AZ Tortoise keeper's almost-anything-goes thread

AZtortMom said:

Scrap them with a really sharp knife

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How dangerous is it if some small spines are missed? Also, should the fruits be treated in any way to remove spines?

I treat the prickly pears the same way. I do my best to get all the spines.

jskahn said:

Does anyone know an EASY way to de-thorn prickly pear cactus to feed torts? My property is loaded with them, but the ones I have are not spineless.

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Many people use those hobby store propane torches. Burn the torn and you won't miss any cactus hairs on the pads.

Maybe I am just mean, I through them the pads spines and all. Nobody is out there in the wild to dethorn the cactus for them. I dice it up small for the littlest babies but still don't take the thorns out.

motero said:

Maybe I am just mean, I through them the pads spines and all. Nobody is out there in the wild to dethorn the cactus for them. I dice it up small for the littlest babies but still don't take the thorns out.

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Which is probably fine for the new world tortoises, but African tortoises don't have these growing wild except naturalized ones from settlement areas…

Just a word out on " offer up " they have a pair of surcata torts for sale for $ 300 .00

Sorry it seams to be gone now

motero said:

Maybe I am just mean, I through them the pads spines and all. Nobody is out there in the wild to dethorn the cactus for them. I dice it up small for the littlest babies but still don't take the thorns out.

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I am not eating dinner at your house. I just wanted to tell you, I went to the store in Wickenburg, and took home the Ornate Box. Her eyes were still shut, and of course, she lost most of her weight.She is a little spunky, so she might make it.

jskahn said:

I went to the store in Wickenburg, and took home the Ornate Box. Her eyes were still shut, and of course, she lost most of her weight.She is a little spunky, so she might make it.

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That is great, I hope she comes around for you.
It looks like I will have some hatchling Sulcatas to find homes for this spring. The pet shop guy said he would buy them. If I even dare let him have any, it would be One at a time, And make sure he sets it up good and has proper care sheets to give out.
Ruby the red foot eats great, Now I am worried where it all went, Nothing has come out the other end. I will get her out in the yard for some hiking and see if that gets things moving. She has been cooped up because of the rain.

I have learned to plant native plants, So much easier to care for.

motero said:

That is great, I hope she comes around for you.
It looks like I will have some hatchling Sulcatas to find homes for this spring. The pet shop guy said he would buy them. If I even dare let him have any, it would be One at a time, And make sure he sets it up good and has proper care sheets to give out.
Ruby the red foot eats great, Now I am worried where it all went, Nothing has come out the other end. I will get her out in the yard for some hiking and see if that gets things moving. She has been cooped up because of the rain.

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After her eyes were shut for over a month at the pet shop, in about 12 hours, her eyes started to open. It only took about 6 more hours to get the swelling down. The scary thing is the first thing she got to see was a big, hairy, old biker.I will continue keeping her warm and treating her eyes. Hopefully in addition to the vitamins, she will start to eat.

Here is a pic of her today

Hey in Florida we have coyotes taking over golf courses killing cats and small dogs. My pit and my black lab like to walk early before dawn or after dusk. We have seen a small black bear, bobcats, and now and again one and sometimes two coyotes now there is a pack of three. I my little friend with now when we walk.

Happy New Years to the TFO !

Happy New Year, from sunny Wickenburg, AZ

No snow in Wittmann, maybe tonight.

Happy New Year from Florida it is 57 F at 8:30 pm.

J did you get out a sled? Are your leopards laying tonight?