Search found 22 matches

by Hector's Family
10 Mar 2021, 11:37
Forum: Diet and Nutrition
Topic: Question About Feeding Opuntia
Replies: 4
Views: 8892

Re: Question About Feeding Opuntia

Thank you so much for the confirmation Lin!

I find it difficult to balance the line between cautious and paranoid, haha.

I appreciate the tip to handle the spines if I tip toward paranoid! :mrgreen:
by Hector's Family
08 Mar 2021, 18:51
Forum: Diet and Nutrition
Topic: Question About Feeding Opuntia
Replies: 4
Views: 8892

Re: Question About Feeding Opuntia

I always appreciate your detailed responses... whether they derail or not, lol! I've attached photos of the cactus in it's dormant state from today, it kind of deflates in the winter and comes back in Spring. They are native here. I think this is what you're describing, if so that's what we have. My...
by Hector's Family
08 Mar 2021, 17:08
Forum: Diet and Nutrition
Topic: Question About Feeding Opuntia
Replies: 4
Views: 8892

Question About Feeding Opuntia

https://www.thetortoisetable.org.uk/plant-database/viewplants/?plant=262&c=3#.YEZZMWhKiM8 We've recently found some prickly pear cactus. We read that our Russian Tortoise, now four years old, can eat them without removing the spines. Since this is the only place I trust for information, I decide...
by Hector's Family
08 Jun 2020, 16:23
Forum: General Tortoise Care
Topic: Hector- noises, shell question, aggressive...
Replies: 12
Views: 10389

Re: Hector- noises, shell question, aggressive...

Quick update to let you know there have been no more noises at all. We hung out with him all day and there were none of the signs you mention.

Thrilled to report a good update. Even more excited to know we can see our regular vet with him should he ever need it!

Much appreciation!
by Hector's Family
07 Jun 2020, 15:06
Forum: General Tortoise Care
Topic: Hector- noises, shell question, aggressive...
Replies: 12
Views: 10389

Re: Hector- noises, shell question, aggressive...

He gets a single strawberry and a single (very small) piece of cucumber each year (spaced six months apart.) The purple bit is a spotted bellflower.

It was the first harvest of the season celebration.
by Hector's Family
07 Jun 2020, 13:36
Forum: General Tortoise Care
Topic: Hector- noises, shell question, aggressive...
Replies: 12
Views: 10389

Re: Hector- noises, shell question, aggressive...

I can't even tell you how much I appreciate this forum... Hector's shell (and care) is wonderful BECAUSE OF THIS FORUM. I knew, in advance, of their greedy tendencies and we watch him carefully! Thank you, really, for everything you do. I can't count how many mistakes you guys kept us from making! T...
by Hector's Family
07 Jun 2020, 12:53
Forum: General Tortoise Care
Topic: Hector- noises, shell question, aggressive...
Replies: 12
Views: 10389

Re: Hector- noises, shell question, aggressive...

The slate rock was resting on the coconut coir bedding. He was digging under to go to sleep at night. We simply remove it at bedtime and no further damage has occurred.
by Hector's Family
07 Jun 2020, 12:50
Forum: General Tortoise Care
Topic: Hector- noises, shell question, aggressive...
Replies: 12
Views: 10389

Re: Hector- noises, shell question, aggressive...

He made the noise for about fifteen minutes this morning, intermittently. It was not constant. He hasn't done it since then. I took a video (thankfully) when he was doing it. It's a crappy video, but you can hear the noise clearly. I figured it would help you help me. I don't know why I didn't post ...
by Hector's Family
07 Jun 2020, 12:43
Forum: General Tortoise Care
Topic: Hector- noises, shell question, aggressive...
Replies: 12
Views: 10389

Re: Hector- noises, shell question, aggressive...

The two white spots on his upper shell are where the damage occurred. I think that is a decent photo. I am in Salem County, New Jersey, USA. We do have an exotic vet, but I'm not sure they have experience with reptiles. I would love a recommendation for a trusted vet. Keep in mind that during these ...
by Hector's Family
07 Jun 2020, 11:51
Forum: General Tortoise Care
Topic: Hector- noises, shell question, aggressive...
Replies: 12
Views: 10389

Hector- noises, shell question, aggressive...

Three things today. Hector will be 4 in September. We noticed a few odd things. 1. He was grinding the top of his shell as he was trying to get under his slate at night. He did some damage in just two days. We now remove the slate at night. He doesn't seem to be in pain and it appears to be healing ...
by Hector's Family
26 Dec 2019, 13:41
Forum: Questions about Plants
Topic: (Iceplant) Mesembryanthemum crystallinum
Replies: 3
Views: 8005

Re: (Iceplant) Mesembryanthemum crystallinum

You're always helpful! Our Christmas was nice and calm. Hopefully, yours was lovely! Yes, that helps. I don't know why I have such trouble searching the database. I'm hoping practice will help. I didn't think to search each word individually. Next time I'll try different variations. I put the whole ...
by Hector's Family
25 Dec 2019, 17:56
Forum: Questions about Plants
Topic: (Iceplant) Mesembryanthemum crystallinum
Replies: 3
Views: 8005

(Iceplant) Mesembryanthemum crystallinum

https://www.rareseeds.com/store/vegetab ... t-iceplant

I've read the entries for each iceplant variation. I don't see this specific scientific name in any of them.

I have included the exact link from which I would buy it. Any help as to its safety would be appreciated (as always.)
by Hector's Family
17 Dec 2019, 20:17
Forum: Questions about Plants
Topic: Sedum
Replies: 11
Views: 15072

Re: Sedum

Thank you very much!

Yes, that photo is excellent. I'm still going to bug you to be sure once we have them grown, haha!
by Hector's Family
17 Dec 2019, 19:46
Forum: Questions about Plants
Topic: Sedum
Replies: 11
Views: 15072

Re: Sedum

Found it!

I appreciate you taking time out of your holiday to help me!

I'm off to study. Have a wonderful time!
by Hector's Family
17 Dec 2019, 19:31
Forum: Questions about Plants
Topic: Sedum
Replies: 11
Views: 15072

Re: Sedum

Awesome. As always, I appreciate you! I will buy a packet and start growing them inside under lights. Then, I'll post photos so we can verify their safety before we add them to the enclosure. Where can I find a designation on the difference between sparingly and in moderation? I'm trying to understa...
by Hector's Family
17 Dec 2019, 16:32
Forum: Questions about Plants
Topic: Sedum
Replies: 11
Views: 15072

Re: Sedum

As I'm planning his enclosure, please allow me a follow up question. If I buy a mix, how long would it have to grow before I was able to identify any sedum acre? I've asked the shop owners if it's included in the mix, but realized I wouldn't trust what they say anyway. I'd rather be sure. After all,...
by Hector's Family
07 Dec 2019, 15:41
Forum: News, Announcements and Events
Topic: Sir Hector Sends His Love
Replies: 2
Views: 15334

Re: Sir Hector Sends His Love

Good! That's exactly what my post was intended to do. I'm very happy he looks healthy. Warms my heart. He's currently in a 75-gallon enclosure (fish tank.) He's getting much too big for it. We allow him to roam around the kitchen for a few hours a day (under heavy supervision, after we've swept, and...
by Hector's Family
07 Dec 2019, 13:01
Forum: News, Announcements and Events
Topic: Sir Hector Sends His Love
Replies: 2
Views: 15334

Sir Hector Sends His Love

I just wanted you to know that this is our go-to spot for learning and help. We are preparing to install a permanent outdoor enclosure for Hector next year. He celebrated his third birthday in September. I began doing my research for what plants to include and, naturally, I came here! I've had priva...
by Hector's Family
14 May 2019, 14:32
Forum: General Tortoise Care
Topic: Hector falls asleep with his neck extended. Normal?
Replies: 3
Views: 4762

Re: Hector falls asleep with his neck extended. Normal?

Yay! I am ecstatic and giddy. I appreciate the response!
by Hector's Family
14 May 2019, 12:49
Forum: General Tortoise Care
Topic: Hector falls asleep with his neck extended. Normal?
Replies: 3
Views: 4762

Hector falls asleep with his neck extended. Normal?

Hector will be 3 in September. He's a Russian Tortoise. We've had him since he was 3 months old. He's started falling asleep with his neck fully extended with his head on the substrate. Is this normal? Some sources we've seen tell us he's a very happy, contented tortoise. But, I want to check with t...
by Hector's Family
17 Feb 2019, 18:14
Forum: Questions about Plants
Topic: Sedum
Replies: 11
Views: 15072

Sedum

I have found several sources for sedum seed mixes. I can see that Sedum spp. is okay for a tortoise. We have a Russian tortoise. Specifically, I was thinking of buying one of these mixes and would like advice as to their suitability for Hector's summer outdoor enclosure. https://www.michiganbulb.com...
by Hector's Family
03 Jun 2017, 13:46
Forum: General Tortoise Care
Topic: Questions about Hector's Care
Replies: 1
Views: 4104

Questions about Hector's Care

Hector is a 9-month-old Russian Tortoise. He came to us in November. I've spent the last year researching, but still have many questions. I will attempt to be as clear as possible. 1. I purchased Miracle Grow Potting Soil. Is it safe for him if I use this to grow his food? The seeds were purchased f...