Got me a tortoise.

[natsamjosh]

Since I'm out of space in my snake room (ie, bonus room closet,) I got a pet that I can keep outside. He's a Hermann's tortoise. Obviously a lot different than snakes, but I love torts/turtles just the same. Here are a few pics:


http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh91/natsamjosh/Herman/IMG_5760.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh91/natsamjosh/Herman/IMG_5902.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh91/natsamjosh/Herman/IMG_5758.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh91/natsamjosh/Herman/IMG_5753.jpg

His pen (during construction)
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh91/natsamjosh/Herman/IMG_5749.jpg

[Jay]

Will there be a top, are there any racoons in the area, they may make him a midnight snack. I have always wanted a tortoise.

[totheend]

He is BEAUTIFUL!! I have a hermanns too. I have kept other torts and think that hermanns are the best!

I am also wondering if you are going to cover the top?

[siz]

Nice outdoor enclosure! I'm a big fan of the stone walls, haha. Looks great - and a beautiful tortoise to top it off!

I have a hermanns too. I have kept other torts and think that hermanns are the best!

Why do you prefer them over other species? I have no experience with them, just curious!

[stephanbakir]

Looks cute, wish torts didn't poop as much.

[natsamjosh]

Thanks everyone!

There is not a cover on the enclosure, that was part of my overall plan. I got a tortoise that is nearly full grown, since babies would be too easy a target for any predators. And I've never seen a raccoon around my yard or neighborhood in the 6 years I've lived here. And I have a big dog that leaves big dog poop in the back yard near the pen, so that is good protection. Obviously there is always a risk, but given my circumstances, I think the risk is very small. And I also consulted some experienced tortoise owners. It's a touchy subject, but many owners have no issues with uncovered pens.

I got a Hermann's because I can (theoretically) house it outdoors all year long. I built a "hibernaculum" for him, so hopefully that will be sufficient for him to hibernate over the winter.

Thanks,
Ed

[natsamjosh]

Looks cute, wish torts didn't poop as much.

Well, I own an indigo snake, so unfortunately poop (ie, disgusting, gag-inducing atomic waste) is not an issue for me. It's almost nice to the tortoise poop. :crazy:

[stephanbakir]

Good to know :P *scratches indigo snakes off the long list*

[totheend]

Siz, I like them because they are pretty personable tort. I have kept others that poop when I pick them up or pull their heads in if I make any sudden movements. The Hermanns (his name is flip) isn't afraid of me. I also like them because they stay very small which means housing is not an issue. Infact I have only kept small species so I can't speak for the larger ones.

[natsamjosh]

Siz, I like them because they are pretty personable tort. I have kept others that poop when I pick them up or pull their heads in if I make any sudden movements. The Hermanns (his name is flip) isn't afraid of me. I also like them because they stay very small which means housing is not an issue. Infact I have only kept small species so I can't speak for the larger ones.

I've heard that Burmese Mountain tortoises are like "dogs in a shell." In fact, I almost got one, but fortunately my head overruled my heart. Of course, I think you're gonna have varying personalities even within one particular species. My Hermann's is a bit inconsistent so far. Sometimes he's all over the place and very "friendly", other times he pulls into his shell when I go near him. Maybe he needs some Prozac. :)

[marvelfreak]

Congrats! Cool look tortoise.

[siz]

Thanks for the info, totheend. I'm looking into getting a tort myself and it's nice to get "reviews" from those who actually have experience with the species haha, instead of reading over tens of care sheets.

@natsamjosh: Well, best of luck with him! How old is he now and what does he weigh?

[natsamjosh]

Thanks for the info, totheend. I'm looking into getting a tort myself and it's nice to get "reviews" from those who actually have experience with the species haha, instead of reading over tens of care sheets.

@natsamjosh: Well, best of luck with him! How old is he now and what does he weigh?

Thanks! The guy I bought him from said that he's 5 years old, although someone made a comment on a tortoise forum that he looks much older. (He's got a long beak.) Since I don't distrust the seller, I'm gonna say 5 years old. Don't know his weight, I still need a scale to weigh my animals. :(

[Xochiquetzal]

oh wow he is gorgeous! I love torts and turtles almost as much as i adore snakes, thanks for sharing!

[crevalle]

Nice looking tort! What are you feeding it?

[natsamjosh]

Thanks! So far he has eaten hibiscus leaves/flowers, squash, zucchini, dandelions, kale, mustard greens, escarole, timothy hay, clover, tomato plant flowers, occasional tomato, broccoli, oxalis weed, fig tree leaves, etc. He might also be eating the pompas grass in his enclosure, but I'm not sure.