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All the landscape gravel had to
be removed before starting the habitat. Gravel raises the
temperature in the area and the natural dirt is better for the
tortoise. |
The desert tortoise being a reptile, can’t regulate
its body temperature like warm-blooded animals. So we had to build ours
a burrow which he needs to spend much of his time in the thick-walled
(eight inches of dirt,) insulation for refuge from temperatures that are
too hot and too cold.
We added block walls
to our existing walls to corner off a section of our backyard.
The habitat walls must be at least 18 inches
high and be solid so the tortoise can not see though.
Also
Tortoises can not swim and must be protected from
swimming pools.
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The foundation for the new block
walls are over 12 inches deep. Any shallower and the
tortoise can dig out. |
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Here I am painting the newly
constructed block walls. |
The habitat must also provide grass and native plants to
eat, plus water and shade. There must be adequate drainage to insure the
burrow does not fill with water when it rains.
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| The finished habitat from South to North.
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The finished habitat from North
to South |
Not Your Typical Pet
The desert tortoise is protected by law as a threatened species under
the U.S. Endangered Species Act. and is fully protected in
Arizona. To take one from the wild is
strictly prohibited!
As an adopter of a captive desert tortoise, we become tortoise
custodians, not owners. A captive desert tortoise is still wildlife, and
thus remains the property of the State of Arizona. (This distinction
allows the state to maintain certain authorities required by state and
federal regulations.)
A captive desert tortoise is not your typical pet,
and does best when handled infrequently. So Grandkids understand
that the tortoise is an animal that should be watched, not picked up and
held. However they are fascinating animals to observe, and you will sure
gain an appreciation of desert wildlife by caring for our new family
member and watching its natural behavior when you visit.
♥
