Re: habatit for ca. desert tort

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Posted by Rachel on January 28, 1999 at 21:22:12:

In Reply to: habatit for ca. desert tort posted by noreen on January 27, 1999 at 12:02:52:

: We want to get started making the habatit for our tortise that we adopted before hybernation. We will be making it outside and it will be 4x4 feet. but I need to know how deep will they dig? Iwas thinking I would put the fence 1 ft. underground, would that be enough to keep it in? and what plants woul you recommend that I put in there that he would like to eat? the floor would be just soil. do they need things to clomb on?, and how deep shoud the water dish be? What time of year should I put the tort out? thanks. noreen

:: There are some great articles on the desert tortoise home page. There is info on plants and you can find seeds and plants all over the web or even better, at a local nursery. When my torts wake up I begin to put them out during the day very early. I bring them in if it is still very cold, they have no burroughs just hide boxes over their scrapes. Sometimes I bring them in when it rains if I think it's too cold, although that is usually when they drink. I have one that rarely drinks and one that drinks regularly so you'll have to find your torts personal preference. They love to climb but beware because they will keep attempting to climb something even if they fall over EVERY time. You should check frequently to make sure he's not tipped. They are very curious and can escape many cages. I've read that some burroughs have been discovered 30 feet deep but that was with wild torts. You may want to consider burying cement instead of wire because the wire can break up and if he does dig down it could hurt him. I discourage them from digging at the sides, they will hide in corners. Many owners use a doghouse. I planted opuntis in my torts pens but i fence it or else they will just eat the whole thing! Good luck! Rachel

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: : We want to get started making the habatit for our tortise that we adopted before hybernation. We will be making it outside and it will be 4x4 feet. but I need to know how deep will they dig? Iwas thinking I would put the fence 1 ft. underground, would that be enough to keep it in? and what plants woul you recommend that I put in there that he would like to eat? the floor would be just soil. do they need things to clomb on?, and how deep shoud the water dish be? What time of year should I put the tort out? thanks. noreen : :: There are some great articles on the desert tortoise home page. There is info on plants and you can find seeds and plants all over the web or even better, at a local nursery. When my torts wake up I begin to put them out during the day very early. I bring them in if it is still very cold, they have no burroughs just hide boxes over their scrapes. Sometimes I bring them in when it rains if I think it's too cold, although that is usually when they drink. I have one that rarely drinks and one that drinks regularly so you'll have to find your torts personal preference. They love to climb but beware because they will keep attempting to climb something even if they fall over EVERY time. You should check frequently to make sure he's not tipped. They are very curious and can escape many cages. I've read that some burroughs have been discovered 30 feet deep but that was with wild torts. You may want to consider burying cement instead of wire because the wire can break up and if he does dig down it could hurt him. I discourage them from digging at the sides, they will hide in corners. Many owners use a doghouse. I planted opuntis in my torts pens but i fence it or else they will just eat the whole thing! Good luck! Rachel

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