Lost a Hermann?
Over the past few weeks we have had a huge amount of lost Tortoise’s handed in by members of the public. Mainly Hermann’s (Like the google image above) they have been found walking along in the middle of the road, seemingly unaware of the cars travelling above them.
I say huge numbers, 3 have been found in as many weeks, which still considering the area in which I live is a decent sum. What’s more, they’ve all been found a good 5 miles from their original homes. I may be naive in this, but surely that’s a good marathon for the little critters? Its a myth that they are very slow animals, they can get up to a fairly decent trot if motivated enough, which we’ve sure as hell noticed as they’ve tried to launch themselves off the prep room table. I don’t know, if anyone is an avid Tortoise fancier, do pick me up on this. Either way I’m fairly sure a Hermann could complete the London Marathon in a better time than I could ever hope for.
We’ve only found three, but have had a lot of calls this month regarding lost Tortoises…
Do we have a Tortoise thief in the West Sussex area?
Highly unlikely. If I’m honest I don’t think the people in my town are capable of realising how valuable some Tortoises can be. They’re too busy breeding “Irish Staffies”, and regaling me on their new “pedigree” mongrel’s toileting habits. To take it one step further, I don’t think if you showed one to the chav’s in my town whether they’d know what it is. I’ve already had one asking me whether I’d seen their mum’s Stir-fry (Spur- thigh)…
Just to clarify.
Its just a bit curious as to how so many have gone walk about in a short period of time. No doubt its someone having a great time, I wouldn’t be surprised if we get a couple of spray painted ones, you know, just for a bit of variety. Either way, all this bother could be resolved by just micro-chipping them. Its done into one of their back legs, and registered the same way as dogs and cats.
Thinking of hibernating?
As its coming up to hibernation time for our Testudine friends, I thought I’d mention this just on a serious note. Tortoises aren’t always large or old enough to hibernate during the Winter, so please do talk to more experienced owners, and follow the Jackson ratio when thinking of bedding him or her down for the colder months. Also, depending on the breed, age and size, safe hibernation periods will vary considerably, as will the amount of energy used and the temperature needed.
Happy Tortoise hunting everyone.
