Got me a tortoise.

natsamjosh · 08-13-11, 08:58 PM

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:

His pen (during construction)

Jay · 08-13-11, 09:35 PM

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 · 08-13-11, 10:16 PM

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 · 08-14-11, 06:45 AM

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by totheend

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 · 08-14-11, 07:55 AM

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

natsamjosh · 08-14-11, 09:32 AM

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 · 08-14-11, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stephanbakir

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.

stephanbakir · 08-14-11, 10:04 AM

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

totheend · 08-14-11, 10:16 AM

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 · 08-14-11, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

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 · 08-14-11, 10:56 AM

Congrats! Cool look tortoise.

siz · 08-14-11, 11:10 AM

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 · 08-14-11, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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?

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 · 08-14-11, 11:12 PM

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

crevalle · 08-15-11, 12:16 AM

Nice looking tort! What are you feeding it?