REPRODUCTION AND HATCHLINGS


Figure 37. Rounded rake roof tiles at
the dry end of the enclosure make snug
burrows for hatchlings.

b. For the water dish use a new, unglazed, red clay dish, 4-5" in diameter set in the ground as described under Making a Drinking Place, Page 16. Make sure the tortoises can stand in the water with no water over their noses. Add pebbles to the bottom to make the water shallower, if necessary. Place the dish in one corner just far enough from the wall that the tortoises can easily walk behind it.

c. Build a small shade cover over the dish with 3-4" legs, following the style and photos on Page 16 and in Information Sheet #16. A triangular cover could go across the corner of the half blocks.

Hatchlings like to walk the edges of the enclosure. Keep a path along the base of the blocks free of rocks or plants that the tortoise would tend to climb over and possibly fall on its back. In fact leave rocks out of the enclosure. Do not use overturned cinder blocks as a kind of shelter, as they are not adequate and tortoises can eventually become stuck and die in the heat.

Hatchling Hibernation

In the desert, even hatchlings hibernate outdoors the first winter. Indoors there is a risk of dehydration and death. However, sometimes it is necessary to provide a cold place for hibernation if the hatchling en­closure and burrows are not ready. Since the proper substitute in a cold place is very important, see Page ii for securing Informa­tion Sheet #15.

Giving Away Hatchlings

Hatchlings are harder to take care of than larger tortoises. It is difficult to see beyond the tremendous appeal of a baby tortoise. People may want to take one immediately, before their yard is ready. They may have the mistaken idea that hatchlings are too small and fragile to live outside and must live in a terrarium indoors. This is not true. They need a good outdoor habitat to be healthy.


Figure 38. Dandelions! Choice food for
tortoises of all ages.

Give these people a copy of this pamphlet to read, first. People who do not want to wait until their yards are ready do not realize what is involved in responsible care. Preparation takes time and, unfortu­nately, people procrastinate. As a result, many babies end up in a terrarium in a


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