Welcome home, Atlas!

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I will probably use this thread to update as Atlas grows! So to start out, for the sake of background here-

Atlas is an approximately 10 week old greek tortoise. Estimated hatch date March 28, 2019(the same day my fourth son was born). Came home June 11, 2019!
 

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counting

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Atlas is settling right in. They aren't shy at all so far, and have been patrolling the new territory, and had a bit of light breakfast (plantain,dandelion,wild strawberry leaf- plantain is the favorite so far), basking and doing a bit of burrowing.

The breeder gave us a big ziplock of mazuri tortoise food. He suggested giving once a week to fill in any gaps in the diet, or keeping it until fall when weeds are less plentiful.

My first full day as a tortoise owner! Hopefully the first day of the next hundred years for Atlas in our family! :)
 

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Atlas is doing very well. They had a large appetite today, I did a soak, and they drank and drank for a few minutes- it was the first time I saw that, and they closed their eyes and dipped their head right under the water!

I also may as well ahev mot bothered eith hides- they like to burrow under the substrate more.

So far I think I am lucky as Atlas is not a picky eater at all- so far they have eaten some of everything I have fed:

Plantain
Dandelion
Wild strawberry leaf
Fresh grass
Lilac leaves
Wild violet flowers and leaves
Forget me not
Aloe
Mazuri
 

counting

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When your human spoils you...

This morning we did plantain, dandelion and fresh grass. Around lunch however I was out for a walk and brought home some wild violet and lilac blossoms which were enthusiastically recieved. I also put a piece of cuttlebone in the enclosure and they had a good few bites of that. So far Atlas is just a fantastic, friendly, enthusiastic little guy.

(Edit: not sure why each picture uploaded twice)
 

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counting

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We couldn't have been luckier getting this guy. He has zero fear of me, and if I touch their head they extends their neck for neck rubs.

I also love their patterning! I like how it almost looks like little rays of light that streak out from the center of the scutes through the darker areas.

After years of waiting and research, I'm very pleased.
 

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counting

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Two weeks home as of today!

Atlas is very sorry for peeing in DH's light box...hah!
 

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counting

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Bath time! 3 weeks home tomorrow! Atlas was also 3 months on the 28th!(the same as his smallest human brother haha)
 

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Atlas has grown a quarter inch in the four weeks since coming home(2in at arrival, now 2.25in. He is 3 months). I hope that is adequate growth! He eats a ton and is so incredibly friendly for such a tiny creature!
 

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20190709_134732.jpg Me as a tortoise parent:
I don't care if dandelion tastes better and is easier to tear. You are eating your plantain leaves.

Also me as a tortoise parent:
2 hours later, finely chopping rejected plantain leaves and mixing them with soaked mazuri into a tortoise salad.
 

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Today was 4 weeks home for Atlas!

Took a picture of their carapace from day 1 and today. They have only grown 1/4in this month, but when I compare I can see the new growth :). Hopefully more slow and steady, healthy growth to come.

Also a nice time for me to admire Atlas' markings!

I waited so many years to realize my tort ownership dream, I couldn't be more smitten.

inCollage_20190709_210922510.jpg
 

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