Diamond
Active Member
They are lucky to have you and your family caring for them in a nicer environment. They will be happy with you. All torts need time to adjust to new places. Just keep asking questions. Keep us posted.
Have you seen them drink yet?
Another thing to do is to make sure any greens are wet with water. Maybe even try putting a little water in the food dish and then the food on top in the water.
They look like they have a great home with you. So happy for them and you. Keep up the great work.
Hi and welcome!
The foaming around the mouth and the wet eyes are a sign that they are too hot. Is there shade in their yard?
I'm surprised that they are afraid of the water. Mine loved to sit in the mud hole, sometimes all day long. It might be because they've lived on the roof on tile and are not familiar with water in a pond-type setting. Just keep leading them to the pond, or keep picking them up and placing them in the pond. They'll eventually get used to it. In the meantime, offer water in the type of bowl that the previous owner did. . . something they're used to drinking out of.
Clearly you are enriching your Aldabras' lives. Will post some thoughts on giant tortoise nutrition on Galapagos Tortoise thread soon. Hopefully will be of assistance.
I wouldn't worry about the poop just yet. Just good to see there is poop. Feed as much as they will eat. As the diet gets better their poop should too and more of it.
How big is the pond, show a pic and what your using for a water dish.
Try cutting the hay into small pieces then soaking it in water to soften. Try mixing some of the hay with the other foods you know they like too eat.
Awwwww!!!!!beautiful.......View attachment 244190 View attachment 244191 This is their old yard. I get this picture from the last owner after I made a contact
It looks great, however, I think it's too smooth. They can't get traction on that smooth surface.View attachment 244447
This is the pond I prepared for them, I put it on a place where it get full sun, I was hoping that the water will stay warm.
View attachment 244449
This is the water dish I prepared for them, I use natural stone basin, I was hoping that it looks nice on my backyard. I also put it near their pen.
But they don’t want to enter at all, they refuse to come inside, even when I push them to go inside.
Fill both the pond and water dish all the way too the top. It might help.
The house, I don't know. With that low of a roof it might be too hot in their? Maybe too dark for them with not knowing it either, don't really know. Get the temp of the house. If it's too hot that might be the problem. Also try lighting it up too see if they will go in. Once they are used to it, it won't need a light.
Hello, Let your Tortoises get use to the new surroundings. Sounds like you treating them very well but give them there space and let them get use to there new environment and diet.
It looks great, however, I think it's too smooth. They can't get traction on that smooth surface.
Hello. It's great to see your tortoises and your enclosure! I'm no expert, but it seems to me that as long as there is shade available, and water, and it's not crazy hot out, they are going to be fine. Tortoises are not prone to suicide. If they are not suffering from actual heat stroke, then they will drink and eat and sleep when they need to. I don't believe there is a need to force them to do anything. Moving them towards the water might work and it might help to have a sprinkler set real low into the pond so that they can hear and see the water moving.
In terms of food, there is no reason for them to eat hay if other options are available. The suggestion of soaking the hay and mixing in a small amount of other foods they like is a good idea, but if they are hungry, they'll eventually eat it. They won't starve themselves just to make you give them leafy foods. If you want them to eat hay, then that has to be about their only option. Tough love!
Good luck and keep the photos coming!
Ben