Alaskamike
Well-Known Member
I have an observation and idea. Perhaps some of the more experienced can comment.
I have good sized enclosed lanai -with a pool , about 2 k sq '. And have been taking my young torts out to explore and feed them in the mornings. My lanai is covered in paving brick and I am in South Florida - so plenty of sun and heat. The young leopard torts live in a 10 x 10 planted outside enclosure when not on lanai with me.
I've noticed that the two leopards will eat at the bowl for awhile , but then they both take off and start their " walkabout" It is amazing how long and far they walk. During this time they inspect every speck of dirt , weed ( yes some finds its way up through the seams between the bricks) and fallen leaf. They even sniff bugs. It seems they are grazing.
To experiment with this I began taking cutting from the tort grass & broad leafs it grow and sprinkling the around the lanai. This seems to delight them. I swear they would rather eat a bite here and there and keep walking than sit and eat in one spot.
I'm thinking this is instinctual
Anyway they get a great deal of exercise this way. Lol.
Do you think there is a built in grazing instinct that's showing itself here?
I have good sized enclosed lanai -with a pool , about 2 k sq '. And have been taking my young torts out to explore and feed them in the mornings. My lanai is covered in paving brick and I am in South Florida - so plenty of sun and heat. The young leopard torts live in a 10 x 10 planted outside enclosure when not on lanai with me.
I've noticed that the two leopards will eat at the bowl for awhile , but then they both take off and start their " walkabout" It is amazing how long and far they walk. During this time they inspect every speck of dirt , weed ( yes some finds its way up through the seams between the bricks) and fallen leaf. They even sniff bugs. It seems they are grazing.
To experiment with this I began taking cutting from the tort grass & broad leafs it grow and sprinkling the around the lanai. This seems to delight them. I swear they would rather eat a bite here and there and keep walking than sit and eat in one spot.
I'm thinking this is instinctual
Anyway they get a great deal of exercise this way. Lol.
Do you think there is a built in grazing instinct that's showing itself here?