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grumpy spur thigh
Posted: 07/05/2012 by juliedancer

Hi, is anyone else having trouble getting their spur thigh to eat in this cold weather? I have had mine for 29 years but he hates being inside and sulks. I put him out for short spells so he can graze but bring him in as soon as he goes to his sleeping areas. He cannot be forced to do anything he doesn't want. Any ideas?

Re: grumpy spur thigh
Posted: 07/05/2012 by tortoise7

Have you got a heat lamp for him?
This weather is becoming boring now, hopefully the good torty weather will be with us soon
Jane

Re: grumpy spur thigh
Posted: 07/05/2012 by DavidWYork

I include a copy of a reply I left in reply to a similar issue recently.

Mine are each large (85litre) plastic boxes with a 60 watt reflector light over one end, other end is cooler and shaded. The substrate is a sand soil mixture. They are feeding every day and maintaining good weights. Normally by now,they would be out gaining natural UV light and lots of exercise.I suggest you get a similar arrangement for wet /cold weather arrangements. I have kept torts outdoors for over 40 years and always started the year like this. Usually it is only for a couple of weeks...it will dry up and warm up soon!

Warmth and bright light will stimulate feeding, but do ensure that there is a cool area for them to retire to when they want to.

Keep us posted...ask if you need more help.

Regards, David nr York

Re: grumpy spur thigh
Posted: 07/05/2012 by TPGDarren

Hiya,

The weather has been very poor. Really the only solution as Jane and David have said is to offer artificial light and heat. Ideally a greenhouse, with a good quality lamp will stimulate activity.

HTH
Darren

Re: grumpy spur thigh
Posted: 08/05/2012 by midorigoi.1

Mine are exactly the same ! I've put an extra lamp in with them and just keep putting them out when the suns out , they haven't gained weight but there not loosing any , I'm just waiting it out but tempting them with cucumber as they cant resist it
Let's just hopes the sun comes soon for us all !

 

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