Hello everybody! We have used this website extensively while researching a tortoise or two to add to our family. It has been so helpful, so thank you so much everybody! 
We are anxiously awaiting the arrival of a baby Russian tort scheduled to be here within the next two hours. We requested a female though realize it may turn out to be a male. Currently, her name is...ahem...Ironman-Tony-Tony-Hawk... We let our son name her. He was indecisive. Most likely, she (or he) will go by Tony.
This is our son, Weston's tort officially, but in reality my husband and I are probably more excited and will be the primary parents/caretakers. We built a temporary enclosure for inside out of a big old wood box with a metal dog kennel-like gate for the lid. My husband is a carpenter so something much better is in the works for inside.
I am a super avid gardener and found the tortoise table very helpful. I planted a big tray with edibles we know to be safe for now when IMTTH is outside but we are also planning a permanent outdoor enclosure that will be planted. Weston was delighted when I actually purposely planted dandelions in the tray. Never thought I would do that!!!
I will post pics of IMTTH later. I also have some questions about outdoor enclosure sites. Basically, it will be built up with wood on cement patio area like a tall raised garden OR built into an existing garden near our pond with a sunken and raised "fence". Both will be planted and have hides and water and some sort of removable lid. Both are mostly sunny locations but do get some shade. I will add details later.
So happy to have joined your group! Thank you for all the information we have already found and all the helpful information I am sure we will receive.
Katy and:
Matt (my husband)
Weston (son,7)
Noah (son,16)
Smokey, Trip, Hulk, Whiskey (cats)
South American and African cichlids, plecos, catfish, loaches, etc. (all named)
7 koi and numerous mosquito fish in outdoor pond (indoor in winter)
1 noisy adorable persistent toad that moved into the pond
From Rochester, MN.
We are anxiously awaiting the arrival of a baby Russian tort scheduled to be here within the next two hours. We requested a female though realize it may turn out to be a male. Currently, her name is...ahem...Ironman-Tony-Tony-Hawk... We let our son name her. He was indecisive.
Most likely, she (or he) will go by Tony. This is our son, Weston's tort officially, but in reality my husband and I are probably more excited and will be the primary parents/caretakers. We built a temporary enclosure for inside out of a big old wood box with a metal dog kennel-like gate for the lid. My husband is a carpenter so something much better is in the works for inside.
I am a super avid gardener and found the tortoise table very helpful. I planted a big tray with edibles we know to be safe for now when IMTTH is outside but we are also planning a permanent outdoor enclosure that will be planted. Weston was delighted when I actually purposely planted dandelions in the tray. Never thought I would do that!!!
I will post pics of IMTTH later. I also have some questions about outdoor enclosure sites. Basically, it will be built up with wood on cement patio area like a tall raised garden OR built into an existing garden near our pond with a sunken and raised "fence". Both will be planted and have hides and water and some sort of removable lid. Both are mostly sunny locations but do get some shade. I will add details later.
So happy to have joined your group! Thank you for all the information we have already found and all the helpful information I am sure we will receive.
Katy and:
Matt (my husband)
Weston (son,7)
Noah (son,16)
Smokey, Trip, Hulk, Whiskey (cats)
South American and African cichlids, plecos, catfish, loaches, etc. (all named)
7 koi and numerous mosquito fish in outdoor pond (indoor in winter)
1 noisy adorable persistent toad that moved into the pond
From Rochester, MN.
