Other pets (pics and discussions)

[ConcinusMan]

Doesn't change the fact that 99% of reptiles kept and allowed to free-roam in a home environment do not have proper conditions. Naturally one should be weary of any free-roaming reptile and asking a lot of questions.

A friend of mine has been doing that for nearly 20 years with 3 turtles he has, and they're fine. They spend the summer outside in their own pen with a pond in it, and spend 8-9 months of the year in the house, free roaming. They have their food dish by the wall just like a dog, and a basking spot near the wood stove. They do just fine, and don't wander off. As long as tank has access to a warming spot, water to soak in, etc. I see no reason why he wouldn't thrive.

[ConcinusMan]

Does he always where that shirt?

I like Rufus.

He has a medical condition that caused him to have seizures (controlled pretty well with phenobarbital) and caused him to lose is hair. Everything under the shirt is completely bald so yes, he needs to wear the shirt. In winter to keep him warm, a light shirt in summer to keep him from sunburning.

It's funny, if I take a fresh shirt from the laundry, he knows it's his and gets all excited wanting me to put it on him. cute as heck to see. He does the same thing if I bring home a new one. he knows its for him and gets excited.

[d_virginiana]

A friend of mine has been doing that for nearly 20 years with 3 turtles he has, and they're fine. They spend the summer outside in their own pen with a pond in it, and spend 8-9 months of the year in the house, free roaming. They have their food dish by the wall just like a dog, and a basking spot near the wood stove. They do just fine, and don't wander off. As long as tank has access to a warming spot, water to soak in, etc. I see no reason why he wouldn't thrive.

I know of of people who have 'free-roaming' tortoises, tegus, or iguanas that technically have an enclosure, but due to their large size are often allowed to roam about and interact with their people. I've actually seen dog-lot like fences recommended for some of the larger tortoise breeds provided that their owners live in an appropriate area so that their pets can roam a larger space.

It can be done right, like I'm sure it is in Tank's case, but I can see how it's very easy to do wrong as well.

[RedSidedSPR]

He has a medical condition that caused him to have seizures (controlled pretty well with phenobarbital) and caused him to lose is hair. Everything under the shirt is completely bald so yes, he needs to wear the shirt. In winter to keep him warm, a light shirt in summer to keep him from sunburning.

It's funny, if I take a fresh shirt from the laundry, he knows it's his and gets all excited wanting me to put it on him. cute as heck to see. He does the same thing if I bring home a new one. he knows its for him and gets excited.

That IS cute. I didn't realize he actually DID need to the shirt...

[infernalis]

How does one justify letting a turtle free-roam the house? You can not in any way shape or form meet the proper husbandry requirements for the animal in a home environment... ?

Careful with those words... Tank is better cared for than MANY animals could ever wish for.

Doesn't change the fact that 99% of reptiles kept and allowed to free-roam in a home environment do not have proper conditions. Naturally one should be weary of any free-roaming reptile and asking a lot of questions.

That much I have to agree with. Just look at the junk on youtube..

[snakehill]

My last snake (eastern king named Elvira) had her own bedroom!

[RedSidedSPR]

say what?

[snakehill]

I'ts true! When she was cold she would go sit by the heat grill or sit under a dome light that I had set up. She liked hiding under blankets too!

[RedSidedSPR]

.She just free-romed the room? On the floor, etc? That is pretty darn frickin' awesome.

[snakehill]

Absolutely!