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Showing posts with label sulcata. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sulcata. Show all posts

Saturday, May 11, 2024

A redesign concept for a tortoise yard

Sometimes I redesign using software that can force me to think in new, creative ways. every detail is not included, but it's so fun to just  conceptualize!

Here, I redesigned a friend's sulcata tortoise yard that it shares with goats and pigs. I wanted the tortoise hide to be something the goats could safely stand on, since they'd totally do it anyway. 😅

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I really like this giant heated house, so that during cold weather in So. Cal (not often) the animal still has room to move around. Would use freezer strips to keep in the heat.

A bubbling, flat pool is perfect for sulcatas - they love to exctere urates in moving water!

A really strong, tall planter is key- they can mow down ANYTHING. But eventually the plants will grow low enough to nibble on, or easily trim from. Browse poles are periodically replaced- did I mention they are STRONG animals?


These tree stumps are buried in the earth with the goal of giving them something to push on, walk around, and generally destroy. They seem to like to have obstacles to walk around a bit. The barrel can hold browse, or just be knocked around a bit.


They a LOT need room like horses. Horses that dig. Relentlessly.


Planting opuntia and other things that will drop into the yard now and again is great. I'd probably recommend making a solid wall at tortoise height is best, though. 


On the left I was playing with the idea of burying a half-barrel to create an "Authorized Dig Spot". Perhaps pretending to be exasperated at filling it back in would make them dig there more? 😁





Monday, July 17, 2023

Tortoise Outdoor Inspo!



Cute Kenan Cabins!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIEXf_LfN-I



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DIY cleverness from Stephanie Kong

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uqqwqr4E8IY


More CUUUUTE Etsy Builds. I can help you design your own, or spruce your build with a purchased one.

This craftsman at BC Fab makes beauuuutiful barns. We can do something very similar for local to So.Cal, or help integrate their shipped barns into your greater plan. 
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This one from Petsgang on Etsy would be cute as a part of an indoor build for a smaller tortoise, or part of a yard fix-me-up.


Pools for tortoises??
Let's talk about creeks, ponds and pools. Yes, tortoises need them too! Tortoises need to soak regularly to flush out salts/urea or bladder stones can become a problem. Even desert tortoises! 

Kenan has the dreamiest creeks, pools and caves. This is a very simple concrete pool that can be hosed out daily or every other day with ease. 


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This is designed to let Galapagos tortoises exercise! 
They need to climb!






https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EW6QwyhAdHk

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This one would require some constant water flow, agitated water helps a lot! Tortoises often soak when there are downpour in their habitat. 

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And the ultimate?? The most beautiful possibility? A creek or waterfall that is shallow for them. Kenan FTW once again!




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Welcome to Digs! "We build habitats for zoo-manity" ~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_ My name is Leslie and I am a seasoned, professional animal ke...