Readers, would you ever have a pet tortoise?
Monday, January 27, 2014
Our Red Footed Tortoise
A few weeks ago a friend on Facebook posted that they were moving, and looking for a new home for their red footed tortoise. Well, you all know me by now. Never one to turn down an animal needing a home, I said we'd take her. She arrived with impeccable timing, on the same day our four year old betta fish, Josh, died. Boxley the tortoise was a welcome distraction.
Cort and Reid immediately treated her like a member of the family. They "read" her several books, serenaded her with a harmonica concert (complete with dance moves) and played "bootiful" classical music for her with a toy Ipod.
Boxley, for her part, doesn't seem to mind, and indeed seems kind of curious about the boys. So far, she seems easy to care for, eating fresh fruits and vegetables, and sleeping a good deal of the time. We are careful to wash our hands after handling, and have heard if you set up a safe spot for them using paver borders, they can enjoy living outdoors during the summer months.
Readers, would you ever have a pet tortoise?
Readers, would you ever have a pet tortoise?
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35 comments:
I'd have one, I think he's cool!!
Sorry to hear about your Beta!
That is a good name for a turtle. Maybe it will eat stink bugs this summer!
Oh Boxley could not find a better home with more loving boys to grow old with. She is lucky as are you all. This is going to be fun. Hug B
Oh how fun! I think my kids would enjoy! :)
There used to be a lot of box turtles around here but have not seen one in many years. Used to see snakes on the road killed by cars but seldom see them anymore. Wildlife is disappearing at an alarming rate.
I have a daughter that loved turtles, Bilbo was the name of her turtle.
I hope the boys enjoy their new pet.
Do they hibernate? We knew someone who had a turtle or a tortoise or something and they had to let it hibernate each winter. It sorta just ate less and moved little.
We are like you--we are always taking in something. Make sure if you put her outside that there is a fence--they climb over stuff. We lost a couple of turtles that way when we were kids.
How lucky for Boxley who is quite gorgeous. And I am sorry about your betta fish. I love the photo of Boxley with the hand and fingers, it is a beautiful shot. Our neighbours used to have two turtles names Sophie and Ben odd non French names)they were always in the courtyard or garden during good weather.
Aw, what a nice pet they inherited!
Boxley seem to fit right in! That's so cute that the boys helped to entertain him. :-)
Oh how sweet! You are definitely teaching your boys to be animal lovers and protectors. I second what Lin said- they will climb up and over if they want to.
You all are great to help others in need.
My sister-in-law has had a pet turtle for like 20 years, and once the Mrs. found out how long they live, she put her foot down.
we had two box turtles years ago. they loved to come out from behind the refrigerator when they smelled us cooking - eating fresh veggies and fruits and hamburger and chicken. they loved june bugs and crickets, too.
:) I am sure my twins would love a pet turtle. I am not into animals at all. So, I don't do pets. But, again my hubs LOVES cats and we have 2 who stay with the MIL:)
What a neat pet! How messy is the cage to clean?
When I was young, I would definitely had one, and I enjoy seeing this one through your eyes.
one critter I have never had
Yes, I would! The boys are enthralled and love how they're entertaining their new pet. :)
My boys had turtles that they use to race across the kitchen floor.. They made a checkered flag and kept track on the flag who's turtle won.. Memories are made again.
Your such a great Mom..your boys are going to have many memories when they grow up..j
ta ta for now from Iowa:)
hij nziet er heel mooi uit en ze zijn heel makkelijk.
Oh! So sorry to hear about your pet that died... but that Tortoise is so beautiful!
I would definitely go for one too :) I once saw one in our colony 2 years back... we should have made him our pet lol! :)
How cool! I love it's colors.
We have a Beta fish right now.
I wanted Mica to pick a hermit crab. You can make Lego shells for them.
Sorry to hear about Josh. I think it's so sweet that the boys are so nurturing.
I would probably take a tortoise if the opportunity came up as in your case. I've always tried to help critters that needed helping. :)
That is a really cool turtle! And how special to receive her on the same day you lost the fish.
He looks really cool! What a fun pet!
What a great distraction and much more fun, I think. Any news on you know who?...:)JP
Your boys are so sweet with their new pet!
Oh, what a great learning experience for the boys. Too bad about your fish.
I hear they are very quiet. :)
My niece has two of them and they are really cool. They DO live a long time though…..such a commitment. But then again, you are not one to shy away from commitment. I hope the boys enjoy her and you did a good thing bringing her home.
We've had a snake (adopted from a bad situation) and the girls each had lizards that passed away.
I'm certainly not afraid of unusual critters in the home.
Were sorry about fishie Josh too,, but now we are happy you got a turtle friend! I have a feeling its very happy at your house.
love
tweedles
I did have a pet tortoise named, erm, Boxelita.
In my defence, I was 8.
I'm so sorry about the fish passing. I'm glad the tortoise was a distraction. How fun that they get to play with him! I would have loved a pet like this growing up.
She is adorable and a nice addition to your family. I love turtles!
Probably not, but its' still cool, and the boys will really enjoy it!
Many happy years of tortoise keeping for you and your boys I hope! :)
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