A local guy who owns several turtles and tortoises came to me recently, needing his scaly pets sat for a couple months, and there was no way I could turn down the opportunity...
So a couple days ago, we moved them in for the 2 month stay. This should be interesting; all together, there are three Sulcatas, a Redfoot, a Greek, and a Leopard, as well as 2 map turtles and a large RES. Mind you, as good as the owner's intentions are, they aren't terribly well cared for. All the tortoises have been housed together (ranging in size from a little over 2.5" to 6.5"), and the three turtles (~3" to ~8" SCL--haven't officially measured them) were together in a 20 gallon tank, none with UVB. So... It's not just pet sitting, but an entire project. But I'm up to the challenge, and the owner is prepared to reimburse costs (within reason, naturally) as well as learn better care when he returns.
Anyway, to the point--pictures!! We're starting with the tortoises, and I'll post the turts tomorrow. Didn't get the camera back until after lights out, and I didn't feel like digging around the new 75 gal fishing out sleepy, upset turtles for pics. lol.
First for the little ones... Including my payment for this venture--one adorable, wee little Leopard tort!
Their enclosure. There were apparent bullying issues, so the 3 little ones moved into the biggest spare enclosure either of us had--a 20L (30x12" floorspace). Working on getting them into a 75 gallon (48x18" floorspace)--just have to get it from the pet store to home!
Here's the Leopard. The owner claims he's 1-2 years old... But at under 3 inches and less than 50 grams (if I remember right, lost the paper with it all written down--argh!), I have doubts. Anyway, he is adorable, and all mine now. Hopefully whatever the stunted growth is about isn't serious...
Next is the Greek. The owner calls him a "Black Greek"--can anyone shed a light on what kind of Greek he is?
Finally, the smallest of the Sulcatas, a little Ivory. S/he's in with the two little ones because the big guys were bullying him/her out of food. She does great with the little ones, and doesn't seem to cause any trouble for them.
Next up are the "big guys." Two more Sulcatas, and a Redfoot. These guys stayed in the 3x3' converted bookcase enclosure they previously shared with the 3 little ones.
First is the largest Sulcata. At right about 6.5", he's the largest of all the tortoises in the group.
Then the smaller of the "normal" Sulcatas...
And the Redfoot, at around 5".
And their enclosure--after I "modified" it with some stuff laying around and the fluorescent light fixture off the turtles' new 75 gallon. Still tweaking things, and planning to add a CHE to boost overall temps in the enclosure.
Anyway, thanks for looking. I'll be sure to post pics of the turtles and their spiffy new tank tomorrow.
So a couple days ago, we moved them in for the 2 month stay. This should be interesting; all together, there are three Sulcatas, a Redfoot, a Greek, and a Leopard, as well as 2 map turtles and a large RES. Mind you, as good as the owner's intentions are, they aren't terribly well cared for. All the tortoises have been housed together (ranging in size from a little over 2.5" to 6.5"), and the three turtles (~3" to ~8" SCL--haven't officially measured them) were together in a 20 gallon tank, none with UVB. So... It's not just pet sitting, but an entire project. But I'm up to the challenge, and the owner is prepared to reimburse costs (within reason, naturally) as well as learn better care when he returns.
Anyway, to the point--pictures!! We're starting with the tortoises, and I'll post the turts tomorrow. Didn't get the camera back until after lights out, and I didn't feel like digging around the new 75 gal fishing out sleepy, upset turtles for pics. lol.
First for the little ones... Including my payment for this venture--one adorable, wee little Leopard tort!
Their enclosure. There were apparent bullying issues, so the 3 little ones moved into the biggest spare enclosure either of us had--a 20L (30x12" floorspace). Working on getting them into a 75 gallon (48x18" floorspace)--just have to get it from the pet store to home!
Here's the Leopard. The owner claims he's 1-2 years old... But at under 3 inches and less than 50 grams (if I remember right, lost the paper with it all written down--argh!), I have doubts. Anyway, he is adorable, and all mine now. Hopefully whatever the stunted growth is about isn't serious...
Next is the Greek. The owner calls him a "Black Greek"--can anyone shed a light on what kind of Greek he is?
Finally, the smallest of the Sulcatas, a little Ivory. S/he's in with the two little ones because the big guys were bullying him/her out of food. She does great with the little ones, and doesn't seem to cause any trouble for them.
Next up are the "big guys." Two more Sulcatas, and a Redfoot. These guys stayed in the 3x3' converted bookcase enclosure they previously shared with the 3 little ones.
First is the largest Sulcata. At right about 6.5", he's the largest of all the tortoises in the group.
Then the smaller of the "normal" Sulcatas...
And the Redfoot, at around 5".
And their enclosure--after I "modified" it with some stuff laying around and the fluorescent light fixture off the turtles' new 75 gallon. Still tweaking things, and planning to add a CHE to boost overall temps in the enclosure.
Anyway, thanks for looking. I'll be sure to post pics of the turtles and their spiffy new tank tomorrow.
