does anyone let their tortoise....

chicki57 · 01-10-04, 11:20 AM

just wondering if anyone lets their tortoise loose in the house for any length of time? or is there anyone out there that has the tortie have the run of the house all the time?

Scales Zoo · 01-10-04, 11:46 AM

We don't, but know people who do.

Some of the reasons we don't are:

-They don't potty train usually, and urinate and deficate wherever they want.
-Large tortoises can knock nearly anything over
-They can find things to eat that aren't good for them (carpet, plastic, electrical cords)
-They can get themselves stuck between walls and furnature
-most of our house is kept cooler than the tortoise room

Other things to consider. Do you have other pets in the house? Do you have stairs that they could get to?

It is generally not considered best practice to let tortoises free roam, but as I said earlier, some people do it and maybe someone would like to share some of the reasons they have.

Ryan

red bootz · 01-10-04, 12:32 PM

Once in a while they get to roam around but only under supervision...But usually no. IMO the disadvantages as stated by Scales Zoo outweigh the advantages. I have five of the little buggers so they go every which way and it's difficult for me to keep track of where they all scuttle off to. Cold air drafts are a big concern especially if your tort is still young. Also, the point made about eating foreign items is a problem especially with my torts since they will eat try to eat anything. And I mean anything! Plus, if you have small children in the house, it may not be such a good idea. They will track their germs around the house and it may be dangerous if they come in contact with your children's mouth.
Basically, Torts being torts, they will get into all kinds trouble, So I try not to let them out of their enclosure too much during the winter.

Linds · 01-10-04, 07:29 PM

I don't let my little man free-roam for the reasons stated above by Ryan. He goes outside in the summer (supervised, hopefully next year his pen will be finished however), and when I'm cleaning his cage or whatnot he gets to roam around the bathroom.

I have however let my Iguana free-roam the house (not in my room/reptile room) for nearly her whole life (she is 20). However I do not recommend this, as it certainly is not suitable for most situations.