please don't feel attacked by this post if you already keep several together. There are quite a few options with you that don't require re-homing a tortoise: creating a large outdoor space, building a bunked set-up to separate the tortoises, etc. - there are a lot of options, even on a tight budget and without a ton of space!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
For more information on this subject, please read the following blog post:<a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftortaddiction.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F09%2Fwhy-not-to-keep-2-tortoises-together.html&h=3AQGHP_tA&enc=AZNPCEhGuLm0UmhntN_lG-jxfEltVzdfEfwm-vxAdur7GM5w_jGhZJ4gae5gEmQNzuCjjFtlU0nqkmaCh8DlKgIIkbqb0qayBgrYtCqtMFuu1-I5zAE_5hkCQWDE-ooGMfdBbAHOH4OzQRSnnfAIInvi&s=1" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://tortaddiction.blogspot.com/2013/09/why-not-to-keep-2-tortoises-together.html</a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDO8TQPJTAV45voTj5pq4SfFIQ2rGkmSdQa3ZcizozzcKnZQiTB7gLd2-va_qx7q0kv5yAZ2_2v_lyQ3EbK973A97SnQkjlZR6LAVHIALJRhVOJ5gBYi26UpaYXJlAVd4kP9k5b8tq7I/s1600/DSC_6681+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDO8TQPJTAV45voTj5pq4SfFIQ2rGkmSdQa3ZcizozzcKnZQiTB7gLd2-va_qx7q0kv5yAZ2_2v_lyQ3EbK973A97SnQkjlZR6LAVHIALJRhVOJ5gBYi26UpaYXJlAVd4kP9k5b8tq7I/s1600/DSC_6681+-+Copy.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the meantime... spoil your tortoise rotten, and work on improving (or creating) their outdoor space!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5850325851175543438.post-1511201059899354312014-08-10T22:18:00.000-07:002014-08-10T22:27:09.374-07:00Keeping tortoises cool on hot daysWhen Summer finally comes, and the weather heats up, it is SO important to make sure your tortoise doesn't overheat or dehydrate! I will outline a few simple but important precautions you need to take to insure your tortoise remains happy and healthy, even during a heat advisory.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCyoi0vOC-dkdh02sVn4MvhHv74_YWxcatvuR7t1fW6PQdmiIq4OBBKWJnVQT-lktFM1gIA4sRuhMDXVu6tmtuA2O57CCupnXgqoVY88kWjHTAU4wYTTzPchGB_ur5i1ydOFRTX8XEpMk/s1600/DSC_6698+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCyoi0vOC-dkdh02sVn4MvhHv74_YWxcatvuR7t1fW6PQdmiIq4OBBKWJnVQT-lktFM1gIA4sRuhMDXVu6tmtuA2O57CCupnXgqoVY88kWjHTAU4wYTTzPchGB_ur5i1ydOFRTX8XEpMk/s1600/DSC_6698+-+Copy.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Being outdoors is so good for tortoises... but can also be dangerous!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
First, always keep in mind that if the air temperature is 90 degrees F (32 degrees C), the ground temperature in the sun can easily be 140 degrees F (60 degrees C), which is unsafe for our chelonian friends!<br />
<br />
In the wild, tortoises have the opportunity to dig deep into their burrows to enjoy cooler temperatures and even to aestivate (Summer version of hibernation). They can seek out DEEP shade under bushes and trees and rock crevices. They can roam for miles in the morning to find a suitable spot to hide from the midday sun.<br />
<br />
In captivity, keepers often only provide flimsy hides that don't actually insulate tortoises from the heat. Some outdoor enclosures don't have deep shade from trees or bushes, and the substrate is too shallow to dig into. Tortoises can be trapped, and may suffer from heat stroke if left in the beating sun for too long.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxDJjcVCT6taQJfM2FA8ADGeAeJn2VkDD2ozAEmA-Hlk-JZTznRkaHz2r5Qoat1wyiPSiEpDW2v4QBls3Z-OBPVIaSA34qTmATTsTYIWTfPU7QlpTZkzRJcuNZS0kEI87ux2riVQCj6z8/s1600/DSC_6973+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxDJjcVCT6taQJfM2FA8ADGeAeJn2VkDD2ozAEmA-Hlk-JZTznRkaHz2r5Qoat1wyiPSiEpDW2v4QBls3Z-OBPVIaSA34qTmATTsTYIWTfPU7QlpTZkzRJcuNZS0kEI87ux2riVQCj6z8/s1600/DSC_6973+-+Copy.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(some tortoises like to dig more than others)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If your tortoise is outdoors, and the weather is warmer than 85 degrees F, your tortoise really needs to have some form of insulated hide that also allows it to dig several inches or feet into the soft, cool soil to regulate its body temperature. Such a hide can be built from wood and insulation material, or made from a sturdy half-pipe or half flowerpot, with several inches of soil piled over top. You can plant sod over top to help keep the dirt in place (possibly with some kind of netting under the sod, to prevent erosion).<br />
<br />
In the picture below, you can sort of see one of my insulated hides up against the wall. It is both attractive and useful! I made it from a sturdy plastic bin (once upon a time a recycling bin), with soil piled on top, and a little rock garden with succulents. Even on a hot day, the inside of the hide only rises to about 70 degrees F (21 degrees C). The soil inside is soft, and tortoises can dig about a foot down into it.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG7uq3YiAOc2Fxbi-xbtrxFGLh2umlOeFg-JHWCUiiaLbnKfabNNtmHlt-19LWUpVIVmibBhbVN6vNtZGJjHf1I1-LgQwrMyoC4n0RG9hLDXw2bhsdkmxmXtXZirY345HhfFjzWZpZZF0/s1600/DSC_6911+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG7uq3YiAOc2Fxbi-xbtrxFGLh2umlOeFg-JHWCUiiaLbnKfabNNtmHlt-19LWUpVIVmibBhbVN6vNtZGJjHf1I1-LgQwrMyoC4n0RG9hLDXw2bhsdkmxmXtXZirY345HhfFjzWZpZZF0/s1600/DSC_6911+-+Copy.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A hide that is insulated by dirt and a rock garden with succulents!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The tortoise enclosures are large, and are planted with several bushes, and a tree partially shades a portion of the tortoise yard all day long. As a result, the tortoises can decide which part of the temperature gradient they want to spend time in. They come out into the sun in the morning, to raise their body temperature. Then they eat and wander for a few hours. During the hottest afternoon hours, they hide away in the cooler, shadier areas. Then they usually come back out in the cooler evening hours, or they dig in for the night.<br />
<br />
To help regulate the temperatures in their tortoise garden on hot days, I hose it down thoroughly every couple of hours. The tortoises have come to appreciate the cool rain shower from the hose - almost all of them come out to visit while I'm spraying down the outdoor tortoise habitats. On extra hot days I also set up an umbrella to shade part of the enclosure.<br />
<br />
Another measure I take to help the tortoises stay healthy in warm weather is to soak them once a week. When it is not as hot, I let them self-regulate their water intake, since they do have a nice big planting saucer full of water to bathe in or drink out of. However, 100 degree weather can dehydrate a tortoise awfully fast.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTEVPrIXCnVv_oCpzr9HxUMLP4e56E5G3WH4Mk-5cUB6Xtf9RsD068xOtDwE60WxXirNyeQ-U3YIWYwwRu43hIweUhC0efHtJsmtRDmz-YzEwfSxlQZxXmmBxqcQE-Kolb-4cuVfc6kCU/s1600/DSC_7054+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTEVPrIXCnVv_oCpzr9HxUMLP4e56E5G3WH4Mk-5cUB6Xtf9RsD068xOtDwE60WxXirNyeQ-U3YIWYwwRu43hIweUhC0efHtJsmtRDmz-YzEwfSxlQZxXmmBxqcQE-Kolb-4cuVfc6kCU/s1600/DSC_7054+-+Copy.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">8 soaking Russian tortoises</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Here's the whole bale of my RTs, 6 females and 2 males, ranging from 4.5" to 9" SCL, all soaking in some cool water this afternoon. We have a couple of really hot days coming up, so even though they live outside, I soaked them in the kiddie pool to make sure they are well hydrated.<br />
<br />
Using an infrared temperature gun to check the ground temperature regularly might save your tortoise's life.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If there is a heat advisory in your area, and you are not sure if you will be able to come home during the hottest hours of the day, it is safer to bring your tortoise into the cool inside (NOT the garage, which is often much hotter than outside!) for the day. Being in a boring bin is safer than being stuck in the heat!<br />
<br />
<i>CAUTION: If your tortoise has been outside in very hot weather, and is acting lethargic, is incessantly pacing, is foaming at the mouth, vomiting or is having neurological symptoms, IMMEDIATELY put it in cool water and run room temperature water over the top of its shell to help it reduce its body temperature. Then call an emergency veterinarian and seek help ASAP! Tortoises can die from heat stroke!</i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5850325851175543438.post-31659159000421217412014-07-27T22:36:00.000-07:002014-07-27T22:36:59.213-07:00How to find a good Veterinarian for your Tortoise (and maybe an excellent one!)Finding a good veterinarian who is experienced and up-to-date on caring for tortoises (not just turtles) can be very difficult. Since tortoises live for a century or longer, there is a good chance that your tortoise will need to go to the vet at some point, whether for a beak trim, an injury or for an illness, or to be treated for parasites.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC2fClRoAlbxy3omXzjI9473_h4SVNU5p2fIj9M8ENpKmG21vVx11JMRYR_HpHAUqwT2NzqpqRp87oMUQBFgWzhDkbYAsYwimx_QPvbBa78PNilkziecxVSCANKS5Ypiyatc65HB5ynpA/s1600/DSC_6777+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC2fClRoAlbxy3omXzjI9473_h4SVNU5p2fIj9M8ENpKmG21vVx11JMRYR_HpHAUqwT2NzqpqRp87oMUQBFgWzhDkbYAsYwimx_QPvbBa78PNilkziecxVSCANKS5Ypiyatc65HB5ynpA/s1600/DSC_6777+-+Copy.JPG" height="320" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mila, getting a check-up from Dr. Kelly Flaminio</td></tr>
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In an ideal world, a tortoise keeper already has a relationship with a reliable and knowledgeable reptile vet before the tortoise has even been purchased or adopted. A check-up and a fecal exam (to check for parasites) should be done within the first two weeks of owning the tortoise. This is especially the case if you bought your tortoise from a pet store. If parasites or other problems are discovered by the vet within the initial 14 days, most larger chain stores will actually refund you the cost for the office visit and the parasite treatment.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGnntlhHjFX1mqr4WA6oqprOZ_gC2IXUgwwOVZrA0KkhEDAPpvqgJdDbQm_MoVG72B6fZwUrXWD2gHyPBmEjn7IN-KUaiiOUsF2h0A8_pN7bvOWx8yxx2LIS08KchfJGqb_JWSPR7B8jM/s1600/DSC_6775+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGnntlhHjFX1mqr4WA6oqprOZ_gC2IXUgwwOVZrA0KkhEDAPpvqgJdDbQm_MoVG72B6fZwUrXWD2gHyPBmEjn7IN-KUaiiOUsF2h0A8_pN7bvOWx8yxx2LIS08KchfJGqb_JWSPR7B8jM/s1600/DSC_6775+-+Copy.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We love our reptile vet, Dr. Kelly Flaminio!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Whether you are being proactive, or you already find yourself in over your head with a sick or injured tortoise, it is important to ask a few questions of the vet before trusting him or her with your tortoise's health.<br />
<br />
First, how should you go about finding an exotics vet?<br />
A good starting place is a list of vets that has been compiled by tortoise keepers on the tortoise forum <a href="http://www.tortoiseforum.org/forums/tortoise-vet-list.126/" target="_blank">HERE.</a> This list is sorted by State, as well as by country. If you live close to a State border, you may want to check for clinics on the other side of the State line.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Please keep in mind that not all of the vets on this list are guaranteed to be awesome.... they are however at the very least <i>more likely</i> to know how to provide healthcare for a tortoise!)</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNL2MMcnwD6B51RPLUBG1LLUDCV3YVR1TxSph39Lyt50w7_huFNof62QyjDmD7ojFm-CLzVrLnZorYfV1WsK09Ln94zGDp9-Bl-SlPl3ROv8xdYHBMJZrnyhOY6ZPOVkkY_dg1-IkDJzg/s1600/vet+list.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNL2MMcnwD6B51RPLUBG1LLUDCV3YVR1TxSph39Lyt50w7_huFNof62QyjDmD7ojFm-CLzVrLnZorYfV1WsK09Ln94zGDp9-Bl-SlPl3ROv8xdYHBMJZrnyhOY6ZPOVkkY_dg1-IkDJzg/s1600/vet+list.jpg" height="305" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The TFO list of reptile vets in the USA and in the rest of the world.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Google can be of help, too. Entering "exotics veterinarian" in a map search near you should provide you with several options (<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Note: If your Google search brings forth a list of places advertising "girls girls girls" you might need to narrow your key words down a little more!</span>)</i>. Follow the links to the vet clinics' websites, and see what they say about themselves. Often, Google listings already have ratings associated with the listing. Read the ratings carefully, keeping in mind that there are probably many happy clients who just didn't get around to writing a review.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFAgk6EVGDXMtc5Cc88Qi0WB9waaJaohqx6zxvzMgPh71ziu_mzRc5_n5mbWhS_QSnvNIdBkzJ-f2W306iBxpvukdDkHf2pjjlSXJENLsHMMeq8Vrme-dIVZGNvbpQ4mJkPwWW1shWXU/s1600/vet+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFAgk6EVGDXMtc5Cc88Qi0WB9waaJaohqx6zxvzMgPh71ziu_mzRc5_n5mbWhS_QSnvNIdBkzJ-f2W306iBxpvukdDkHf2pjjlSXJENLsHMMeq8Vrme-dIVZGNvbpQ4mJkPwWW1shWXU/s1600/vet+map.jpg" height="197" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Google map search for "exotics vet" or "exotics veterinarian"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When you have found a reptile vet who looks promising, give them a call, and <b>politely</b> ask them a few questions:<br />
<ol>
<li>Does this vet clinic have experience with tortoises, specifically? (you can even ask if they have experience with your specific tortoise species, e.g. Russian tortoises)</li>
<li>Is this exotics vet familiar with the different care and dietary requirements of a tortoise in comparison to a turtle?</li>
<li>How long has this vet been practicing? (sometimes a newer vet will actually have more up-to-date knowledge about tortoises!) </li>
<li>How long has this vet been providing healthcare for tortoises?</li>
<li>How many tortoises does this clinic treat each month? </li>
<li>How often does the veterinarian treat reptiles in comparison to dogs and cats?</li>
<li>How often does the exotics vet attend continued education events and conferences pertaining to reptiles and tortoise care?</li>
<li>Is this vet able to trim your tortoises beak, if necessary? </li>
<li>Does this vet perform surgery on tortoises, should this ever become necessary?</li>
<li>Is this vet available in the case of after-hour emergencies? (Not all are - in that case, please also ask for the contact information of an emergency vet who will see a tortoise. It is good to have this information on hand, should it ever become necessary.)</li>
<li>Is this vet able to keep a tortoise overnight should treatment require an extended stay?</li>
</ol>
If you have a VERY large tortoise, such as a full-grown sulcata or even an aldabra tortoise, you may want to also ask if this vet does house visits. In some cases, transporting a vet is easier than transporting a tortoise... <div>
<br />A few questions should be asked that pertain to the financial aspect of a vet visit:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Is the first exam free? (can't hurt to ask - often it is!)</li>
<li>How much is the exam fee? (within a town, this can vary greatly from one office to another!)</li>
<li>Does this clinic do fecal exams for parasites in-house or externally?</li>
<li>Are they willing to run a fecal exam without requiring an office visit? Then if parasites are found, and treatment is necessary, you can still bring your tortoise in for the office visit and to get treatment.</li>
<li>Does the veterinarian give a price quote before performing a surgery or another procedure? Will different options be given? Does this vet clinic offer payment options if a high vet fee is incurred?</li>
</ol>
<div>
Armed with the above questions, you should be able to determine whether a vet will be able to help you and your tortoise.<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgghGj53X6gg2oEma8nmiCCgRBM-ohQyQMNsxbHz4a2F_T8KYaoJIAI6KmCw224Rl38lUOPmzz1fZCSWx0K4454Y_VtuuSLo3JAc-1xqJJvMcI2zSJuJOG7rwadN6_IZMc12bPNXpCkzbk/s1600/DSC_6771+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgghGj53X6gg2oEma8nmiCCgRBM-ohQyQMNsxbHz4a2F_T8KYaoJIAI6KmCw224Rl38lUOPmzz1fZCSWx0K4454Y_VtuuSLo3JAc-1xqJJvMcI2zSJuJOG7rwadN6_IZMc12bPNXpCkzbk/s1600/DSC_6771+-+Copy.JPG" height="400" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Although currently in perfect health, this tiny baby tortoise <br />
will likely need vet care at some point in her life.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
We are lucky to have a wonderful and experienced reptile vet within easy driving distance of our home. Our veterinarian, Dr. Kelly Flaminio at the <a href="http://www.vcahospitals.com/east-mill-plain" target="_blank">East Mill Plain VCA</a>, is very knowledgeable, and we have had a very good experience with her care for several of the reptiles we own or foster. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Because our reptiles have gotten such great care, I thought it might be useful to you to see a few of Dr. Kelly's answers to some of my questions:</div>
Q: "How many reptiles does your veterinary clinic see on average?"<br />A: "Between 50-100 per month. Usually about 3 per day."<br />
<br />
Q: "How long have you been treating tortoises?"<br />A: "I have been treating tortoises and other reptiles for about 5 years."<br />
<br />
Q: "How often do you attend conferences and continued education events?"<br />A: "Twice a year."<br /><br />Q: "What are the most frequent reptile cases you see?"<br />A: "We most frequently see new lizards parents bought for kids. Next, the most frequent cases are amputations and abscesses of various reptiles. Many reptile keepers don't bring their animal in until something bad happens, unfortunately."<br />
<br />
Q: "What do you most frequently see tortoise patients for?"<br />A: "New tortoise pets often come in to be checked and treated for parasites and to have blood work done to ensure they are healthy. Long-term, tortoises most frequently come in for a beak trim. Some tortoises we see suffer from MDB (metabolic bone disease) from improper husbandry. In the Spring we usually see quite a few tortoises with URIs (upper respiratory infections) or pneumonia. Sometimes tortoises that have been found on the loose are relinquished to the clinic, and then we find foster homes for them."<br />
<br />
Many of the above questions had already been answered in previous interactions: Dr. Kelly has extensive experience with tortoises, and definitely knows the difference between a box turtle and a tortoise. She is able to perform surgery on tortoises and other reptiles in-house. The clinic is able to keep reptiles overnight if necessary.<br />
<br />
<i>During my interview with her, Dr. Kelly also mentioned that local new patients to her clinic are welcome to print off the '<a href="http://www.vcahospitals.com/east-mill-plain/free-pet-exam/form/hospital" target="_blank">free first exam</a>' coupon from their website. They will honor the coupon for reptiles as well as for dogs and cats.</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCGGGlyg7KM42wrcLI-5mFDPYkuhCAReG_5d1PFz0Dc2QISazcS8jXgqIXQCwI9hXH-w2m_CyRX0BA0sB8Jcwf5N8z1FPHX-9c6N-IC79eq6UGmNv2QFYyjekPeb0pt1Q9-GfstgcztAc/s1600/DSC_6773+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCGGGlyg7KM42wrcLI-5mFDPYkuhCAReG_5d1PFz0Dc2QISazcS8jXgqIXQCwI9hXH-w2m_CyRX0BA0sB8Jcwf5N8z1FPHX-9c6N-IC79eq6UGmNv2QFYyjekPeb0pt1Q9-GfstgcztAc/s1600/DSC_6773+-+Copy.JPG" height="320" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whether you have a very large tortoise, or a very small tortoise,<br />
...it's a good idea to know a good reptile vet!</td></tr>
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The above questions don't always guarantee that a vet is awesome. Sometimes, it will take several office visits to find a vet that will meet the needs of you and your tortoise. Many veterinarians are VERY GOOD veterinarians, but just haven't specialized on tortoises. Others might be operating off of out-of-date information.<br />
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There are a few <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">RED FLAGS</span></b> that indicate that a reptile vet is NOT a good tortoise vet:<br />
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<ol>
<li>You are told to feed your tortoise 'more animal protein.' (this is based on a confusion over tortoises vs. box turtles)</li>
<li>You are told to add cat food into your tortoise's diet (this is based on 35-year-old, outdated information that results in terribly deformed tortoises)</li>
<li>The vet suggests treatment for parasites with medication other than Safeguard or Panacur (active ingredient fenbendazole). (other worm medications, such as ivermectin, can kill a tortoise!)</li>
<li>You are told not to provide water in the enclosure (this is based on outdated, false information)</li>
<li>You are told to use sand for substrate</li>
<li>The vet claims to be able to tell you how old your tortoise is based on the 'rings' in his shell (tortoises are not trees. The rings are based on seasons of plentiful food and lack of food... which can happen several times throughout a year. The only way to know a tortoise's age is to know it's hatch date or at least hatch year).</li>
</ol>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDA9jmLcOi8Ryr-1wPikp0FY4BYTVX95l9pWxzk2QXarMiFTSYGcUd8Cx0pPs46hjd3tSl1ziw5_MOL-VZNPZ-X9D6pJmdk74v-FG8C4vOJZ0Aqerxx6kJLDnE_ajNlz5c6euG-43PqWA/s1600/DSC_5458+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDA9jmLcOi8Ryr-1wPikp0FY4BYTVX95l9pWxzk2QXarMiFTSYGcUd8Cx0pPs46hjd3tSl1ziw5_MOL-VZNPZ-X9D6pJmdk74v-FG8C4vOJZ0Aqerxx6kJLDnE_ajNlz5c6euG-43PqWA/s1600/DSC_5458+-+Copy.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mila frowns on the idea of having her rings counted to tell her age.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<u>CAUTION</u>:<br />
If you live out in the country, it may be necessary to drive several hours to get to a good reptile vet. If the weather is very hot or very cold, be sure to accommodate your tortoise accordingly. A bin with some paper towels or cloth towels works well for a transport container. Never leave your tortoise in the car - you don't want it to die of freezing or heat stroke.<br />
If it is necessary to cross State lines to get to a good reptile vet, please be sure to know the laws pertaining to bringing reptiles across. The last thing you want is for your tortoise to be confiscated, or for you to have to pay a fine.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The pictures have been posted with permission from Dr. Kelly. I have not received any payment or other incentives to write this blog post. It was purely written to help other tortoise keepers find an excellent reptile vet.</span></i><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5850325851175543438.post-72674365005692494762014-07-07T20:54:00.002-07:002014-07-07T20:54:22.761-07:00Keeping tortoises outdoors in the Pacific NorthwestToday I would like to show some pictures of my adult Russian tortoises in their outdoor habitat in our yard. My hope is that this will encourage more tortoise keepers to provide their tortoise(s) with an outdoor space.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN0RGtW96Nvd6S4YKgx3vW_ex7ImPSmiby79t7X1Kl82CTq6Bqo6X_hV67RyWM-N9y2lmUCQE8yxVmdxaBgD4lek5wrQ5wenMgfDhSnopcLzYlyUDxQaThO0jVpoZk9WHIyZzD8ZyVqa0/s1600/DSC_6681+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN0RGtW96Nvd6S4YKgx3vW_ex7ImPSmiby79t7X1Kl82CTq6Bqo6X_hV67RyWM-N9y2lmUCQE8yxVmdxaBgD4lek5wrQ5wenMgfDhSnopcLzYlyUDxQaThO0jVpoZk9WHIyZzD8ZyVqa0/s1600/DSC_6681+-+Copy.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duke, eating weeds while sitting up on a rock - silly boy!</td></tr>
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Keeping tortoises in the Pacific Northwest has a unique set of challenges in that it rains A LOT here for part of the year. However, it is actually possible to keep them outdoors all or most of the time from April through September or even October.<br />
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The benefits of keeping tortoises outdoors far outweigh the potential dangers, IF proper precautions are taken and accommodations are made. The natural sunlight provides heat and healthy UVB, which promotes healthy bones and a good hard shell. Being able to wander a much larger area keeps the tortoise's muscles strong. Wild Russian tortoises live in climates that are harsher than ours! They can THRIVE in our climate.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaxgqtEjmgj6STaZHu3zVwmnkdPrdJJV2SuaQqua3qUwUdaJ0IHXMKfezFO8YjVpzM-fdiFnQme-NtJz6zeRIClq_9KZ9Lpk0DNvN1GlljLpKCYz6SbvB6N_JUtjyVMqPH2oVdgo995RQ/s1600/DSC_6116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaxgqtEjmgj6STaZHu3zVwmnkdPrdJJV2SuaQqua3qUwUdaJ0IHXMKfezFO8YjVpzM-fdiFnQme-NtJz6zeRIClq_9KZ9Lpk0DNvN1GlljLpKCYz6SbvB6N_JUtjyVMqPH2oVdgo995RQ/s1600/DSC_6116.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A morning view of our tortoise yard</td></tr>
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In our climate, moisture can be a problem - Russian tortoises don't seem to mind chilly weather as long as they have the option to stay dry. We solved this problem by building the tortoise yard partially under the eves of our roof - about 2 feet out from our house wall stay completely dry, no matter how hard it rains. I have cut several buckets in half, and buried them under several inches of soil. They provide good hides for the tortoises to burrow into on cool or hot days.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhODqh_SU21m5qcrBz5kOPMrSNyDZvruMaXclV5Qv3KOH2y1s5gexpaRxvR7OxEleKVxhCL7Y0uZkwNBneUmOlhw2iewzS0QwD3f4HUgT8rUBQg70pNXur06-S1z3HLumzjuJ5vp8YgJZo/s1600/DSC_6117+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhODqh_SU21m5qcrBz5kOPMrSNyDZvruMaXclV5Qv3KOH2y1s5gexpaRxvR7OxEleKVxhCL7Y0uZkwNBneUmOlhw2iewzS0QwD3f4HUgT8rUBQg70pNXur06-S1z3HLumzjuJ5vp8YgJZo/s1600/DSC_6117+-+Copy.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A morning view of the tortoise yard- it gets much sunnier here in the afternoon!</td></tr>
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Building an outdoor space doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. I used re-claimed materials off of Craigslist and from my neighbors' left over project lumber. The total cost out of pocket was $35 for this, which was for the decking screws to hold it all together. <br />I plan to expand the tortoise yard in the next few years, to go further out from the house, as well as going around the corner to the South side of the house. I already have some of the materials for this. I also am scavenging materials to build a little heated greenhouse, which would make it possible for the tortoises to live outdoors for several more months each year!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1XelNmROb9kXikCx9Litku3ViR3U734vBegdktdehB1oDNP6F7SHZ7nDiiiJ5R2kLW3UwT3MhhzCpVPn6MfqAjWyGWq0xhziF8X5XQlf6X7SQs8S1X1degm0Aiyz4pzRvKrejtkNWj_M/s1600/DSC_6173+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1XelNmROb9kXikCx9Litku3ViR3U734vBegdktdehB1oDNP6F7SHZ7nDiiiJ5R2kLW3UwT3MhhzCpVPn6MfqAjWyGWq0xhziF8X5XQlf6X7SQs8S1X1degm0Aiyz4pzRvKrejtkNWj_M/s1600/DSC_6173+-+Copy.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jill and Mila basking in the morning sun</td></tr>
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Russian tortoises are hardy critters, and even when the air temperature is only 60 degrees, the ground temperature in a sunny spot is often 30 degrees higher. You can help this by placing a flat dark-ish rock (or several) into the area the sun hits first in the morning. I've also set up little cold frames (miniature greenhouses), which I built from polycarbonate scraps I scored from a local garden center for a whopping $5 for a stack large enough to make 4.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCsEkdeeKPUWNCCTVsyhBtiFgAcudf-NkNRd3MF6A7djY6-nOOV1XaDH22hT5sTB1e96Ag7SIY42g91vNxBzOUU9CdfqqEEnyjruY-hYrMyA8ggeK6Uvf5JGeNvUmzj8-45GGor417rwQ/s1600/DSC_6293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCsEkdeeKPUWNCCTVsyhBtiFgAcudf-NkNRd3MF6A7djY6-nOOV1XaDH22hT5sTB1e96Ag7SIY42g91vNxBzOUU9CdfqqEEnyjruY-hYrMyA8ggeK6Uvf5JGeNvUmzj8-45GGor417rwQ/s1600/DSC_6293.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greenhouse made from polycarbonate remnants</td></tr>
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I simply taped the triangles together using foil ducting tape, and ta-daaaa! Instant slightly warmer, dry basking area! These are very simplified versions of a cold frame.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ko0__nGJzjgh1LW3dteRYk05zcwAK82w7hFH11yD_vMpzRsvJVxG4659znWLL-mnKsefgkAZXch_0I6LYqbYWXB9VLLH3EVX1oAz3KRBw1N8nHgmyqDOg8f0OlpkQEZGMYww7kq8fYg/s1600/DSC_6297+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ko0__nGJzjgh1LW3dteRYk05zcwAK82w7hFH11yD_vMpzRsvJVxG4659znWLL-mnKsefgkAZXch_0I6LYqbYWXB9VLLH3EVX1oAz3KRBw1N8nHgmyqDOg8f0OlpkQEZGMYww7kq8fYg/s1600/DSC_6297+-+Copy.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amber, hanging out in her pyramid in the quarantine area</td></tr>
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My infrared temperature gun is an important tool - I quickly check the ground temperature in several spots before bringing the tortoises outside in the Spring. In the summer, the ground temperature can actually rise to 140 degrees F on a 90 degree (air temp) day (in that case, it becomes necessary to hose down the tortoise yard to cool it).<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-Jo8wOTRT6Oo0WRCm1YqCkhrOI4rd-L9-pyEQoCGi1vwQLB0NlWPHCtCPZPvpPe6uS6ryghyphenhyphen-BmA6NZCfCzLjHRd2o36x2EkeyTdVwfE3yK0PC5puil6T-DqIYmLMkJwkUzFzVMPqD8/s1600/71S4ekNy5RL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-Jo8wOTRT6Oo0WRCm1YqCkhrOI4rd-L9-pyEQoCGi1vwQLB0NlWPHCtCPZPvpPe6uS6ryghyphenhyphen-BmA6NZCfCzLjHRd2o36x2EkeyTdVwfE3yK0PC5puil6T-DqIYmLMkJwkUzFzVMPqD8/s1600/71S4ekNy5RL._SL1500_.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I like this one by Etekcity. <br />I bought it on Amazon, and it has worked for 4 years without needing its battery changed. </td></tr>
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When night temperatures drop below 58 degrees F, I bring the tortoises in at night. Otherwise, they stay outside 24/7 unless it is raining so torrentially that I know the gutters will fail, sending a waterfall over the edge of the roof into the tortoise yard.<br />
The tortoises dig in for the night. Then as soon as the sun hits the tortoise garden (around 11am, since it's on the West side of the house), the tortoises come out to bask in the sunny spots. They wander around, graze, explore, and soak. By afternoon it really bakes out, and they retreat to the shady spots under the bushes. In the evening, they come back out again for another snack, or just to take a walk.<br />
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Indoors I have to separate the tortoises into multiple tortoise tables, based on who gets along with whom (or doesn't). Several are permanently in solitary confinement indoors. Outside, there are so many sight barriers, and so much space, that I am able to keep the tortoises together in the large tortoise garden. I keep a close eye on them to make sure nobody is being ganged up on, and I have a 'time out' area set up for them if separation becomes necessary. In the Springtime, the males couldn't be in the same enclosure because they kept fighting. Now they have mellowed.<br />
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A different view of the tortoise yard. I have blueberry bushes, gooseberry bushes, and raspberries growing in there. I've limbed up the blueberry bushes to where the tortoises can't reach the fruit or leaves, so they just benefit from the filtered shade. They like to eat the leaves off the raspberry vines, but the fruit is picked by us humans. The gooseberry bush is related to the currant family, so the leaves are safe for the tortoises. We pick the fruit for ourselves. I like that the bushes fulfill a dual purpose - food for us humans, and shade for the tortoises.<br /><br />
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I have dug a nice deep trench under the wall of the enclosure, which I filled with cement pavers, so I don't have to worry about the tortoises digging out of their enclosure. My male Roz is an especially avid digger - he makes burrows so deep I have to reach in up to my shoulder to get him out. The walls of the enclosure are capped so the tortoises can't climb out either. Because I am confident the tortoises can't escape, it isn't too scary for me when one of the tortoises disappears for a few weeks for a snooze. I know they are healthy and have had plenty of food, so if the weather is hot or cold, I allow them to burrow down as they see fit. </div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Lady (the very dirty tortoise shown above and below) disappeared at the end of April, and didn't show up again until last week. She is a big, heavy girl, so I wasn't worried. She came back out and went back to eating as if there had never been a 6-week nap. </span><br />
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I provide water in several flat containers, such as the plant saucer in the picture below. Normally, this container is actually sunken into the ground, but one of the tortoises decided to dig under it, which pushed it up and out.<br />
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Some tortoises that are normally picky eaters or have a shy personality really blossom when they are outdoors. Little Jill (who isn't so little anymore!) is a shy picky eater indoors. Outside she eats like a piggy, and even bosses the bigger females around!<br />
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I had just hosed down the tortoise yard (including the tortoises) the morning before I took these pictures, hence the tortoises are unusually clean. They normally spend their Summer as grubby little piggies!<br /><br />
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Now that it is summer, the tortoise yard has been grazed pretty bare - however, finding healthy weeds is no trouble here in the beautiful, green Pacific Northwest, so the tortoises eat well.<br />
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This year was the first year that my tortoises had babies - Timmy and Roz produced 6 beautiful, healthy hatchlings. I am keeping 1 of them, and the others have all been dibsed. Here are a few pictures:<br /><br /><br />
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At only about a month old, the babies only spend about an hour per day outside. The baby below is little Duchess (Baby #2), which I am keeping. Eventually I plan to breed her with Duke (our CB male, who is NOT her father) to produce some fine CB2 Russian tortoises in years to come.<br />
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Finally, I just have to show off my Amber - she is just shy of 9" long and weighs in at a whopping 1874g. She's a big, big girl! (freshly hosed down in the pic below... I plopped Duke into the pic for size comparison. He's a 5" male).<br /><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5850325851175543438.post-32794071354265165582014-06-23T14:50:00.002-07:002014-06-23T14:52:03.551-07:00Baby Russian tortoise update! All 6 eggs have hatched in the meantime, and all 6 Russian tortoise babies are doing great! I am keeping 1 of them, and the other 5 all have homes lined up. Yay!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 6 baby Russian tortoises. </td></tr>
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A few days ago I took a bunch of pictures of the babies - it was a little bit like herding kittens, but a few of the pictures turned out well. I thought you might enjoy seeing them.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All 6 together after a good soak in warm water.</td></tr>
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The babies are between 1.5 and 1.75 inches long, and weigh between 16g and 22g. It's pretty amazing how quickly these wee critters grow!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#3</td></tr>
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Look at the nice new growth on #3. She had a rough start (which you can read about in my blog post from a couple of weeks ago), but she is active, curious, is eating well and growing well. She got to move into her new permanent home this weekend, with my friend here in town. Yay!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQQS6PnUDu6bbPr_zbbOiAQvNmgzZfL7Wv3yyhwEGPJ_4MeVmOe5HAWjUn_ZGBQzJ01RAa5GDc2eC_VQeyiJnGmzzS50Q_IuR8BcrDswPlOHHKaattVef6pfV3sXRCBnjkpqMQRBU4do/s1600/DSC_6603+-+Copy+baby1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQQS6PnUDu6bbPr_zbbOiAQvNmgzZfL7Wv3yyhwEGPJ_4MeVmOe5HAWjUn_ZGBQzJ01RAa5GDc2eC_VQeyiJnGmzzS50Q_IuR8BcrDswPlOHHKaattVef6pfV3sXRCBnjkpqMQRBU4do/s1600/DSC_6603+-+Copy+baby1.JPG" height="285" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#1</td></tr>
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Spunky little #1 (named 'Backwards Z' by my kids) is turning out to be quite the little alpha animal. At the tender age of 1 month, I have already observed her bobbing her head at another baby, and she tried to bite one of the babies that was approaching 'her' food pile. She is super friendly around humans though, so I am confident she will make a wonderful pet for the family that has chosen her!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmWaoIM7Z7JtEOwMDIOs5s353OOq0b4TeInBzAlrythzXb7ItJnxR7JstnampfCKOc7uSaJpyA9C3Y_yHFuQ-PXY2nU-vBNFqMNhFqKp_KhbLlHqDtA3DLkgrlr_GjbYJ3vAc2xUbtnrY/s1600/DSC_6604+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmWaoIM7Z7JtEOwMDIOs5s353OOq0b4TeInBzAlrythzXb7ItJnxR7JstnampfCKOc7uSaJpyA9C3Y_yHFuQ-PXY2nU-vBNFqMNhFqKp_KhbLlHqDtA3DLkgrlr_GjbYJ3vAc2xUbtnrY/s1600/DSC_6604+-+Copy.JPG" height="285" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#1</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_fMiv78PHHuzEQtDy5Z6-WkIgaGMzxrwLPp0W_Ec8PPl0FnU5Y_jljTQbNAohrYUCeM8_Hlxoh8McTFS1pzBaFnb0XsPHFiyaZ29j8GLJ7Kojb5jvEh-EarCc8VyBM3FDoctvjdxxu4/s1600/DSC_6608+-+Copy+baby2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_fMiv78PHHuzEQtDy5Z6-WkIgaGMzxrwLPp0W_Ec8PPl0FnU5Y_jljTQbNAohrYUCeM8_Hlxoh8McTFS1pzBaFnb0XsPHFiyaZ29j8GLJ7Kojb5jvEh-EarCc8VyBM3FDoctvjdxxu4/s1600/DSC_6608+-+Copy+baby2.JPG" height="285" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#2</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I really like the coloring of #2 - she has those awesome dark and light stripes. She hatched looking as light as #6, and then parts of her scutes darkened significantly within a few days. It will be interesting to see what she looks like when she is bigger. Her Mama has a sunflower yellow shell, so I am hoping her coloring will be similar.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgP05rAW8lr5y154jiV6yVAlVMf_-Wzg1elUXJq1Droj_5abB3YAa6d72UAp-1fMCdPtCaUia1MhP7o7OlmjK-XPIj9tIA8AUeZy3oZViWZ3HdWyPWlIYe_52WttpfVIxGrMKrzz1By5o/s1600/DSC_6609+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgP05rAW8lr5y154jiV6yVAlVMf_-Wzg1elUXJq1Droj_5abB3YAa6d72UAp-1fMCdPtCaUia1MhP7o7OlmjK-XPIj9tIA8AUeZy3oZViWZ3HdWyPWlIYe_52WttpfVIxGrMKrzz1By5o/s1600/DSC_6609+-+Copy.JPG" height="285" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#2 </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The above picture shows off her nice even new growth. I love the little black striations that are showing up!<br />
<div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9AdTYVT4n_cqJYCf6GsCeyrskg9_dyo-Am7C4i0syRbtKOKCeYz8ar1MYE8RPo8Qd9Mn-HUyXIOvAWLpRpFW0ENU-IyYyiKr2AYO1PtLJU2ndGp7Z_EPkSYi4UwYXNvSpZmV-IJj5dJw/s1600/DSC_6615+-+Copy+baby4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9AdTYVT4n_cqJYCf6GsCeyrskg9_dyo-Am7C4i0syRbtKOKCeYz8ar1MYE8RPo8Qd9Mn-HUyXIOvAWLpRpFW0ENU-IyYyiKr2AYO1PtLJU2ndGp7Z_EPkSYi4UwYXNvSpZmV-IJj5dJw/s1600/DSC_6615+-+Copy+baby4.JPG" height="285" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#4</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Baby #4 charms with her funky little extra scute on her back. She is curious and eats like a little piggy.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbcO7w4rnARLO02pSBdqvmdF05lA6iR7mhPvA_N4NIqXbGXeB9R5LKEbRSwwMyjZKNq_rbUdCzaI2t8-rcQB233zmJyJcnWEIj_JteZT1gEfFjkfA3CVeBDIxQbxOIjfblFs3_hGo1FZI/s1600/DSC_6618+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbcO7w4rnARLO02pSBdqvmdF05lA6iR7mhPvA_N4NIqXbGXeB9R5LKEbRSwwMyjZKNq_rbUdCzaI2t8-rcQB233zmJyJcnWEIj_JteZT1gEfFjkfA3CVeBDIxQbxOIjfblFs3_hGo1FZI/s1600/DSC_6618+-+Copy.JPG" height="285" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#4</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSRtMmPJeSVeByBD8XOLa8kw4lSwDUbzgeu2JkUJesDcsSr4Zbi5KieDy9RmsOGlzDO8990Th14OocHkREelz3Zvb0ZlNedluJCsxpOCFNBxThHjwTou3_IWvD1mTHzBSYCTGqXlh064o/s1600/DSC_6621+-+Copy+baby5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSRtMmPJeSVeByBD8XOLa8kw4lSwDUbzgeu2JkUJesDcsSr4Zbi5KieDy9RmsOGlzDO8990Th14OocHkREelz3Zvb0ZlNedluJCsxpOCFNBxThHjwTou3_IWvD1mTHzBSYCTGqXlh064o/s1600/DSC_6621+-+Copy+baby5.JPG" height="285" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#5</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Baby #5 has a really interesting shell pattern as well, with those bright yellow highlights in the dark background. It will be interesting to see what her new growth ends up looking like. Her shell is still a little bit lopsided, since she was rolled diagonally in her egg. This will normalize once she grows a little more.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXGda56RrUtQ6RAt2tdgy_lkS9utciqFEgcQ_l3z-l7wipod6tpaWRA9WMvKoGC3pSdOo_FoTeq9aKY6-ar86gND45c09EgWn6JlcpbdV-OFgsE5YlbfxZv-yOfjCzJtW9fk-N7CPOLao/s1600/DSC_6624+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXGda56RrUtQ6RAt2tdgy_lkS9utciqFEgcQ_l3z-l7wipod6tpaWRA9WMvKoGC3pSdOo_FoTeq9aKY6-ar86gND45c09EgWn6JlcpbdV-OFgsE5YlbfxZv-yOfjCzJtW9fk-N7CPOLao/s1600/DSC_6624+-+Copy.JPG" height="285" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#5</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
#5 has this funky little yellow circle on the front of her shell. I am not sure if it will stay, or will go away as she grows, but for now, it is awfully pretty!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGe6eVJGPeTEEvY6D2ANlAH8yygRMz_xC9XcsJ-ctI8XVoXM0X3o7F1SizUehOlLd_fk6LRZOpa556Ag21ymsBgByziutoHD4irnKllr444fOVcIwSgw-GM1fbTH20H5zabwK_kXcBKLI/s1600/DSC_6627+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGe6eVJGPeTEEvY6D2ANlAH8yygRMz_xC9XcsJ-ctI8XVoXM0X3o7F1SizUehOlLd_fk6LRZOpa556Ag21ymsBgByziutoHD4irnKllr444fOVcIwSgw-GM1fbTH20H5zabwK_kXcBKLI/s1600/DSC_6627+-+Copy.JPG" height="285" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#6</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Baby #6 was the last one to hatch, but she was also the fattest, largest one. She is on the go non-stop. She climbs higher than the others, runs faster than the others, and is very bold. This silly girl has gotten herself high-centered on a number of items she successfully climbed.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8l0lNS34jOK3YMfrbN0-IKMilR9qLAfEa_5kZdrdKPNwkMAdEUpJ25JhqadSqUxg4JpZ8iSwK24P5h2TDtDEFOQXw_GtNb5isYF4f_mbJLypLz99PEDb-J4ydUGFZ0ICooxzZz7DvoqE/s1600/DSC_6628+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8l0lNS34jOK3YMfrbN0-IKMilR9qLAfEa_5kZdrdKPNwkMAdEUpJ25JhqadSqUxg4JpZ8iSwK24P5h2TDtDEFOQXw_GtNb5isYF4f_mbJLypLz99PEDb-J4ydUGFZ0ICooxzZz7DvoqE/s1600/DSC_6628+-+Copy.JPG" height="285" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#6</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR35X0neqqFWN30Oy34M8eYtdTvGY80i9GYFKIG_gBLea8CW3M2w98jiouz8SjHScKMXSWSUdXXwz5lbG4E6bEhCcqMUj-pLQZ0r_xNRYMcnj59vn040-2elex5PkO09IGGgNPd4h3VHE/s1600/DSC_6631+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR35X0neqqFWN30Oy34M8eYtdTvGY80i9GYFKIG_gBLea8CW3M2w98jiouz8SjHScKMXSWSUdXXwz5lbG4E6bEhCcqMUj-pLQZ0r_xNRYMcnj59vn040-2elex5PkO09IGGgNPd4h3VHE/s1600/DSC_6631+-+Copy.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#6</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-lAJFZU5XVsQMezyKcvdLPiMRKBoxCEdzMni-unzh2r7OkHnmhHfIJfew12Ge_m8-ia1Ep-pRamJYUcceEbZwzZNIIxP2dLR2KdX1H9ZL4g1sdIIWmq3gz4kNKW1dbtNBqburMe4yB6w/s1600/DSC_6582+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-lAJFZU5XVsQMezyKcvdLPiMRKBoxCEdzMni-unzh2r7OkHnmhHfIJfew12Ge_m8-ia1Ep-pRamJYUcceEbZwzZNIIxP2dLR2KdX1H9ZL4g1sdIIWmq3gz4kNKW1dbtNBqburMe4yB6w/s1600/DSC_6582+-+Copy.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#6 is a little Houdini. She was constantly trying to run away!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Yep, there goes #6, running away as fast as she can. Silly girl. Doesn't know what's good for her!<br />
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The picture below shows the 6 babies soaking together. I've labelled their shells 1-6 so that you can see the differences. Again, they all have the same parents... so the variation of dark, light and designs is rather amazing to me. Yay for genetics!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1EfW_pieXoUAcCXwmN355yn2cY9c2GxFlDgzMFYEvdtPihwkv-ayMTaP15HzNSmOGNq2GTZnRVPbdaBTekpUk7YZ0IiXF5cpUeM6D4rOKvK1xRogC9XPgGnLjoCqHv91Fy64mhZD3JUI/s1600/DSC_6415+-+labelled.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1EfW_pieXoUAcCXwmN355yn2cY9c2GxFlDgzMFYEvdtPihwkv-ayMTaP15HzNSmOGNq2GTZnRVPbdaBTekpUk7YZ0IiXF5cpUeM6D4rOKvK1xRogC9XPgGnLjoCqHv91Fy64mhZD3JUI/s1600/DSC_6415+-+labelled.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In spite of having the same parents, the color variation ranges from very light to very dark!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Ok, and finally, because I'm a big goofball, I took pictures of each of the babies in a spoon. They won't stay small for long, so I wanted a picture of them in comparison to a common household object.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBfNHC3DcP7WIKonObnLkJm1LTNqR30p3NI3TzgxT8xyzixpvI5Jo5QVwu3nVVqTjS9F_kG53fPvD22o9EP-FbirhdexWN9RApzO6DatWimW1PmO2GcMFaf9AF3zIVDop7gNXkUIT9cw8/s1600/DSC_6565+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBfNHC3DcP7WIKonObnLkJm1LTNqR30p3NI3TzgxT8xyzixpvI5Jo5QVwu3nVVqTjS9F_kG53fPvD22o9EP-FbirhdexWN9RApzO6DatWimW1PmO2GcMFaf9AF3zIVDop7gNXkUIT9cw8/s1600/DSC_6565+-+Copy.JPG" height="285" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To give you an idea of the size of the babies... here is a spoonful of tortoise!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i>To learn more about how to raise healthy, smooth baby Russian tortoises, please read Tom's wonderful article on the Tortoise Forum: http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/</i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5850325851175543438.post-78815410892548057202014-06-07T18:00:00.007-07:002014-06-07T18:00:56.622-07:00Russian tortoise Baby#4 hatched today!<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Russian tortoise baby#4 made an appearance today! </span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdOzH-UvYVvxPuqeQObjEySoav2R_IxCwjX7x9HZs-pKpSjITrqjCCxcDj9t3yB_wdRgh9kmkOOvvX0SkXm9sAWOVz9mxX7xVa-aiinWbjCTnipql3hiS8ceXU7gyM77t1URBZT1LGkS4/s1600/DSC_6340+-+Copy+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdOzH-UvYVvxPuqeQObjEySoav2R_IxCwjX7x9HZs-pKpSjITrqjCCxcDj9t3yB_wdRgh9kmkOOvvX0SkXm9sAWOVz9mxX7xVa-aiinWbjCTnipql3hiS8ceXU7gyM77t1URBZT1LGkS4/s1600/DSC_6340+-+Copy+-+Copy.JPG" height="320" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">POP! And she was out!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Today was day#60 for the second batch of eggs, so I peeked into the incubator window with a flashlight. What did I see? Little eyeballs staring back at me! </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Baby must have been sitting in the incubator co</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">ming out of her egg for quite a while (could have been since yesterday), because her egg just about disintegrated in my hands when I picked it up to move her into the little bin. She had thoroughly shredded it and crawled right out of the egg into my hand.</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZoy39bpAhIkhU5FH9Fk8vYR-3_kXhxDuerJKJv9PKz7qNKvCkj5Nqkm7EpjNvAFBtfmUTtQdXQrGyqocpbL0btXZyqS6kZsnG_m7exQji-Fmt4zayuMALtaJcQgZxvd7tkaqNomUnoA4/s1600/DSC_6342+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZoy39bpAhIkhU5FH9Fk8vYR-3_kXhxDuerJKJv9PKz7qNKvCkj5Nqkm7EpjNvAFBtfmUTtQdXQrGyqocpbL0btXZyqS6kZsnG_m7exQji-Fmt4zayuMALtaJcQgZxvd7tkaqNomUnoA4/s1600/DSC_6342+-+Copy.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby#4 is a beautiful, healthy little Russian tortoise. </td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Welcome to the world, baby#4! She's happy, healthy, and has a tiny splitty scute. Scutes are the little partitions in a tortoise's shell, and a 'normal' tortoise has a set number of them. Occasionally (based on incubation temperature, genetics, and other factors), a tortoise hatches with a few extra scutes. This does not harm the tortoise at all, it just make sit unique. </span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7RvQkSwQyY-Ft4SNF66wJic1nMDL2LjIL16L5D89nEDZDCNboPPKM56_UaOjClQiOIPr2IF5WgvyxHkSAB5RFCZ45tKnrRvyTA4_5H4iYakkm2tEhV4yqVd8ILe0LhdQ-Oar0QGI6dQA/s1600/DSC_6345+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7RvQkSwQyY-Ft4SNF66wJic1nMDL2LjIL16L5D89nEDZDCNboPPKM56_UaOjClQiOIPr2IF5WgvyxHkSAB5RFCZ45tKnrRvyTA4_5H4iYakkm2tEhV4yqVd8ILe0LhdQ-Oar0QGI6dQA/s1600/DSC_6345+-+Copy.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Freshly out of the egg, still with a fold in its belly and a small yolk sac.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">I included a pic of her belly, because I thought you would like to see how the babies are folded in the egg. She will absorb that bit of yolk sac in the next day.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">I still have 2 more eggs from this clutch in the incubator. I can't wait for them to hatch as well! </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzc9lVUwZpiVi67_wcz3oss3R8CFbxxNgBQAnX8ldH4QD9bajjGJLrDnPRTx5XPrt36k7_cGlYUjzb9G0uKxASaeo_BGnlZVrop1Ty-xnftamqa38obJDnZiBsi3I44_L2M4K3iYU-qXo/s1600/Baby%25234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzc9lVUwZpiVi67_wcz3oss3R8CFbxxNgBQAnX8ldH4QD9bajjGJLrDnPRTx5XPrt36k7_cGlYUjzb9G0uKxASaeo_BGnlZVrop1Ty-xnftamqa38obJDnZiBsi3I44_L2M4K3iYU-qXo/s1600/Baby%25234.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I made a little collage of Baby#4</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5850325851175543438.post-57281249048416903242014-06-04T11:03:00.000-07:002015-02-21T23:25:21.229-08:00Scary beginnings, but happy ending. Russian Tortoise Baby#3<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ok, today I want to share with you the somewhat scary beginning of our Russian tortoise Hatchling#3. I wanted to wait to be sure there was a happy ending. Rest assured, all is well now!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_f80ZV2CxMIi5S3x_94otLRIrRLENXh7JxjFeER4X3e54_TfUJKia4W953M9FKojL4NEVzvG44WZJx78rJkQU1dZGA_5pFam3mIJ2_lsyNlfEehfihLwd1tWGtBkvU2rlhOcZQ_fEF8/s1600/DSC_6322+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_f80ZV2CxMIi5S3x_94otLRIrRLENXh7JxjFeER4X3e54_TfUJKia4W953M9FKojL4NEVzvG44WZJx78rJkQU1dZGA_5pFam3mIJ2_lsyNlfEehfihLwd1tWGtBkvU2rlhOcZQ_fEF8/s1600/DSC_6322+-+Copy.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby#3, healthy and chipper now</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">First, I want to thank my very knowledgeable friend Melissa, who helped me and advised and encouraged me... at 10pm! She deserves a huge hug. I am so thankful she is a part of my life!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I wanted to share this, first because I think it's just amazing how nature is set up, and second, because I am amazed at how robust these wee babies actually are, given the proper care.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">First, here is a picture of a normal hatchling's cute fat little belly</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">a few hours after hatching.</span><span style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">It is normal for baby tortoises to hatch with a small yolk sac still hanging out of their belly button. This then absorbs within a few days, and baby can go its merry way.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm9ykGV42zb5-K896_kbComTIeFZYT59-_TDIuV58UmRkcQBR1AxpHLW5wHPyrEF-2lVurR09lJYnbpBkmnivfYN7JgBHhRPpx3G429zyZN6BPiaxb-xkFhZ_6-1ZmABDZt0u9UCSyYaE/s1600/DSC_6280+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm9ykGV42zb5-K896_kbComTIeFZYT59-_TDIuV58UmRkcQBR1AxpHLW5wHPyrEF-2lVurR09lJYnbpBkmnivfYN7JgBHhRPpx3G429zyZN6BPiaxb-xkFhZ_6-1ZmABDZt0u9UCSyYaE/s1600/DSC_6280+-+Copy.JPG" height="320" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A normal hatchling's fat little belly. This is Baby#2.</td></tr>
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<span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Well, when I saw Baby#3 was pipping, I moved the egg to the container in the incubator with a moist paper towel. I did this because I was going to be busy, and didn't want baby to hatch onto the incubation substrate and possibly ingest some or get some stuck on its belly. In retrospect, I am so glad I did this!</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I checked on it sequentially, and saw first a little head and leg... and then I checked back in a few hours later, and saw baby RT#3 out of the egg, but with a big orange thing under its belly. Yikes!</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj30A12vkrpnNvDb6Asnh1Ckjh4gDCkJ-g_biDruI3ofKs9yX4jJOa2WSohp7TLodFJmRoyCAF-Ay_RKwMYmfriUGZudMGhymkOEcC5sX9D2UQFMqikMlGjyyQdARAVoldQKN46KWU5ihc/s1600/DSC_6306d+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj30A12vkrpnNvDb6Asnh1Ckjh4gDCkJ-g_biDruI3ofKs9yX4jJOa2WSohp7TLodFJmRoyCAF-Ay_RKwMYmfriUGZudMGhymkOEcC5sX9D2UQFMqikMlGjyyQdARAVoldQKN46KWU5ihc/s1600/DSC_6306d+-+Copy.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is not what you want to see... a huge yolk sac!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">I carefully took the baby out to investigate, and oh dear, it looked terrible! The yolk sac was huge, and there was some kind of pink thing on the end of it!</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbM1Cl0KVYUTu525klWTf3EQqtXBXetHxzMKgEVBszeLMe43ag0XJlvhALe08rS16k_gGPgqjbf-z0SaMRw5wpD8YHWqBU2H3Z8gka4vGWVjuLZzP0qis2_8BWyk6Nmi300jikkvgQahE/s1600/DSC_6307+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbM1Cl0KVYUTu525klWTf3EQqtXBXetHxzMKgEVBszeLMe43ag0XJlvhALe08rS16k_gGPgqjbf-z0SaMRw5wpD8YHWqBU2H3Z8gka4vGWVjuLZzP0qis2_8BWyk6Nmi300jikkvgQahE/s1600/DSC_6307+-+Copy.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The yolk sac is way too big on this wee tortoise - she's a preemie!</td></tr>
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<span style="line-height: 18px;">I contacted my friend Melissa (who knows a lot more about tortoises and breeding than I do), and she assured me that this happens, and that it will probably absorb, with proper care. Baby should have probably stayed in the egg for a few more days, but might have kicked a hole in the egg while turning, which resulted in a premature hatch.</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I made a little donut pillow out of a moist paper towel, and put baby on it, with the yolk sac in the middle. This way the baby's body weight wouldn't be squishing the sac. The moisture protected the membranes.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhto0R5LydtBbOy8aFhDluVFXJWOCSUjPsr7pnAV5Y1lwg42ngFK-SEAnf1aFskaw2nYCeTx70tz5yM0OVj19OfhWNuK2pLb4PvNvtQIyGe-t6cSqrE6dJtzvjQEGZwbdFZIDIoEQrMPuI/s1600/DSC_6309+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhto0R5LydtBbOy8aFhDluVFXJWOCSUjPsr7pnAV5Y1lwg42ngFK-SEAnf1aFskaw2nYCeTx70tz5yM0OVj19OfhWNuK2pLb4PvNvtQIyGe-t6cSqrE6dJtzvjQEGZwbdFZIDIoEQrMPuI/s1600/DSC_6309+-+Copy.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby#3 on her donut pillow</td></tr>
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<span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I then covered baby with a second moist paper towel, since babies like to feel covered. I closed the incubator, said a silent prayer, and went to bed. I knew the best thing for baby was to be left alone now.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpdMDak1zWaVWObclI6iQIT_KuDuWIYPLcW63n4lo-8cgNuSuzcqGpGnWeKa7SzRjQksny-CyquhDVr2pPHndGvHJoBP-WEOopncr3YniL7xuISjCBigYSy256uh6XMcRc1qwqXoe4ZFU/s1600/DSC_6310+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpdMDak1zWaVWObclI6iQIT_KuDuWIYPLcW63n4lo-8cgNuSuzcqGpGnWeKa7SzRjQksny-CyquhDVr2pPHndGvHJoBP-WEOopncr3YniL7xuISjCBigYSy256uh6XMcRc1qwqXoe4ZFU/s1600/DSC_6310+-+Copy.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Night night wee baby!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">The next morning I shone a light into the incubator, but didn't open it. Baby was still on its donut pillow, but it moved a leg and opened its eyes when I shone the light in. It was alive! </span><br style="line-height: 18px;" /><br style="line-height: 18px;" /><span style="line-height: 18px;">Towards late afternoon, I checked again, and baby had moved off of its little donut. I decided now was a good time to check on baby - and was amazed to see that most of the yolk sac really had absorbed.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vlxjg59q8IT5C_Hpt0182M_RzRNXiycpbRPHDmEvzEK1y-yhO-eBOYA-QlLodXiKXcUHuIPbs27oghcJ_nlrRDGAgZ6prnN9_fez_Ancr3i0dMqVPQx9SZ0lsNh5NBZPYW_OA3RHbWc/s1600/DSC_6311+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vlxjg59q8IT5C_Hpt0182M_RzRNXiycpbRPHDmEvzEK1y-yhO-eBOYA-QlLodXiKXcUHuIPbs27oghcJ_nlrRDGAgZ6prnN9_fez_Ancr3i0dMqVPQx9SZ0lsNh5NBZPYW_OA3RHbWc/s1600/DSC_6311+-+Copy.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still not perfect, but SO much better!</td></tr>
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<span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I soaked baby in some warm water, and placed it back in the incubator in the container with moist towels. She was chipper, and walked around, even climbed up and over her little donut, which she no longer needed.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Zx74ChCTMFR75Ax5YdkwBmzdHyY6l1qPpvFsOxkyZ26AlNQQya8rYlmjvwHMI2SZSE4VbRDSyw-wl_yi3oKYvLosv4M_8dt5Aq88iTE_mcNHS-M7zPh2b_3a9WMKF-U0D283ayBlM6U/s1600/DSC_6312+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Zx74ChCTMFR75Ax5YdkwBmzdHyY6l1qPpvFsOxkyZ26AlNQQya8rYlmjvwHMI2SZSE4VbRDSyw-wl_yi3oKYvLosv4M_8dt5Aq88iTE_mcNHS-M7zPh2b_3a9WMKF-U0D283ayBlM6U/s1600/DSC_6312+-+Copy.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soaking in warm water helps keep baby hydrated, and helps keep the tissue soft as it heals</td></tr>
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<span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Over the following days I continued to just leave her alone, except to soak her for 20mins each day. The yolk sac continued to absorb. The following pic is about 36 hours after hatching.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxY8CZZYTAe949a3TkfGmCGpjGuGFuP_IlnAhTVhdO6jS1WoKQmDwxqSfYAasOXB3HssKHI06C_OB-nzbDHpF_ybHcoKtboaDhiYApDEIzpNDiHrv264BqzB_Y0ud7EmjG3zPzma9OYY/s1600/DSC_6320+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxY8CZZYTAe949a3TkfGmCGpjGuGFuP_IlnAhTVhdO6jS1WoKQmDwxqSfYAasOXB3HssKHI06C_OB-nzbDHpF_ybHcoKtboaDhiYApDEIzpNDiHrv264BqzB_Y0ud7EmjG3zPzma9OYY/s1600/DSC_6320+-+Copy.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Much better - still just a little bit of healing necessary!</td></tr>
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<span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here is Baby#3, when I was confident she would be OK!</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstnT1Q_ol5r76CVZYy4kqbhksAsdgHKQzaoIdbyynRCfFcQF2lbOAApUATDI9jkpNxQPP1BuGkiARDdtBbcnOZab5D4skxzVGwC13oB7reotEJGjARD7XdYVJsETu6QFSLAYnSMFRMRw/s1600/DSC_6321+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstnT1Q_ol5r76CVZYy4kqbhksAsdgHKQzaoIdbyynRCfFcQF2lbOAApUATDI9jkpNxQPP1BuGkiARDdtBbcnOZab5D4skxzVGwC13oB7reotEJGjARD7XdYVJsETu6QFSLAYnSMFRMRw/s1600/DSC_6321+-+Copy.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No longer in danger, WHEW!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Now the yolk sac is fully absorbed, and the little umbilical wound is almost completely closed. The little pink 'tag' has gone inside now, too. She is going to be just fine. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghcPZBXyPHdF6FZuUUld_zTamrPUn90kOfzi78Hz45p-xsYI66kfQSVQloxbP-QIsGQIHmYB62Uk0-w9SN-Buczt9i-ye6srMac7ZhWBgGHG-BQH1jYqfhXKsJ2CCKaOKMc2NKvF4WM7c/s1600/DSC_6323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghcPZBXyPHdF6FZuUUld_zTamrPUn90kOfzi78Hz45p-xsYI66kfQSVQloxbP-QIsGQIHmYB62Uk0-w9SN-Buczt9i-ye6srMac7ZhWBgGHG-BQH1jYqfhXKsJ2CCKaOKMc2NKvF4WM7c/s1600/DSC_6323.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In another day or so, her little plastron will look completely normal</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Also, interesting fact: She flipped herself back onto her belly all by herself right after I took this picture.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Welcome to the world, little RT Baby#3!</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTII2fAwCGeb6lThdrms23QLnD4Grk9GZxS5_oR0-UreajcVFbDvv65hKgX_KJeB8ktV0N8JuTUHq2k5yUuiDNxWoMQVVtWu2CK_7Y1KH27Ps-S4qLl-a1-gvFc7GXmnZBf0p1K6MF2hA/s1600/DSC_6322+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTII2fAwCGeb6lThdrms23QLnD4Grk9GZxS5_oR0-UreajcVFbDvv65hKgX_KJeB8ktV0N8JuTUHq2k5yUuiDNxWoMQVVtWu2CK_7Y1KH27Ps-S4qLl-a1-gvFc7GXmnZBf0p1K6MF2hA/s1600/DSC_6322+-+Copy.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She has the cutest face!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">...watch out, she'll charm the socks off of you!</span></span><br />
<div style="font-size: 14px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Ps: I refer to this baby as 'she' and 'her' based on the fact that the incubation temperatures were high. Tortoises can be temperature sexed, with higher temperatures resulting in females, lower temperatures resulting in males. There is no guarantee, but it is VERY LIKELY that this is a female. </span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5850325851175543438.post-51591381096424807342014-05-31T10:30:00.001-07:002015-02-03T18:12:12.490-08:00Another one hatched! Baby#2 Last night the second baby Russian tortoise hatched. I caught her peeking out of her egg when I checked the incubator one last time in the evening. I moved the egg into a separate container with a damp paper towel in the incubator, since I didn't want baby to ingest any of the incubation substrate.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsYG18PDY2rrTMyNDtKEJYhmCK_r5sQl0cXmu7L8E3-FrazkBJn420HRcgHwpSDEFOIVaKl5w7I987DHKUG8U9YHIsfQRgf00O-dz-4Nq65q0kMAEO1QX-6FmjacfoPbLU59TFtGXgUk/s1600/DSC_6277+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsYG18PDY2rrTMyNDtKEJYhmCK_r5sQl0cXmu7L8E3-FrazkBJn420HRcgHwpSDEFOIVaKl5w7I987DHKUG8U9YHIsfQRgf00O-dz-4Nq65q0kMAEO1QX-6FmjacfoPbLU59TFtGXgUk/s1600/DSC_6277+-+Copy.JPG" height="320" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby tortoise #2 pipping out of her shell</td></tr>
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Then this morning, she was out of the shell and walking around. I briefly took her out of the incubator to weigh her and check her.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwjUOUPPS5SqN8q719LIf993mt8p_UoY97MamOUVfJii_-dIBRdeEGy4FATljGCRUpreSJrTMpbkdhhAZ2VO5jPgn8u8cNVI3V3VwPoTEQirEl6EfgVyGjIiTL3EodOK0pVD1sCG3DU1s/s1600/DSC_6279+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwjUOUPPS5SqN8q719LIf993mt8p_UoY97MamOUVfJii_-dIBRdeEGy4FATljGCRUpreSJrTMpbkdhhAZ2VO5jPgn8u8cNVI3V3VwPoTEQirEl6EfgVyGjIiTL3EodOK0pVD1sCG3DU1s/s1600/DSC_6279+-+Copy.JPG" height="320" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just out of the shell, and already spunky!</td></tr>
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S/he weighs 16g, and is fat and wiggly.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkm329dBjdjjGA2QbpgDNRvFyE9X9abmn-qhtzedR3YKdGmiN1du0Jokal4oNMFoBCIQo6ROT7xYuqFjeKVRnFeyXUTyrOw5bS-96B06IOWXRObhKfAX2BjWzkmbVgwto0P5wRu7FXvg0/s1600/DSC_6278+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkm329dBjdjjGA2QbpgDNRvFyE9X9abmn-qhtzedR3YKdGmiN1du0Jokal4oNMFoBCIQo6ROT7xYuqFjeKVRnFeyXUTyrOw5bS-96B06IOWXRObhKfAX2BjWzkmbVgwto0P5wRu7FXvg0/s1600/DSC_6278+-+Copy.JPG" height="320" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's hard to imagine just how tiny they are! I have small hands, too.</td></tr>
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She has the normal number of scutes, and interestingly, her color is much lighter than the first baby's shell.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXeqbNi7O3oNUtsV8vW8bhKHAzLv646SWAosPU6H79eAr4jxkUQuacr1uO6CZp-H4VP-W_HTnV5vi2Cp7fbzD6d85Y5tBA5osXkKiRP0vFRba44dV5GMuRGyRShstmztppeB0xzGSzn8Y/s1600/DSC_6280+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXeqbNi7O3oNUtsV8vW8bhKHAzLv646SWAosPU6H79eAr4jxkUQuacr1uO6CZp-H4VP-W_HTnV5vi2Cp7fbzD6d85Y5tBA5osXkKiRP0vFRba44dV5GMuRGyRShstmztppeB0xzGSzn8Y/s1600/DSC_6280+-+Copy.JPG" height="320" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Her fat little belly. She'll absorb the last bit of yolk soon.</td></tr>
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This second hatchling still has a small yolk sac around her belly button. This will be absorbed in the next few days while she is still in the incubator. You can see the line where she was folded in half in the egg. The babies end up folded in half, with their back legs touching their front legs, and head by the tail. By the time I saw her this morning, she had fully uncurled.<br />
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Welcome to the world, little one! 2 babies hatched, 4 more eggs to go!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh01EraeYOSA0vnr8khyphenhyphenYi8lceGeq1OJ9DyHIfhCsqmvgpQuM1xnIkDdsZu4n4TZvCk5HfIyMEnomyHi9UlgHvGQuxgutiYyQUJVjlu5BK66v6r4tDkDjsS6aYGcnlivJXGbGM2L7cdvz4/s1600/Baby%232+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh01EraeYOSA0vnr8khyphenhyphenYi8lceGeq1OJ9DyHIfhCsqmvgpQuM1xnIkDdsZu4n4TZvCk5HfIyMEnomyHi9UlgHvGQuxgutiYyQUJVjlu5BK66v6r4tDkDjsS6aYGcnlivJXGbGM2L7cdvz4/s1600/Baby%232+collage.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5850325851175543438.post-16638179249916351452014-05-25T21:44:00.004-07:002014-06-02T07:32:46.037-07:00Newest addition: Meet Russian tortoise baby #1 from egg#2!After 64 days of incubation, the first of my Russian tortoise eggs hatched this evening! I had already checked on the eggies in the incubator this morning, and there was nothing to see. When I briefly shone the flashlight in there this evening, I was surprised and delighted to see this:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwyF_KlDqi5C5C09WDDdrcTqY91cKqvh2HsTeq-jbfOUpgDTUsoi2YriclxJrEtFNtl8D-vA37jSlWmx4moddr0do2CAEgc80xBHNsqH679UkQHX77liCuBAOeeQXJSJEjJFN2qB6Vy0w/s1600/DSC_6232+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwyF_KlDqi5C5C09WDDdrcTqY91cKqvh2HsTeq-jbfOUpgDTUsoi2YriclxJrEtFNtl8D-vA37jSlWmx4moddr0do2CAEgc80xBHNsqH679UkQHX77liCuBAOeeQXJSJEjJFN2qB6Vy0w/s1600/DSC_6232+-+Copy.JPG" height="320" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby#1 made its appearance out of egg#2!</td></tr>
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I carefully opened the incubator and took baby and egg out of the incubation substrate. She had a bit of egg shell stuck on her face, so I dripped some water on her head very carefully, and it came right off.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJW2fi5HCAwHMJUB8FUfAu_-274w34Y1X3QaKOfU8azc3yY4ufeeSVkHOQ7BmD-4dX8feQxM2jKFx4bQLMYM1y3dl8GzU7oBMyV9_dH2ZwYGm6hcq4IRrrD4mVeRuLcHKTzzmcLXIIQzI/s1600/DSC_6234+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJW2fi5HCAwHMJUB8FUfAu_-274w34Y1X3QaKOfU8azc3yY4ufeeSVkHOQ7BmD-4dX8feQxM2jKFx4bQLMYM1y3dl8GzU7oBMyV9_dH2ZwYGm6hcq4IRrrD4mVeRuLcHKTzzmcLXIIQzI/s1600/DSC_6234+-+Copy.JPG" height="320" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">14g of cuteness!</td></tr>
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This little one has all the parts it should have (2 eyes, 4 legs, 1 tail), and a few extra scutes (scutes are the little square-ish partitions in the shell). Extra scutes won't hurt her in the least, they just make her unique.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCXYl7U6u5S6Xm165A_rJsph2RLi1Jr8z6CBJ3Np4uJwYrTqlcWX9WZqTgX9ygDuOnN5bVPhOh5edg4LPDOfX2cZzxwoMBQoyaL_8Wm5g8mJB2CED5UXF211o137Mnr8J_QBsnu3sEBMM/s1600/DSC_6236+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCXYl7U6u5S6Xm165A_rJsph2RLi1Jr8z6CBJ3Np4uJwYrTqlcWX9WZqTgX9ygDuOnN5bVPhOh5edg4LPDOfX2cZzxwoMBQoyaL_8Wm5g8mJB2CED5UXF211o137Mnr8J_QBsnu3sEBMM/s1600/DSC_6236+-+Copy.JPG" height="320" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bright eyed and wriggly!</td></tr>
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After weighing the wee one and showing her to the hubby and the kids, I carefully placed her in a little container with a moist paper towel, and put her and her egg back into the incubator. She will spend a bit of time in there, and will then move into a nice enclosure where she will grow and explore!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjCsH1M7FlZosFedwQLkjQe1JAnZDFfmkkqH0LXKQixrnzT26cg70Jek9KTx4P29YaRpOuumO_MBf2Xx5lvS3B_TnPne03EnRFVzDj8y-6FS84zSx-zF6vzg7FRSxjFnoh7e5ApHe4bMw/s1600/DSC_6237+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjCsH1M7FlZosFedwQLkjQe1JAnZDFfmkkqH0LXKQixrnzT26cg70Jek9KTx4P29YaRpOuumO_MBf2Xx5lvS3B_TnPne03EnRFVzDj8y-6FS84zSx-zF6vzg7FRSxjFnoh7e5ApHe4bMw/s1600/DSC_6237+-+Copy.JPG" height="320" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first Russian tortoise hatchling</td></tr>
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I am so proud that my favorite female tortoise Timmy is now officially a Momma... and hopefully there will be many, many more baby tortoises to follow over the next 100 years of Timmy's life! :)<br /><br />UPDATE: Baby#1 is now out of the incubator, and in the closed-chamber enclosure I've set up for the babies.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE14XfpQCC1R_C192d3XjxxMIKxd1PBLeM4YHCqDv91btRJGf6xPnqUn17jrZ_3j1gg0tfNMS6wlrblTaQ7pZSbRKcnm6sZdgztPkDHc1tZ6Oi2TjbalpPi_F3VZos1LLqukHhSSdfzik/s1600/DSC_6258+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE14XfpQCC1R_C192d3XjxxMIKxd1PBLeM4YHCqDv91btRJGf6xPnqUn17jrZ_3j1gg0tfNMS6wlrblTaQ7pZSbRKcnm6sZdgztPkDHc1tZ6Oi2TjbalpPi_F3VZos1LLqukHhSSdfzik/s1600/DSC_6258+-+Copy.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spunky little baby#1 basking</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyQqyvRiI29ly7xLvlU_H8iZvsUoI84YnAN2ka7C1XEh5J7S5TnoqMSx648ClL3JVWqdVm1naB0jW_Q7qX9QBUWC5MnlgVttaSKeobFyIOgCg2nnsRY5Dr4pQVfAvRE9uE5tiH1lK3Moc/s1600/DSC_6265+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyQqyvRiI29ly7xLvlU_H8iZvsUoI84YnAN2ka7C1XEh5J7S5TnoqMSx648ClL3JVWqdVm1naB0jW_Q7qX9QBUWC5MnlgVttaSKeobFyIOgCg2nnsRY5Dr4pQVfAvRE9uE5tiH1lK3Moc/s1600/DSC_6265+-+Copy.JPG" height="310" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think she knows she is cute!</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5850325851175543438.post-31987364379088500872014-05-06T21:54:00.004-07:002014-05-06T22:01:49.555-07:00Quick summary of LIGHTING for tortoises<span style="background-color: #fcfcff; color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.53333282470703px;">I've seen a lot of questions pertaining to lighting lately. I wrote up a little summary in March for a FB group, so I'm copying it here, just to have a nice summary here that might be useful. </span><img alt=":)" class="mceSmilieSprite mceSmilie1" src="http://www.tortoiseforum.org/styles/default/xenforo/clear.png" style="background-color: #fcfcff; background-image: url(http://www.tortoiseforum.org/styles/default/xenforo/xenforo-smilies-sprite.png); background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 0px; color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; height: 18px; line-height: 20.53333282470703px; margin: 0px 1px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 18px;" title="Smile :)" /><br />
<br style="background-color: #fcfcff; color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.53333282470703px;" />
<span style="background-color: #fcfcff; color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.53333282470703px;">Russian tortoises (as well as others) need heat and UVB (and UVA, but that's easier). The heat helps their bodies reach the necessary core temperature to function, digest, etc. The UVB helps their bodies produce vitamin D3, which is necessary for absorbing calcium into strong bones and a strong shell. Most of the UVB is absorbed through the skin of their legs and head, but their shell does need UVB also.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLIsmpkpvNWvp7SMe4eRfFBKpYKLYO7SsCGTO-LgNTcQFYiRIYiyZDoPZtise_vKSNOXlt4i8qfU_oZKHheRaqkfs13AqD7olHFKHVSVCpYY4CVCMlCd3-fpLfn3MoV3Rfi0bthPxHM8Y/s1600/DSC_9316+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLIsmpkpvNWvp7SMe4eRfFBKpYKLYO7SsCGTO-LgNTcQFYiRIYiyZDoPZtise_vKSNOXlt4i8qfU_oZKHheRaqkfs13AqD7olHFKHVSVCpYY4CVCMlCd3-fpLfn3MoV3Rfi0bthPxHM8Y/s1600/DSC_9316+-+Copy.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Synchronized basking? Yes please!</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: #fcfcff; color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.53333282470703px;">Ideally, a tortoise gets to spend the warm months outside in a safe enclosure with hiding opportunities and good plants to eat. If you are not able to provide an outdoor enclosure, even 30 minutes a day (or a few times per week) are beneficial. Even the advanced artificial UVB technology cannot replace real sunlight.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fcfcff; color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.53333282470703px;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP16qkOVCo9t4Z2ffuLdF9yCBIWKVSe4clav2CjYh-JerfvtzwvUo2DFrW2ML8hwLDGOSl4OVJPlrrZvRABbkqafD9pwbtnc48Sp7HjdVWGKFadjMKCc6pXQDfdyKS4RK8DTCdQMlfJG0/s1600/DSC_5483+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP16qkOVCo9t4Z2ffuLdF9yCBIWKVSe4clav2CjYh-JerfvtzwvUo2DFrW2ML8hwLDGOSl4OVJPlrrZvRABbkqafD9pwbtnc48Sp7HjdVWGKFadjMKCc6pXQDfdyKS4RK8DTCdQMlfJG0/s1600/DSC_5483+-+Copy.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lady, basking outside on a rare warm March day.</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: #fcfcff; color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.53333282470703px;">Heat and UVB can be provided via an all-in-one Mercury Vapor bulb (MVB) that produces both heat and UVB. It is very important that the MVB is suspended at a straight-up-and-down angle, not at a slant or on its side. These bulbs are balanced, so they will have a shorter lifespan if they aren't installed correctly. Save your receipt, as most companies will replace the bulb if it burns out before a year is over. Depending on the brand, an MVB gives off UVB for 6-12 months. After that it gives off light, but no longer UVB. <i>ZooMed Powersun</i> and <i>ExoTerra SolarGlo</i> are good brands in the US. I would love to hear which brands are recommended in the UK and elsewhere.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-lXhp2NNG0kjL75hCLji0kxsEfu14aziSYQKuZ1vQS4v2oULf96V5CrpPTJCY3X2JE-sIF-d-0OktK6bPnTZBrWzM6NbvBojwDuD4WG7YNCgql2eA649UEnpJzfBTbq__9219idHUcqU/s1600/zoo-med-powersun-uv-mercury-vapor-uvb-lamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-lXhp2NNG0kjL75hCLji0kxsEfu14aziSYQKuZ1vQS4v2oULf96V5CrpPTJCY3X2JE-sIF-d-0OktK6bPnTZBrWzM6NbvBojwDuD4WG7YNCgql2eA649UEnpJzfBTbq__9219idHUcqU/s1600/zoo-med-powersun-uv-mercury-vapor-uvb-lamp.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fcfcff; color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.53333282470703px;">Both the MVB and the regular heat lamp should be installed in a ceramic fixture (to prevent overheating) with a dome. Make sure the fixture is rated for the Wattage and Volts of your lamp. You can often find good fixtures at the Feed store (in the baby chicks section) for a lot cheaper than at the pet store. Hardware stores also often carry them. Make sure to use a chain or wire to install the lamp, rather than the clamp. The clamps notoriously fail, and I personally know several folks who had small or large fires as a result.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fcfcff; color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.53333282470703px;">Alternatively, you can provide heat and UVB separately: </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fcfcff; color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.53333282470703px;">-The heat can be provided with any regular (old fashioned) 100W household bulb, or the 125W brooder lamps used for baby chicks. Those cost about $3, which is a lot cheaper than buying a 'reptile' bulb, which often has a shorter lifespan before it burns out. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fcfcff; color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.53333282470703px;">-The UVB can be provided with a tube-style light.<i> Do NOT</i> use the curly/coil style UVB light. These are cheaper, but are known to harm tortoise's eyes and cause other problems. <i>ZooMed Reptisun</i> and <i>ExoTerra Repti-Glo</i> are good brands in the US. Both of the 18" versions of this will fit in a standard T8 under-cabinet fixture. No need to buy the over-priced and badly made pet fixture. GE makes one that is sold at the Home Depot or Amazon for $13 . Make sure you get the kind that is 'plug in' not for hard-wiring. I would love to hear more about reliable brands in the UK and elsewhere. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0hJX3sNRzMkM6nZ0U0j5-2-YUaD5T-f_EM3Hf3veFCSUJO9YDtDqfJRxYOGMGay00WA64lboP-tY2tHlmQzU8lJ-CEeOw6XHb5A7BLhzQzlA77P5vaX1R9RY4bJv3ayPSx4YGOF518H4/s1600/ReptiGlo+ExoTerra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0hJX3sNRzMkM6nZ0U0j5-2-YUaD5T-f_EM3Hf3veFCSUJO9YDtDqfJRxYOGMGay00WA64lboP-tY2tHlmQzU8lJ-CEeOw6XHb5A7BLhzQzlA77P5vaX1R9RY4bJv3ayPSx4YGOF518H4/s1600/ReptiGlo+ExoTerra.jpg" height="320" width="30" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkUTkCPHoWgMS2GTa2IOxXXOqMeCLciaL1o84R7pnjgfIRSnL-W9PBH_qFwiD69u87w2rdLLdXpgEZo4eZBZjlP90CYGPipFnsjuesIF8vyyqHGUx9eHqUoQvrmUFIihc7nnhHz5PhQy8/s1600/Reptisun+ZooMed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkUTkCPHoWgMS2GTa2IOxXXOqMeCLciaL1o84R7pnjgfIRSnL-W9PBH_qFwiD69u87w2rdLLdXpgEZo4eZBZjlP90CYGPipFnsjuesIF8vyyqHGUx9eHqUoQvrmUFIihc7nnhHz5PhQy8/s1600/Reptisun+ZooMed.jpg" height="32" width="320" /></a><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fcfcff; color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.53333282470703px;">The UVB tube lights will radiate UVB for 6-8 months. Since my tortoises spend the Summer outside, I replace the bulbs every September or October when I bring them inside. That way the torts start the indoor season with good fresh UVB sources. I put a small piece of masking tape with the date I switched the bulb onto the inside of the fixture.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fcfcff; color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.53333282470703px;">Russian tortoises need a basking spot temperature (measured right under the lamp at shell height) of 95-100 degrees F (about 35 degrees C). Make sure that it is not hotter, or you can burn your tortoise's shell. Make sure it is warm enough, too, or your tortoise will have trouble digesting his food. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fcfcff; color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.53333282470703px;">An infrared thermometer works really well to measure the temperatures in a tortoise enclosure - I can just point the little red dot at the spot I want to measure, and get an instant reading. I read many reviews and then bought <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Etekcity%C2%AE-Non-Contact-Infrared-Thermometer-Temperature/dp/B00837ZGRY/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1399438022&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=etik+city+temp+gun" target="_blank">THIS</a> one. I have been using it for 3 years, and am happy with it. It has not needed new batteries, in spite of frequent use. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fcfcff; color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.53333282470703px;">Russian tortoises do NOT require nighttime heat, unless the room they are in drops below 58 degrees F (15 degrees C) at night. In fact, your RT will be more active if he is not heated at night. The temperatures drop in their wild habitat when it gets dark, so they are wired to dig in for the night, and come back out when it warms up and gets brighter. No red nighttime light necessary. If the room is really cold, you can use a CHE (ceramic heat emitter), but keep it on a thermostat to prevent overheating (I like the Hydrofarm digital thermometer). A CHE does sap a lot of electricity, and the cheap brand ones can get hot spots of 600+ degrees, so don't skimp.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fcfcff; color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.53333282470703px;">I highly recommend shopping around when you are getting a new bulb. Pet stores are usually the most expensive. Online stores are often a good source, but keep the shipping cost in mind. Big Apple Herp and Carolina Pet Supply are 2 I've bought from. Amazon also often has good deals - sometimes really incredible deals. Last year I bought 10 Exo Terra Repti Glo 10.0 UVB bulbs in a pack that ended up being $13 per tube, with free shipping. Sometimes eBay has good deals too.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw4qCcytVEf1eDHLq7mCrBg1Q7sfkfSajYr4vw-jUF1USyh3Sawhnwi-p01o_SQ8U3kQQrlqinz8nEMmEVWSlpzYD9WsYhFyX1DP5zH9zLNhsPplbZ12s5FA_vHCidAPOXXrSx525eD5M/s1600/DSC_9208+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw4qCcytVEf1eDHLq7mCrBg1Q7sfkfSajYr4vw-jUF1USyh3Sawhnwi-p01o_SQ8U3kQQrlqinz8nEMmEVWSlpzYD9WsYhFyX1DP5zH9zLNhsPplbZ12s5FA_vHCidAPOXXrSx525eD5M/s1600/DSC_9208+-+Copy.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fcfcff; color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.53333282470703px;">Happy basking!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fcfcff; color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.53333282470703px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #fcfcff; color: #141414; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 20.53333282470703px;"><i>For the record, I am not being paid for any brand name recommendations. I am simply sharing what works for me and many other tortoise keepers. </i></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5850325851175543438.post-13741800562054869972014-04-20T22:54:00.004-07:002014-04-20T22:56:05.246-07:00Marginated tortoises update! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Everyone loves baby tortoises... and I have taken a ton of pictures of my wee Marginated babies the last few months, but have been too busy to post them! </div>
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Marginated tortoises end up growing to be quite large, about 14 inches 35cm) straight carapace length. My babies now range from about 3" - 4.5" length. That is a lot of growth in the few months since they hatched!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi2GVfhqmYu2g_kwEvEV4bFGONWKifqEHfhHuEsS8PNJfz6TutVW6sI1QXJwzON-EOrEOjghVFAD85CNi-zW410GRnVdNl7uo1UA2ap6VrMQ_VIP6EZvlZKJOUA5lnzk_w1_coTb3myvA/s1600/DSC_5031+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi2GVfhqmYu2g_kwEvEV4bFGONWKifqEHfhHuEsS8PNJfz6TutVW6sI1QXJwzON-EOrEOjghVFAD85CNi-zW410GRnVdNl7uo1UA2ap6VrMQ_VIP6EZvlZKJOUA5lnzk_w1_coTb3myvA/s1600/DSC_5031+-+Copy.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blossom, looking at the camera</td></tr>
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You may remember that when I got Blossom and Buttercup, they were just 16g, and ooooh so tiny. I can tell you though, these spunky little gals grow SO QUICKLY. Because of this, they are very prone to pyramiding. Marginated tortoises need a lot of calcium and good hydration and exercise and healthy food and good UVB to grow healthily (smoothly!).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlYl72CSLJd2jrDdPCipUBzvNnOSkF2jjYSPk8F1aahBFnRUx0idOZdRpD0Ejn77AcudM24f8nKCTT7YBW86Vut72kB9VtDCCxzdvjOx8r3BYKBBy3Sp8sUKZxzySp_3ppr7VfnyJ3fIg/s1600/DSC_5039+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlYl72CSLJd2jrDdPCipUBzvNnOSkF2jjYSPk8F1aahBFnRUx0idOZdRpD0Ejn77AcudM24f8nKCTT7YBW86Vut72kB9VtDCCxzdvjOx8r3BYKBBy3Sp8sUKZxzySp_3ppr7VfnyJ3fIg/s1600/DSC_5039+-+Copy.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I promise she isn't grumpy... that's just her face</td></tr>
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I've used a slightly more relaxed version of the so-called 'hot/humid' method for raising these babies. I will write more about this later - I learned about this method from my tortoise-mentors Melissa and Tom, and their threads about how they raise their leopard tortoise babies, sulcata babies and Russian tortoise babies are on the Tortoise Forum. These little Margies are thriving like heck!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiElJwXafA7Cy2KIqcu3DaxhdE-sAPQNMmMBUwEnVg1Ia7no35cDfgPR-lv3QCvu-dMk1CgPlOFY0rZMe4BsGxKwuUnOj-5IYM_3xnMkvQAtTZGnCKNnO4MSbqKedLTXxAl9fWW7LFGAks/s1600/DSC_5045+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiElJwXafA7Cy2KIqcu3DaxhdE-sAPQNMmMBUwEnVg1Ia7no35cDfgPR-lv3QCvu-dMk1CgPlOFY0rZMe4BsGxKwuUnOj-5IYM_3xnMkvQAtTZGnCKNnO4MSbqKedLTXxAl9fWW7LFGAks/s1600/DSC_5045+-+Copy.JPG" height="320" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smooth as marble! </td></tr>
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I keep a log of the weights of my tortoises, and the most recent weigh-in of the Margie babies was as follows:<br />
Buttercup: 266g (at 17 months)<br />
Bubbles: 148g (at 7 months)<br />
Blossom: 92g (at 8 months)<br />
Looking at growth curves for Marginated tortoises, they are definitely on the large side of the curve. Bubbles is HUGE for her age, but she started out huge. She was the same size at 10 days as her peers were at a month... her Momma was not small, either.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinMXwOP5g68bsU823qiYNjpjWPEN0QwqBDseULx9NzqmpP8UydIXEtOhyphenhyphen7DoeJKtRUZlPFryC1RXXABTasAA4fZo2XFAe30TrLX4IDPb7Qdn6XUGrZ7ZY1qi7nwKEbS4dJ6GT_DarzzKo/s1600/DSC_5246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinMXwOP5g68bsU823qiYNjpjWPEN0QwqBDseULx9NzqmpP8UydIXEtOhyphenhyphen7DoeJKtRUZlPFryC1RXXABTasAA4fZo2XFAe30TrLX4IDPb7Qdn6XUGrZ7ZY1qi7nwKEbS4dJ6GT_DarzzKo/s1600/DSC_5246.JPG" height="320" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From left to right, Bubbles, Buttercup, Blossom</td></tr>
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I am not worried that Blossom is smaller - she started out petite. She eats like a little piggy though, and her growth curve is steady.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ98TP0MpM0buzGWtnoD1qczK2eKip1nmzFnfWKmGbjFyHuROaAL4-7d1SATVlcjP3IrR25C8wowpyv4hn_DddqDs_tNf25_CMj8Tto4YGlH-gMK4pJ8VNX9vQh5LCUlZsf-jUkVrTX0s/s1600/DSC_5328+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ98TP0MpM0buzGWtnoD1qczK2eKip1nmzFnfWKmGbjFyHuROaAL4-7d1SATVlcjP3IrR25C8wowpyv4hn_DddqDs_tNf25_CMj8Tto4YGlH-gMK4pJ8VNX9vQh5LCUlZsf-jUkVrTX0s/s1600/DSC_5328+-+Copy.JPG" height="285" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bubbles is the darkest of the three.</td></tr>
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Bubbles is the darkest of the three babies, and judging by her current size, I suspect she will be the largest of them all. At just 7 months age she is already larger than Buttercup was at 1 year!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHWhtb3c7eYSJk24b_nRIMbXs0wkOZZ3BdJZuzUjVMfI8CjMUThSv6rSV80MWP-LN-XQLqMJhZQ9WOoSB3_GwGXRDwhN0VJ7-HHJxDZrYV_uz6yV5I8hy7fSyVvDuN4FfIrVskn6bHuUk/s1600/DSC_5340+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHWhtb3c7eYSJk24b_nRIMbXs0wkOZZ3BdJZuzUjVMfI8CjMUThSv6rSV80MWP-LN-XQLqMJhZQ9WOoSB3_GwGXRDwhN0VJ7-HHJxDZrYV_uz6yV5I8hy7fSyVvDuN4FfIrVskn6bHuUk/s1600/DSC_5340+-+Copy.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bubbles found the violet patch</td></tr>
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As soon as the weather started getting warmer, I made sure the tortoises get time outside. Even if the air temperature is still only 55 degrees F (13 degrees C), the ground temperature is much warmer in the sun, and using a temp gun, the shell temperature of the basking tortoises was actually about 80 degrees.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVklVhLcvCjUZdys13qnMA_W7KQQAMfNamf4fvPFVUxKeQOmS4CLFtLI_ruDX-em8gwdsViQAeV23kriNoXgAysf1yyISsNAI23cSOuE_ffeISSRVZ2SpkgdA9A33nLH5qcOgS7c-Cf1Y/s1600/DSC_5343+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVklVhLcvCjUZdys13qnMA_W7KQQAMfNamf4fvPFVUxKeQOmS4CLFtLI_ruDX-em8gwdsViQAeV23kriNoXgAysf1yyISsNAI23cSOuE_ffeISSRVZ2SpkgdA9A33nLH5qcOgS7c-Cf1Y/s1600/DSC_5343+-+Copy.JPG" height="285" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yummy violets!</td></tr>
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I would recommend to anyone who keeps a tortoise (or several) to provide as much natural sunlight as possible. The sun provides the valuable UVB rays that are necessary for a tortoise's vitamin D3 generation, which in turn is necessary for calcium absorbtion, for healthy bones and a healthy shell. We live in the Pacific Northwest, so it is mild but chilly here in January and February. It was still too cold in the tortoise garden, since the house still shaded it at that time of year. However, I brought the tortoises outside in a variety of bins, to get some natural sunlight.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0TPTeh_dnmg2OWG_fJl6Ixg0IRBtcZOLisAgDtxyYHF3FFzLcbeLiPI1-CHX1FeTw8spNQQ6RTH8y8ip8q_1LJsLHnBdsKPfzZE9Sx9ZB8q2-Jf3xw8cZNdBnxdX_S_YHVLerrUgtAwU/s1600/DSC_5403+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0TPTeh_dnmg2OWG_fJl6Ixg0IRBtcZOLisAgDtxyYHF3FFzLcbeLiPI1-CHX1FeTw8spNQQ6RTH8y8ip8q_1LJsLHnBdsKPfzZE9Sx9ZB8q2-Jf3xw8cZNdBnxdX_S_YHVLerrUgtAwU/s1600/DSC_5403+-+Copy.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still sparse, but once the weeds grow in, it will be lush!</td></tr>
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Now that the weather is warmer, and the angle of the sun has changed for Springtime, the baby Marginated tortoises spend several hours outside in their covered enclosure every day. In the picture above you can see that the weeds are still very sparse... I obviously supplement their food by adding in more piles of weeds. In a few weeks, once the weather warms up more, this area will be lush with weeds! :)<br />
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I hope you all enjoyed the pictures... I have actually taken in a 4th little Marginated baby, but this one is very pyramided, and has been chewed by the previous owner's dog. I have named it Waffle and will post some pictures of this one, soon.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5850325851175543438.post-75860644643308991252014-04-12T21:17:00.001-07:002014-04-12T21:19:25.574-07:00More eggs from our Russian tortoise female Timmy!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Timmy, my favorite female Russian tortoise, has laid MORE eggs this week. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEu8deaGtc7fIvGKu_cHyk8abgXG_g8ggCrJwnM4XoNAL0B6t8JPaiffjxa0o1-vfQotrznTghQ0jl-PU1qdqp7e2Ygdme5boci7AlK68yJZwqK2mWPEhVGPbHl07YGqmZMKD0z1UGKso/s1600/DSC_5528+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEu8deaGtc7fIvGKu_cHyk8abgXG_g8ggCrJwnM4XoNAL0B6t8JPaiffjxa0o1-vfQotrznTghQ0jl-PU1qdqp7e2Ygdme5boci7AlK68yJZwqK2mWPEhVGPbHl07YGqmZMKD0z1UGKso/s1600/DSC_5528+-+Copy.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Timmy, pushing out one of the 3 eggs on March 22nd</td></tr>
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She laid 1 egg on Feb 17th, and then on March 22nd, she started pacing and digging in her tort table. I gave her a cat litter box full of slightly moist soil, and she laid 3 beautiful eggs into a nest hole she dug there.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7YMYFb9-7h4dzO0srIE8ZS5QVip5f2_YXIZfuvbva1nCxykyfqx6SK5Obk64SJoNVN0BK_t9Yr9HP-gvY8FlwP4QNU35VU3xsWbMge3MsERowdHhxuyXQlr_-F85XzvgayUZ03bqy1o/s1600/DSC_5534+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7YMYFb9-7h4dzO0srIE8ZS5QVip5f2_YXIZfuvbva1nCxykyfqx6SK5Obk64SJoNVN0BK_t9Yr9HP-gvY8FlwP4QNU35VU3xsWbMge3MsERowdHhxuyXQlr_-F85XzvgayUZ03bqy1o/s1600/DSC_5534+-+Copy.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think this was the second egg. She pushed each egg further into <br />
the nest hole before laying the next. </td></tr>
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The eggs are in an incubator now, which is set to 89 degrees, hoping to temperature sex the hatchlings to be female. It usually takes 60-100 days for a Russian tortoise baby to hatch. Unlike e.g. chicken eggs, tortoise eggs need to lie completely still, on their side, for the embryo to develop.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsWzmywwV7FYiO-MjqL6YFXOTyiSmQCNyCV7NA5SqwK7pczdSIUGDODV1GAiRHHX3a_NE900RXxMYHYXC_Ui-wTCY4sHJqKO1aFZh4oTYDmRYDwkng1k6tAtCDm2VjsTJgOnQAOaJNZ4Y/s1600/DSC_5537+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsWzmywwV7FYiO-MjqL6YFXOTyiSmQCNyCV7NA5SqwK7pczdSIUGDODV1GAiRHHX3a_NE900RXxMYHYXC_Ui-wTCY4sHJqKO1aFZh4oTYDmRYDwkng1k6tAtCDm2VjsTJgOnQAOaJNZ4Y/s1600/DSC_5537+-+Copy.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 3 eggs from March 22nd, right before going into the incubator.<br />
I had to use coconut coir instead of vermiculite, since I wasn't expecting these eggs.</td></tr>
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Then on April 7, I noticed she was digging nest holes in the outdoor enclosure. I kept a hawk's eye on her, and in the late afternoon, she laid 3 more eggs into a nest hole she dug. Once she was done, I very carefully dug them up and placed them into the incubator as well.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtaTAi9_K7Jid2RqG_GLJ9zSolInMUWt8P1G63UBzMTMR6HA2tHWCvf9N3x2I49dkkzdUc5bdrq7cJrIeiKFHytC_SFr4l-HywQRz3cO92zG_8SmTE-Ed860JABqXBSz1SRtsURuxD0kI/s1600/DSC_5898+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtaTAi9_K7Jid2RqG_GLJ9zSolInMUWt8P1G63UBzMTMR6HA2tHWCvf9N3x2I49dkkzdUc5bdrq7cJrIeiKFHytC_SFr4l-HywQRz3cO92zG_8SmTE-Ed860JABqXBSz1SRtsURuxD0kI/s1600/DSC_5898+-+Copy.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Timmy eating a well-deserved meal after laying her clutch <br />
of 3 eggs outside at the beginning of this week</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This makes a total of 7 eggs! I am fairly certain that the first one (from Feb) isn't fertile... but so far the other 6 look great. They have chalked over, which is a good sign. I probably won't candle the other eggs, but will instead force myself to just wait and see if they hatch. Leaving them alone completely is much more healthy than if I bother them in an effort to check on them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUitf6iSiDHqW7onkfLkcRJUHyJsv3-TnjtqGFnzRP4fdc3gUGXLhhK1oXfB_BtXvUSO266uO-6G1hPT5tmwp1P3q_tKtpoFc2A8vBZbBvdyFwm9pp_fVP_sT1bbilxPVEozWvI1yWuZg/s1600/DSC_5892+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUitf6iSiDHqW7onkfLkcRJUHyJsv3-TnjtqGFnzRP4fdc3gUGXLhhK1oXfB_BtXvUSO266uO-6G1hPT5tmwp1P3q_tKtpoFc2A8vBZbBvdyFwm9pp_fVP_sT1bbilxPVEozWvI1yWuZg/s1600/DSC_5892+-+Copy.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In addition to being very hungry, Timmy has also eaten 1.5 cuttlefish bones!<br />
Her body needs the extra calcium to keep her own bones strong, <br />
and to make healthy eggs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This means that in a few months, I will hopefully be up to my eyeballs in Russian tortoise hatchlings... a rather wonderful problem to have, don't you think?</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5850325851175543438.post-91191822618954283032014-03-07T22:41:00.000-08:002014-03-29T11:42:00.937-07:00I guess I should update who the tortoise stars of this blog are. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It has been a long time since the last 'tortoise inventory' blog post. My tortoise bale (that's what you call a group of tortoises) has grown just a little. This means more food, more enclosures... and more fun!</div>
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A few of the previously featured tortoises now live with friends here in town - Boo lives with a wonderful local woman who adores him and has re-named him Rok. He gets to roam a nice outdoor space, and gets spoiled rotten. Mo continues to be happy and healthy with my friends, and he now has a lady-friend-tortoise, Molly. I really love seeing the tortoises that I rehabilitated find happy lives with my friends! (I should say "Muahuahuahua, my evil plan to <strike>infest</strike> interest my friends with tortoises is working!)</div>
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Although I keep my tortoises separated by species, you get to meet the tortoise stars of this blog all in one place, for once:</div>
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<u>The Russian tortoises</u>:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1sI2vUuLg2FmxN3cN91Q2LNarGKDVzAsnKxDXxMRNjOrlZ4Kt-RtPZs_3cOAiSzEPfIB-DvSHoQDpBePyRl-q2u8HlWOu-ZLm4NRaKL2DHrzksZVJ9Dg6OgsL5KbrwLw6qGhKWe7dUQQ/s1600/DSC_5218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1sI2vUuLg2FmxN3cN91Q2LNarGKDVzAsnKxDXxMRNjOrlZ4Kt-RtPZs_3cOAiSzEPfIB-DvSHoQDpBePyRl-q2u8HlWOu-ZLm4NRaKL2DHrzksZVJ9Dg6OgsL5KbrwLw6qGhKWe7dUQQ/s1600/DSC_5218.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Testudo horsfieldii are a lively bunch. </div>
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<b>Timmy</b> was the first one I got, and she remains the boss of them all, even though she is not the biggest. She patrols her territory with gusto. She is also the only female who has laid eggs for me so far. She is about 7 inches SCL.</div>
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<b>Roz</b> was my second tortoise, and although he is male, he does not seem very excited about his little tortoise harem. He only wants Timmy. He is about 5 inches SCL.</div>
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<b>Jill</b> is the smallest of the females, but is 5.5" SCL now, which is larger than Roz. Remember how small she was when I got her? She is still the most timid, and when they are indoors, I house her separately from the others because she becomes withdrawn if they pick on her. Outdoors she does fine. </div>
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<b>Mila</b> is my pretty green girl. She is easy going, and gets along fine with the others. I suspect she will grow to be very large, as she eats like a little piggy. Her shell is very green, and some day I think she will have some stunning babies. She is very domed, and about 6" SCL. </div>
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<b>Lady</b> is my heaviest girl, though no longer the longest. She is built like a tank, almost as wide as she is long, and very domed. She loves to eat, and it shows in her sturdy build. She is friendly with kids, and is a wonderful tortoise to bring to my kids' school because she doesn't pee or poop when being handled, and she seeks out human attention. She is 7.5" SCL.</div>
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<b>Vivian</b> is my longest girl, though not my heaviest. She came into my care last Fall, and has been gaining weight steadily. She is a little shy, but she holds her own. Her shell has an interesting greenish hue. She recently finished her quarantine period, so she is housed with Lady. The two get along just fine, and they dwarf all the other tortoises. Vivian was named by our Russian tortoise Facebook group. She is 8" SCL. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4YqZzpF-1KlOKv1L5mu1NhuQiXfSvJBeHZZV7sl-xtVfR_TX8nSYZpHtiJquHMzKSDytuMAcZ2vlp8MZU1NBPAspq-UCOPZliUx95o86CtLYac4hOZ-HxU2QRqCACG6fA1t-8IRREy14/s1600/DSC_5257+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4YqZzpF-1KlOKv1L5mu1NhuQiXfSvJBeHZZV7sl-xtVfR_TX8nSYZpHtiJquHMzKSDytuMAcZ2vlp8MZU1NBPAspq-UCOPZliUx95o86CtLYac4hOZ-HxU2QRqCACG6fA1t-8IRREy14/s1600/DSC_5257+-+Copy.JPG" height="285" width="400" /></a></div>
Oh wait. And there is one more Russian tortoise! Meet our newest addition, a little captive-bred male with a very pretty shell! After his quarantine period, he will get his own little tortoise harem, since Roz doesn't show interest in the other females. I haven't named him yet.<br />
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Next up, the <u>Marginated tortoise</u> babies:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2kXFvraGVGDgOgSyPJFj7betfZAnoyKerYiUy0VVQSwO7RlyGmP0G3mu49J8uR0BVZZACwZiz5BGXcyGGdmWg2azfpUuQQyQZE9hVYN4jJ-acd0WXrxRSmpWORwWWj1vkUQGb7FyUrg/s1600/DSC_5246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2kXFvraGVGDgOgSyPJFj7betfZAnoyKerYiUy0VVQSwO7RlyGmP0G3mu49J8uR0BVZZACwZiz5BGXcyGGdmWg2azfpUuQQyQZE9hVYN4jJ-acd0WXrxRSmpWORwWWj1vkUQGb7FyUrg/s1600/DSC_5246.JPG" height="320" width="400" /></a></div>
From left to right, these Marginated tortoises are <b>Bubbles</b>, <b>Buttercup</b>, and <b>Blossom</b>. They are fabulous, spunky little critters. Bubbles is huge for her age, she is actually the youngest. I suspect she will outgrow Buttercup within the next half year. Blossom is petite, but very spunky, and she is a climber! Buttercup is getting huge, and I've had to cut a larger hole into their hide to allow for her to fit through. She is very friendly.<br />
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The <u>Redfoot tortoise</u>:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrvwjY0JVerUqnRlsL6ekWOXayOzo8szKZ2z084otiVGOUD7hd7qedcK8qKOSLYEUGfn9i3si0mGnPKcGvi6uY-1XAJs1HFOpFmxthyphenhyphenDuJKFuVFmhyv6rNzPEGLNhO5kNM_n2EEoi6fcY/s1600/DSC_5265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrvwjY0JVerUqnRlsL6ekWOXayOzo8szKZ2z084otiVGOUD7hd7qedcK8qKOSLYEUGfn9i3si0mGnPKcGvi6uY-1XAJs1HFOpFmxthyphenhyphenDuJKFuVFmhyv6rNzPEGLNhO5kNM_n2EEoi6fcY/s1600/DSC_5265.JPG" height="320" width="400" /></a></div>
You would not believe how much this handsome dude has grown. He looks dry in this picture, but he is actually kept in a tropically humid environment, and is thriving like crazy under those conditions. He has nearly doubled his weight since last August (when he admittedly was underweight). His new growth is also coming in very smoothly. He will always have some bumps from his earlier care, but who really cares, since he is so healthy. You might notice that I am referring to him as a HE. When I got him, he looked like a female, based on his tail. Then one day he exposed his manly bits to me during a soak, and his tail has grown and he is starting to get an indented waist, which is typical of a redfoot male. My husband named him '<b>Oup</b>' (as in 'This is my tortoise Oup' - say it quickly...hahah... get it?). He will soon be joining a friend's group of redfoot tortoises. Lucky guy!<br />
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Last, but definitely not least, our <u>Leopard tortoise</u>:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnyAMB7HY9Vh0P55ATQi6k0jKeAOW_8CwdmzJJELu7DstpRDx5hyydXAesa-Xf9FnB-woZgZqkeZu_Q8Ax6gHeqaTFkrQ74KfrnDLv__Q6WH0JQtLS-fu83zqVu6kWyI0Do-XPKzi9BWs/s1600/DSC_5273+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnyAMB7HY9Vh0P55ATQi6k0jKeAOW_8CwdmzJJELu7DstpRDx5hyydXAesa-Xf9FnB-woZgZqkeZu_Q8Ax6gHeqaTFkrQ74KfrnDLv__Q6WH0JQtLS-fu83zqVu6kWyI0Do-XPKzi9BWs/s1600/DSC_5273+-+Copy.JPG" height="285" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Penelope </b>joined us this February. She had a bit of a rough start in life, but with good healthy food, natural sunlight, lots of heat and humidity, and sequential beak trimming to correct her cross-bite/underbite, I am confident she will thrive. She has already gained a significant amount of weight over the 3 weeks I've had her, much of which I suspect is healthy water weight. She will eat anything I offer her, and she has been chowing down on cuttlefish bone (which is a good source of calcium) like crazy. She is enjoying being misted with warm water twice a day, and I am excited to see her new growth come in more smoothly.<br />
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On a side-note, feel free to swing by this fun little video clip of one of the recent TV reports featuring my cozies on <a href="http://www.komonews.com/news/offbeat/Tortoise-sweaters-Cozies-for-your-cold-blooded-friends-249090631.html?tab=video&c=y" target="_blank">KATU Portland and KOMO News</a>.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0