Seattle is generally known for pretty decent air quality. In fact, it isn't something we really worry about on a day to day basis. This wildfire season, however, is different.
We've always relied on our instincts with regard to the decision to leave torts outside or bring them in. However, with the latest smoke event, several local tort keepers broached us seeking concrete answers on when this should happen. We searched for research data which might provide a clue as to how tortoises (primarily the testudo species) dealt with the affects of wildfire smoke, and found nothing. This said, a couple well-known breeders, were able to help establish a more definitive guideline for our animals: Hatchlings, Yearlings and Sub-Adults should not be outside during the smoke-events. Adults can be outside as long as you feel fine in the same air. Once you start to choke, cough or feel the effects of poor air quality, or if you can taste the air, your tortoises would likely appreciate coming inside, as well. You can also use internet based tools, like the map above, to help you make the best decisions for your shelled family. WWW.airnow.gov has up to date color-coded maps depicting current air quality. These can be refined by zipcode. Thanks to Katie Griffing-Bradley and Bobbye Zee for their insight last night!
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In 2017, we recognized the need for patio repairs. The initial plan was to remove the raised patio, pour a slab, revise the roof line, remove a door, add a window and reclad the back of the house in Hardie Board. We also wanted to add some tortoise bins to enclose the new patio. This post focuses on the construction of the bins and shows helpful, handy tips that you can incorporate into your yard. The slab has been poured and left a 20 x 18 border. Solo, a contractor from SIR Construction, using a long level and board, he temporarily set the connector bricks. The blue arrows show the depth at which the connector bricks were sunk to ensure everything was level, THIS IS THE MOST DIFFICULT AND A VERY IMPORTANT PART OF THE PROCESS. If you want to have the ability to create partitions between your tortoises for emergencies, different species, etc. be sure to measure so the connector bricks are also directly across from each other. Once the area was completely level and even, he rolled out 4 ft wide 1/4 inch hardware cloth and secured it with the first layer of connector bricks. Hardware cloth is important because it keeps your tortoise from digging out (or under the new patio); but more importantly it keeps rats and other tunneling predators from gaining entry. If you plan the width appropriately, the hardware cloth will overlap to the outside of your enclosure, eliminating the worry of your tort getting stuck underneath it. The first boards were cut and set in place. At the hardware cloth seam, use 1 inch wide yard staples to secure the edge. Doing this will prevent your tort from digging between the two layers and getting trapped. I double lined this area with two rows of yard staples, set slightly off each other (like a mason sets bricks). Solo finished setting the side walls with 3 layers of connector brick and 2 layers of 12" pressure treated, 2 inch thick wood. (We like high sides, to accommodate taller plants and small bushes.) He then back-filled the enclosure with the untreated topsoil originally dug out of this area. Doing this project in the autumn allows the pressure treated wood to off-gas before your tortoises begin enjoying it in the spring. Here is a different view of the project. It still needs a screened top and dividers cut to accommodate the different "personalities" that will call it home. Using a series of smaller lids is best for those who are getting older or don't want to struggle with long boards. The new enclosure (in front) has 5 ft long lids; while the older 8 ft x 8 ft bin in the background has 8 ft x 4 ft lids, which are heavy and not as stable.
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AuthorThe Tort Resort is a Whidbey Island based project dedicated to rescue and rehab of smaller tortoise species. Archives
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