To say I am a proud dad is a understatement. Thinking about watching my little one grow up from fitting the palm of my hand to reach a possible age of 80 is something that really makes me beam with happiness. Of course, at the tender age of 25, I'm certainly not talking about a mini me running around. The one in question is my tortoise Maui. Here is a little introduction to him with a bit about his upkeep, personality and his life so far.
Lets start with his beginning. On May 9th 2017 (Rough date...) I had just left a previous job about it becoming untenable. With a large amount of savings produced and a will to take on responsibility, I decided to embark on finding a pet that I would look after and to call my own. Going back a little further to explain the choice of animal, all terrapins have interested me. From the grace and majesty of sea turtles to the calm but cumbersome life of a tortoise, these wonderful creatures have really endeared themselves to my mind (Not to mention the millions of years they've been around... *cough* dinosaurs). With the knowledge of immense responsibility already thought through, considered and pondered upon, I decided to take the plunge and look after quite possibly my favourite animal of all time, the tortoise. A short trip to Garson's near Fareham, Hampshire and we found ourselves at an aquatic and reptile specialist. After talking the the now bored assistant for a good 30 mins or so about the ins and outs of looking after one, now was decision time. Like friends and relationships (Its a joke...), I decided to choose a tortoise with something of which I had in common. As soon as I saw the Horsefield Tortoises being fed, one hatchling effectively sprinted (Well, as fast as they can go) towards the luscious mixture of greens on the other side of the vivarium. Knowing how I am with food, it was a decision made fairly instant. With the outlay and set up, the total cost of a reasonable start up is about £250 to £300 all in.
Choosing a name became somewhat of an interesting task as the assistant in store made me aware that they couldn't tell the gender of a tortoise, till their errrrrr, private bits come up and or out in their infant years. Being the chivalrous person I try to be, I decided to pick a name that generally doesn't side or at least is little known so people don't assume my tortoises gender. Besides, if I don't know just yet, why should anyone else?! After watching Moana the Disney film shortly before this date, I must have had the characters names stuck in my mind. Particularly, the dulcet tones of Dwayne Johnson rang in my ears to the tune of 'You're Welcome'. Wanting a slightly fancy name that wasn't cliche, I decided that I would call my little one, Maui.
After taking him home and settling him in to his new surroundings, I made sure over the coming days to make sure his dietary requirements and accommodation needs were met. For Maui, I have found that his general diet consists mostly of leaves, more specifically, Rocket, Lambs Lettuce (Both avaiable in supermarkets), dandelions, Red Leaf Lettuce amongst other varieties. I find the Crispy Leaf Salad at Lidl works a wonder. However, the common iceberg lettuce can be detrimental their health over time. Other bits that have been put in his mix are cucumber (this is great for them to sustain a water intake) and chopped tomato. Tomato should be used very rarely as it is high in sugar. Just like the day we first met, he or she is a very fast mover towards the grub! For bone growth, tortoises generally get vitamins through basking under the sun. This can be sustained during the winter via the heat lamp that has been purchased with the vivarium (Tortoise Table). Finally, a calcium powder can be added to their food to encourage bone growth and help them whilst learning to self-right.
Generally speaking, tortoises are wonderful creatures to look after. With really easy going personalities, they generally ponder around, bask and eat. This makes them very good as beginner pets as long as every aspect of their needs are attended to. The only thing that I have had to get used to with Maui is the digging. Due to the substrate and terrain tortoises require, which should be changed regularly, they really do love to dig! This can cause alot of noise as most vivariums are made of wood with veneer. The scratching does tend to be as they settle to sleep so as long as they are fed at a decent time of the day, it is over before you know it. Also, as a very deep sleeper, I have got used to it very, very quickly! I do handle him from time to time as it keeps the bond between myself and Maui. This is more evident at feeding times as tortoises generally do their own thing and don't require much actual attention.
Not wanting to hibernate him over the first couple of years due to sheer size, this might be the case as he gets bigger and bigger. Since receiving him as a hatchling to now, he has grown by a couple of cm and is currently as this blog is posted around 100 grams. This is about the age of 2 1/2 years. Considering the estimated age Horsefield tortoises can reach, Maui could reach 60-80 years and a result a darn sight heavier! I'm pleased with Maui's progress generally. Maui is great to have around family and friends as the outgoing nature leads to awwwwwws and looks of adoration. Maui continues to eat, bask and sleep (the dream, I know).
I can't wait to see what adventures the future holds for me and Maui!
On my personal social media, I have posted alot about him as, and thank god, Maui doesn't run away from a camera very quick, haha!
I've posted a few pics below for you to peruse.
'We called him Tortoise because he taught us.' - Lewis Carroll
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