Advice needed

[lbailey4487]

Hello, again, everyone! I’m kinda freaking out and need to know if I have reason to be. I adopted a Russian tortoise last Wednesday as a classroom pet/personal new friend. I have done a lot of reading up and continue to do more. I had decided that to minimize stress on my little guy, I would make my classroom his main home and only bring him to my personal home on longer breaks or if bad weather threatens. I set up his habitat with a couple edible plants, left him some weeds I had dried, and put his lights on a timer prepared to leave him at school for weekends. Now, on the first weekend leaving him, I’m stressing! I live five minutes from my school and find myself driving by peering in the window. I think he’s fine. Is he?!?

 

[zovick]

Hello, again, everyone! I’m kinda freaking out and need to know if I have reason to be. I adopted a Russian tortoise last Wednesday as a classroom pet/personal new friend. I have done a lot of reading up and continue to do more. I had decided that to minimize stress on my little guy, I would make my classroom his main home and only bring him to my personal home on longer breaks or if bad weather threatens. I set up his habitat with a couple edible plants, left him some weeds I had dried, and put his lights on a timer prepared to leave him at school for weekends. Now, on the first weekend leaving him, I’m stressing! I live five minutes from my school and find myself driving by peering in the window. I think he’s fine. Is he?!?

The tortoise should be fine assuming your timer(s) are working properly and it is warm enough in the school. Do they turn the heat down at night and on the weekends? I know cooler weather is coming up there soon, so you may want to check on that.

 

[lbailey4487]

The tortoise should be fine assuming your timer(s) are working properly and it is warm enough in the school. Do they turn the heat down at night and on the weekends? I know cooler weather is coming up there soon, so you may want to check on that.

I talked to our lead custodian about the temperature. Our building has a problem with drawing moisture, so they have to stay on top of the temperature and HVAC system. They keep the drop to within 5 degrees because of it. We keep our room set on 72. I did buy a ceramic heater and thermostat for when it gets colder.

 

[wellington]

The worst class room pet is a tortoise or any animal outside a fish tank with fish. You just can't provide what is needed in a class room.
Do right by the poor thing and bring him home and set him up in an appropriate enclosure, 4x8 foot and proper heat and lights that's what will not stress him. What you are doing is a constant stress.

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

The worst class room pet is a tortoise or any animal outside a fish tank with fish. You just can't provide what is needed in a class room.
Do right by the poor thing and bring him home and set him up in an appropriate enclosure, 4x8 foot and proper heat and lights that's what will not stress him. What you are doing is a constant stress.

I think OP has quite a good plan and is going to set up an appropriate enclosure. Check this out: https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/my-new-friend.219854/#post-2150629

 

[wellington]

I think OP has quite a good plan and is going to set up an appropriate enclosure. Check this out: https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/my-new-friend.219854/#post-2150629

That would be good. However, I still hate class room pets. That's not the place for pets in my opinion. I think it's just a horrible way to educate kids on pet keeping, as usually it's a horrible situation and poor care.

 

[lbailey4487]

The worst class room pet is a tortoise or any animal outside a fish tank with fish. You just can't provide what is needed in a class room.
Do right by the poor thing and bring him home and set him up in an appropriate enclosure, 4x8 foot and proper heat and lights that's what will not stress him. What you are doing is a constant stress.

While I often agree on class pet set ups, in my case there is room for a 4 X 8 enclosure (and actually up to 1/4 the room) with his lights, etc. It will actually be harder for me to find him separate space away from anywhere my dogs can access indoors at home, though I am already preparing a space for the upcoming holidays (and keeping watch on hurricanes, as we had flooding last week—this level of impact from a storm is rare). I live five minutes from the school and can gain emergency access. We will be constructing a 10 x 12 outdoor habitat by spring for warm weather. I will be taking it apart and moving it home over the summer. Kids in our self-contained classroom are helping plant seeds to grow food for him over the winter. I have been doing lessons with all my kids on tortoise anatomy, fun facts, and care. This coming week, we are going to learn about feeding needs, what foraging means, and scout for appropriate plants around our building. My older kids will also be writing up a note to ask staff for donations of tortoise-friendly plant cuttings (hen and chicks, spider plants, etc.). While we won’t be focusing on him exclusively long-term, there are so many lessons he can be a part of! I have tried to really read up and prepare for everything I could think of prior to getting the little guy. I’d just keep him at home as a personal pet but I am a firm believer in the power of animals to open kids’ worlds! I won’t go into all the times I’ve seen this power, but it’s been many. Due to allergies, my dogs wouldn’t be allowed. I tried my best to think of an animal I love and could provide good care for while allowing my kids to experience this type of relationship in a safe way. Already in three days, one of my newest and most reluctant participants has talked more than I’ve seen since school started in August. I will definitely be keeping watch to see if he seems to be adapting well and I know I have a big learning curve having only had dogs and cats, but I’d certainly like to give it a try. I think it could be a blessing for everyone including the tortoise if his personality permits. I’m not afraid to call it a failed experiment at any time should it seem too much for him. I just need help in my learning. The rescue I got him from said he’d be fine in his set up over weekends, with lights and heat on timers, dried food left for him, and my ability to get to him should an emergency arise. I’m just asking if that’s accurate.

 

[lbailey4487]

That would be good. However, I still hate class room pets. That's not the place for pets in my opinion. I think it's just a horrible way to educate kids on pet keeping, as usually it's a horrible situation and poor care.

I hear you. I really do. I have had to advocate for chicks, bunnies, and an aquatic turtle in the past because of a poor set up. It’s also why I’m determined to do better. And I wholeheartedly disagree as to it being a bad way to educate kids if it’s done well. Our school is 88% low SES and very rural. Some of these kids come with very questionable opinions and examples of animals and animal care. Done right, there are so many things we can touch on to help correct this situation—empathy, learning to take a different perspective, valuing an animal’s needs over our own desires, etc. We’ve already talked briefly on that last one, as every child naturally wanted to pet the tortoise. We talked about how it would feel to be scooped up out of our home, put in a car for 6 hours, and plopped down somewhere unfamiliar with no one you know. The kids got it and all but one settled for peeking in and saying a kind welcome. That last kiddo is one who could ultimately benefit the most from ongoing lessons. Some kids need explicit instruction to shape their hearts, minds, and to overcome poor models. I do NOT plan to EVER let the tortoise suffer to accomplish these or any other goals. That’s why I’m reading so much and asking for help!

That would be good. However, I still hate class room pets. That's not the place for pets in my opinion. I think it's just a horrible way to educate kids on pet keeping, as usually it's a horrible situation and poor care.

 

[wellington]

I hear you. I really do. I have had to advocate for chicks, bunnies, and an aquatic turtle in the past because of a poor set up. It’s also why I’m determined to do better. And I wholeheartedly disagree as to it being a bad way to educate kids if it’s done well. Our school is 88% low SES and very rural. Some of these kids come with very questionable opinions and examples of animals and animal care. Done right, there are so many things we can touch on to help correct this situation—empathy, learning to take a different perspective, valuing an animal’s needs over our own desires, etc. We’ve already talked briefly on that last one, as every child naturally wanted to pet the tortoise. We talked about how it would feel to be scooped up out of our home, put in a car for 6 hours, and plopped down somewhere unfamiliar with no one you know. The kids got it and all but one settled for peeking in and saying a kind welcome. That last kiddo is one who could ultimately benefit the most from ongoing lessons. Some kids need explicit instruction to shape their hearts, minds, and to overcome poor models. I do NOT plan to EVER let the tortoise suffer to accomplish these or any other goals. That’s why I’m reading so much and asking for help!

But, of all the class room tortoises we have seen on here, it's not done right, not one!
The tortoises are never housed or fed properly, usually incorrect heating and lights. That's just teaching the kids how to be abusive to tortoises. They can be educated on animals care without sacrificing an animals well being.
I understand you are trying to do right by the tort, you are the only one I have seen that actually might have the proper space to do it right.
I still don't agree though with class room pets.

 

[Sarah2020]

Tortoise needs space to roam and proper care. They like to walk and in the classroom there will a small environment, probably made if glass and it will get stressed.

Please read the care sheets written by breeders on this site.

Info For New People. Please Read This First.

Hello and welcome to tortoiseforum.org! We are all glad you are here! There is no other forum like this anywhere. We have tens of thousands of members from all over the world ranging from kids with their first tortoise to people who have been breeding and keeping high end tortoises since the...

tortoiseforum.org

I then suggest once the tuition is over or ASAP you take it under your care and provide proper care with correct diet of fresh green leaves, regular soaks to hydrate, calcium, correct heat, light correct enc size and management to thrive.
Please share a pic as it may need beak / claw attention.

 

[lbailey4487]

Tortoise needs space to roam and proper care. They like to walk and in the classroom there will a small environment, probably made if glass and it will get stressed.

Please read the care sheets written by breeders on this site.

Info For New People. Please Read This First.

Hello and welcome to tortoiseforum.org! We are all glad you are here! There is no other forum like this anywhere. We have tens of thousands of members from all over the world ranging from kids with their first tortoise to people who have been breeding and keeping high end tortoises since the...

tortoiseforum.org

I then suggest once the tuition is over or ASAP you take it under your care and provide proper care with correct diet of fresh green leaves, regular soaks to hydrate, calcium, correct heat, light correct enc size and management to thrive.
Please share a pic as it may need beak / claw attention.

please do not assume my set up when you’ve obviously not read anything I’ve posted. I have read all of those posts. Multiple times and likely more times. I do NOT have nor ever intend a glass habitat. Right now he has a 5 X 3 tortoise table because my principal and teacher friend talked me into writing a grant for a building supply store for two larger habitats—one 4 X 8 for the classroom and a 10 X 12 for outdoors. I am giving that another week to see if it pans out, but if not by then, I have two 4 X 8 raised garden bed kits I ordered already here to set up. I have already sourced appropriate plants and diet. I have Muzari tortoise food as a backup but currently forage, wash, and provide fresh broadleaf plants daily—broad and narrow leaf plantain, dandelions, a little white clover, some African violet leaves. I have collected extra each day and have it drying for weekends. We have tortoise greens, violets, hostas , dandelions, etc already growing for him but not yet ready. He has a ZooMed setup while I’m looking for an Arcadia one, a basking bulb, and ceramic heater on timers/thermostat all approved by numerous folks I’ve consulted. I started soaks with him on Friday. He was not a fan but I understand it’s for his own good. His beak and claws are fine—he came from an experienced rescuer just on Wednesday.

 

[lbailey4487]

Everyone—I understand the concern with class pets. I really do, as I’ve had to advocate for animals in these set ups before. But just because you’ve never seen it work well don’t assume that it can’t work well. That’s why I’m asking for help! I want to do right by the tortoise in this situation. I will be posting pics of my set up in coming weeks, as I see if a grant comes through. I bought the tortoise table early in my research and would go ahead and set him up in a 4 X 8 raised garden bed that I have on hand, but I don’t want to change him too many times. If the grant comes through this week, I return the beds and put that money towards something else he needs. Read all I’ve posted then please provide constructive help or correct my misconceptions once I post pics of his set up. Thank you!

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Just want to hop in as someone has followed your journey thus far, and whilst I completely agree with the general consensus on the ‘class pet’ front, especially tortoises, it’s clear that you are doing everything in your power to give him everything he needs whilst being in a class environment, ie the right space, lighting, heating etc, it’s a very unique situation so I can definitely understand why people are reluctant about this, myself included. But you are clearly someone who cares about getting things right and most importantly are using all the right resources of information here on the forum! You may well be the first ever teacher to provide the correct environment for a ‘class tortoise’ that we’ve seen on here! People are going to have doubts after all the horrors we’ve seen, but from all your threads so far, I genuinely believe in you doing right by this tortoise

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Don’t take folks skepticism to heart, it’s genuinely coming from the right place, there’s been too many incredibly heartbreaking situations of tortoises in class rooms, I’d be lying if I said I’m certain this will definitely work. I only say that because even with the correct set up, a class room environment could still prove too stressful for the tortoise, they are very sensitive creatures, class rooms are very bright, busy, noisy, with lots of different smells daily, all things that could potentially upset the tortoise, again I only say this so you’re fully prepared for worse case scenario.

All that said, it’s clear you are different from the typical class situations we see, you obviously have a passion to do right by him which is so wonderfully refreshing I can’t tell you! If this works, it could be something beautiful. I really hope the responses on this thread don’t put you off from continuing to post your journey! None of it’s personal I promiseI really want to see how things go for you and help advise along the way!

 

[lbailey4487]

Don’t take folks skepticism to heart, it’s genuinely coming from the right place, there’s been too many incredibly heartbreaking situations of tortoises in class rooms, I’d be lying if I said I’m certain this will definitely work. I only say that because even with the correct set up, a class room environment could still prove too stressful for the tortoise, they are very sensitive creatures, class rooms are very bright, busy, noisy, with lots of different smells daily, all things that could potentially upset the tortoise, again I only say this so you’re fully prepared for worse case scenario.

All that said, it’s clear you are different from the typical class situations we see, you obviously have a passion to do right by him which is so wonderfully refreshing I can’t tell you! If this works, it could be something beautiful. I really hope the responses on this thread don’t put you off from continuing to post your journey! None of it’s personal I promiseI really want to see how things go for you and help advise along the way!

I’m not taking any words from anyone who has read my info so far bad AT ALL. That’s why I’m here! And I am trying to do my best by this little guy; I’ve always loved turtles of all sorts! I’m actually (clinically) OCD and terrified to mess up! If anything , I was reading too much and getting confused by the conflicting information until I found this site. I feel safe reading and digesting as much as I can here. I want all the constructive advice I can get. I will be watching this guy and his reactions. It is a bit frustrating to ask question, though, and not get much information on what you asked. But I do understand where everyone is coming from.

I have no problem calling it failed if he seems stressed. He was out eating and basking until I soaked him Friday. Threw a huge fit and buried himself back in the substrate. Wondering now if I should give him more time to adjust in general before trying that again.

Thank you for your kind words. You give me hope! I will come back with pictures in the next week!

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

I’m not taking any words from anyone who has read my info so far bad AT ALL. That’s why I’m here! And I am trying to do my best by this little guy; I’ve always loved turtles of all sorts! I’m actually (clinically) OCD and terrified to mess up! If anything , I was reading too much and getting confused by the conflicting information until I found this site. I feel safe reading and digesting as much as I can here. I want all the constructive advice I can get. I will be watching this guy and his reactions. It is a bit frustrating to ask question, though, and not get much information on what you asked. But I do understand where everyone is coming from.

I have no problem calling it failed if he seems stressed. He was out eating and basking until I soaked him Friday. Threw a huge fit and buried himself back in the substrate. Wondering now if I should give him more time to adjust in general before trying that again.

Thank you for your kind words. You give me hope! I will come back with pictures in the next week!

I can totally relate to the reading into things too much! Back when I first stared researching, I thought the best thing I could do was cover as many different sources of information as possible to cover all bases, it took a long time for me to understand why some sources that offer both the good and the bad, why the bad/outdated information wasn’t optimal, it was all new to me at the time, so it was all about forming my own questions on things that didn’t add up, no matter what, it always lead me back to the forum and the answers just made the most sense! Our tortoise has been thriving on the care recommended here for years now
It finally all clicked on why some care methods just aren’t the best long term, and learning about the genuinely dangerous ones. It’s literally the best hive mind of information for all things tortoises hereI’m so glad you find it a safe place to digest info like I doI know sometimes the responses read quite frank, it can be hard to pick up on tones here but all the members have their unique way of writing, it’ll always be a mix, but definitely with one common ground, the love for our shelled companions

Aw that’s good! He’s still in his settling period and getting used to you, so I wouldn’t worry about him throwing a strop haha, he needs to get used to you and his soak routine anyway so I wouldn’t let it discourage you, I’d leave him till next Wednesday/Thursday for his next one personally, or you could do him on the Friday.

Look forward to more updates!

 

[lbailey4487]

Starting my larger table today! 4 X 8 indoor one. I will need help getting my lighting right once we are set up, please! My guy still isn’t active. I finally have the temperatures right, and now I’m building bigger. Sigh. But I’ve been thinking—I’ve been paying so much attention to my temperature, UVB, and basking lights, I hadn’t thought about ambient lighting. Can that affect his activity level and appetite?

 

[lbailey4487]

So excited!

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Starting my larger table today! 4 X 8 indoor one. I will need help getting my lighting right once we are set up, please! My guy still isn’t active. I finally have the temperatures right, and now I’m building bigger. Sigh. But I’ve been thinking—I’ve been paying so much attention to my temperature, UVB, and basking lights, I hadn’t thought about ambient lighting. Can that affect his activity level and appetite?

Yay this is awesome!! So excited for you! Will definitely be on standby to help advise with your lighting!
Yes ambient lighting can in fact interfere with activity level, therefore appetite, if the enclosure isn’t lit enough, it can confuse them into thinking it’s a duller day, ergo ‘winter’, so keeping things nice and bright is definitely important