THE FOLLOWING PHOTOS
ARE EXAMPLES OF WONDERFUL GARDENS BUILT SPECIFICALLY FOR TORTOISES FROM ALL
OVER THE GLOBE.
If you would like to contribute photographs
for this page, please send them in JPG format.
This will help other tortoise & turtle
guardians to provide the very best in captive care.
What are you waiting for, show off your
hard work!
Thanks!!
PLEASE NOTE: THIS PAGE IS ALWAYS UNDER CONSTRUCTION!
OK, it's time to grab those shovels,
seeds, and bright ideas you have. Let's build!
Here is a perfect example of a gorgeous
array of both
native South African plants and flowers
providing both
food and cover/protection. Notice
the two tortoises toward
the lower right hand corner, taking advantage
of natural
sunlight, while at the same time feeling
safe. Also, note
the soil, it drains well and doesn't
contribute to conditions
which are too damp for this species.
A fantastic set up for Bell's
Hingeback tortoises. (Kinixys belliana belliana)
Hingebacks require more moisture, notice
the sunken pond to the lower right which
Hingebacks will use to "soak" in several
times daily. They are also shy tortoises
which love to retreat in tightly confined
spaces. They too require edible plants and
weeds. A wonderful variety has been planted
here for both nibbling on and hiding in.
This habitat also supports insects which
they occasionally eat. Hingebacks become
incredibly active after rain, when
insects emerge.
In California, temerpatures are mild enough
in most areas that
these animals can remain outdoors (WHERE
THEY BELONG!) year round,
with supplemental heating at night, or
on cool winter days.
The "house" to the left contains a Stanfield
heat mat, as well as a ceramic heat emitter.
Temperature is controlled by a thermostat
specifically designed to be used for
reptile heating purposes only.
A plexiglass window provides the tortoises
with a natural day/night cycle
which is very important to their overall
health, and thick plastic is used at the
door entrance, which is cut vertically
in 2" strips so that heat doesn't escape quickly,
and allows the tortoises easy access to
come and go as they like.
The pond is controlled by an automatic
sprinkler timer, as well as a soaker sprinkler which
allows only a pre-measured amount of water
to fill the pond at any one watering.
The plants in this enclosure are enough
to sustain them, and include items such as tropical
hibiscus, Pasture Mix, several varieties
of roses, nasturtiums, geraniums, opuntia cacti, etc.
It is very important that this and other
species be permitted to graze naturally.
This is an example of what a 150 pound
female did in a little over 2 hours
to a 30+ year old jade hedge.She was simply
digging herself a comfortable "scrape!"
Testudo kleinmanni, the "Egyptian" tortoise,
is a North African species which inhabits
desert and other arid environments throughout
Lybia, and into Israel.
Kleins love to hide in large areas of clumping
grass, and forage
on weeds and other plants found within
their unique ecosystems.
Desert Tortosies (G. agassizii) have very
special needs, and are best kept within their home range of the Mojave
Desert with native plants, deep burrows,
and soil that drains VERY well.
This tortoise is a juvenile, approximately 8 months old.
Adult Desert Tortoises need PLENTY or room
to exercise, browse, and burrow with numerous hiding places, plants and
flowers to graze on, etc. They do not require a "lush" or "tropical" set
up, and in fact, too much humidity usually results in death. (Yes,
what you see IS snow)
Providing a variety of hiding places and
burrows are essential to the health and well being of any desert tortoise.
They must be able to adequately escape desert heat.
The single most important aspect of keeping
small tortoises of ANY species is keeping them protected from predators
such as ravens. This enclosure has a framed, metal hardware cloth
top which allows natural unfiltered sunlight in and keeps the tortoise
safe. (Lid removed for photograph) The burrow entrance is reinforced
to prevent collapse.
Inside of the pens, removable "slats"
were installed to provide access to grazing areas.
This allows any planted items to grow
and mature before allowing the tortoises to enter,
The slats can be removed or replaced at
any time.
Visual barriers are also desirable.
Many box turtles are shy creatures, and seem to enjoy "privacy."
Keeping items such as large plants, thick
grasses, and rocks, etc. also help a box turtle to feel right
at home.
A wading pond is also recommended, box
turtles will often soak for extended periods of time.
A wading pond is only a few inches deep
and can be something as simple as a largeplant saucer sunk
into the soil, but affords
the turtle precious water, which is essential to avoid dehydration.
