Tom said:Cloud 9 said:sorta wondering, would moving a tort in and out of different enclosures be considered stressful on the tort? also does age of the tortoise play a factor in whether the can get affected by this "moving around?"
Honestly, yes it COULD play a factor. I think some species might be more sensitive to it than others. There was some discussion of this on a recent hingeback thread. Of course its different for a wild caught adult vs. a captive raised hatchling too. I think the individual tortoises personality would have more to do with this than its age. If started at a young age, I think that they are just used to it. If you move them in and out daily, as I do, from the day they hatch, they don't know it any other way.
While I will admit that it could cause some stress, I must also say that I have been doing it that way with several species for more than 20 years, and I've never had a single problem because of it.
Also, in the wild, a young tortoise would experience a fair amount of "stress" on a daily basis. There is evidence that our "stress-free" captive environments are not ideal for captive wild animals. Some stress, some of the time, MIGHT be a little good for them.
Anthony, Given what I know of your situation, I don't think it matters all that much either way, but I also favor some outside time.
Erin, YOU ROCK! Rob too. I love that enclosure and I think we are due for some baby leopard pics...
Thank you for answering that.
I'm planning on starting next summer having my leopard out on warmer, dryer days and then in at night and on wet, cold days.
My outdoor run would be similar to Erins and I was wondering if this would cause her too much stress.
From your answer I'll just see how it goes. If i think it's too stressful for her i'll re-evaluate and see what suits her best.
Anthony - I have to agree with most people here. I love seeing Tortoises in outdoor enclosures enjoying the sun, grass and fresh air.