Wandering Tumble
New Member
Hi, I’m new here, but I really need help figuring out what to do. Here is an introduction:
I have a russian tortoise. Her name is Chili. She has 3 legs (front left missing) due to what we think was a bird’s failed hunting attempt during very early childhood. We’ve had her for over 25 years, even before I was born. My dad rescued her at a market, nobody else wanted to buy her because of her injury. I grew up with her in the household, and I couldn’t imagine a life without her, she’s my family. We have always let her roam around the apartment freely, fed her a variety of greens and veggies, gave her little soaking baths and ensured the floor was free from any dangers that might harm her. She has several hiding places which she goes to whenever she needs, they are warm and dark, and we made sure they are safe for her. We occasionally take her on “walks” when the ground and air are warm enough, and let her chew on the grass and do her business. She’s a very picky eater, so we only feed her what she knows she wants. We have moved apartments 3 times since we got her, and though change is hard for tortoises, she has always had the freedom to roam, so she adapted quickly. She had a respiratory infection a couple years ago, but luckily we noticed quick and treated it immediately. She is okay now. We have a lamp, an old lightbulb which emits heat, which we use as a warm spot for her, and she used it when she pleases. We make sure it’s not too hot, though.
Now for the big issue:
We are moving again. But this time, moving countries, overseas. And I know for a fact it will be a big hit on her. I can’t leave her behind or give her away, that isn’t an option for us. We are moving to a carpeted apartment, meaning we won’t be able to let her roam around the entire apartment. There is a backyard with tiles and grass. I was thinking of getting her a large enclosure, but I’m really not sure what kind is best, and how to go about this. Of course, transporting her is a whole big thing on its own, and I’d appreciate any advice on it. What can I do? How do I make it as fun, calm and safe for her as possible?
I have a russian tortoise. Her name is Chili. She has 3 legs (front left missing) due to what we think was a bird’s failed hunting attempt during very early childhood. We’ve had her for over 25 years, even before I was born. My dad rescued her at a market, nobody else wanted to buy her because of her injury. I grew up with her in the household, and I couldn’t imagine a life without her, she’s my family. We have always let her roam around the apartment freely, fed her a variety of greens and veggies, gave her little soaking baths and ensured the floor was free from any dangers that might harm her. She has several hiding places which she goes to whenever she needs, they are warm and dark, and we made sure they are safe for her. We occasionally take her on “walks” when the ground and air are warm enough, and let her chew on the grass and do her business. She’s a very picky eater, so we only feed her what she knows she wants. We have moved apartments 3 times since we got her, and though change is hard for tortoises, she has always had the freedom to roam, so she adapted quickly. She had a respiratory infection a couple years ago, but luckily we noticed quick and treated it immediately. She is okay now. We have a lamp, an old lightbulb which emits heat, which we use as a warm spot for her, and she used it when she pleases. We make sure it’s not too hot, though.
Now for the big issue:
We are moving again. But this time, moving countries, overseas. And I know for a fact it will be a big hit on her. I can’t leave her behind or give her away, that isn’t an option for us. We are moving to a carpeted apartment, meaning we won’t be able to let her roam around the entire apartment. There is a backyard with tiles and grass. I was thinking of getting her a large enclosure, but I’m really not sure what kind is best, and how to go about this. Of course, transporting her is a whole big thing on its own, and I’d appreciate any advice on it. What can I do? How do I make it as fun, calm and safe for her as possible?