Hi all- I just joined this forum today. My family has owned two DTs since 1960s, both male. One is CA, one is TX (we have always assumed TX, anyway- he's much smaller than the CA-DT).
They live in a large backyard from spring to fall, graze on grass, with supplemental food (flowers, fruit, veggies, crushed egg shells, etc.) They are kept in separate areas to avoid territorial conflicts- when they've gotten out of their respective areas, they get physically aggressive quickly: head wobbling, attempts to tip over etc.
I've inherited them after my mother's death in December, and I'm preparing to hibernate them soon (night temp is in 50s) as she did for decades: in basic cardboard boxes in the garage, with newspaper "bedding." It's dry and the temp is usually in the 50 degrees range. (If anyone has concerns or suggestions about changing this situation, pls advise.)
Do they need anything else? Padding in the box? I've read about soaking them? Is that necessary (I put them in water when it's been really hot, but rarely otherwise).
We live in San Diego, and years ago when we first got them we unfortunately left them out in the rain and cold all winter. As soon as we learned more about them we began improving their care and protecting them during hibernation. My mom clearly did something right- they have been with us for 40+ years.
So... I'm now their "guardian" and want to be learning more from other tort owners re:how to manage their care and keep them thriving for a few more decades. I look forward to hearing from others on this forum.
Thanks in advance for your ideas and suggestions re:best ways to hibernate them- they are definitely ready.
Lori
They live in a large backyard from spring to fall, graze on grass, with supplemental food (flowers, fruit, veggies, crushed egg shells, etc.) They are kept in separate areas to avoid territorial conflicts- when they've gotten out of their respective areas, they get physically aggressive quickly: head wobbling, attempts to tip over etc.
I've inherited them after my mother's death in December, and I'm preparing to hibernate them soon (night temp is in 50s) as she did for decades: in basic cardboard boxes in the garage, with newspaper "bedding." It's dry and the temp is usually in the 50 degrees range. (If anyone has concerns or suggestions about changing this situation, pls advise.)
Do they need anything else? Padding in the box? I've read about soaking them? Is that necessary (I put them in water when it's been really hot, but rarely otherwise).
We live in San Diego, and years ago when we first got them we unfortunately left them out in the rain and cold all winter. As soon as we learned more about them we began improving their care and protecting them during hibernation. My mom clearly did something right- they have been with us for 40+ years.
So... I'm now their "guardian" and want to be learning more from other tort owners re:how to manage their care and keep them thriving for a few more decades. I look forward to hearing from others on this forum.
Thanks in advance for your ideas and suggestions re:best ways to hibernate them- they are definitely ready.
Lori
