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Most tortoises emerge from brumation some time from mid March to late April. However, some tortoises will come out on a nice, warm day for a few hours but not emerge for good until some days or weeks later. Like 2012, it seems that we may have a warm week coming up starting today (in Las Vegas), March 2. Some tortoises may make several appearances, others won't. We may have a cold spell to follow. So when your tortoise first appears, just watch and enjoy. It's not time yet to feed or soak it or … [Read more...] about March Brings Warmer Weather

Some Tortoises Are Late Risers It's only early April and many tortoises are still snoozing, waiting for just the right time to emerge. That magic day will be about the same time as last year, so take note of the date. Maybe your tortoise poked its nose out a few weeks ago and hasn't been seen since. That's okay. It's not time to worry. Try reflecting sunlight into the burrow to see if anything has changed or collapsed, or if there's a big pile of dirt in the way. If not, just keep watching. For … [Read more...] about It’s Spring & Tortoises Are Emerging

Extremely hot weather is expected in Las Vegas this last weekend in June. Be on the lookout for signs of overheating or stress in your tortoise. If it's running to find shade, sitting out in the hot hot sun, or if you see foaming at the mouth, take action. Cool your tortoise by hosing it down with cool water (be careful of the hot water in the hose). Bring it inside until the temperature cools in the evening. If you have a good burrow, there's no need to worry. You might want to check the … [Read more...] about Hot Weather Alert

Put in some new plants for browsing. Petunias and gazanias are in the nurseries now. Yellow bells Grape vine Any of the primroses, if you can find them Buy some Grasslands Tortoise Food Be sure your tortoise is well fed before brumation. Soak your tortoise occasionally. Watch for changes in behavior as brumation approaches. … [Read more...] about Fall Ideas for Your Tortoise

Your tortoise may come out and want to just bask these cool October days. Don't bother to offer food unless it is browsing. Do soak the tortoise in a shallow pan with warm water that comes about half way up its shell. Be sure the tortoise can lift its head out of the water. Keep track of the days when you see your tortoise. Note the last day seen for future reference. Your shelly one will disappear for the winter at just about the same time every year. Resources for … [Read more...] about Brumation Has Started Early for Many Tortoises