Jack & Sally Join the Family 🐢🐢

I welcomed Jack and Sally, two two-year-old Horsefield Tortoises, into our family as my first reptile ownership experience. This journey has been an incredible learning opportunity, teaching me about tortoise care, breed-specific needs, and the ongoing commitment required for proper diet, exercise, and enrichment as she grows and develops.

🏡 Before they came to live with me, Jack and Sally lived with my half sister's half sister at two years old. In less than optimal conditions and health, and I have done so much research into Horsefield/Russian tortoises care and diet, and continuing to learn everyday.

🍼 When I brought them home they hadn't reached "puberty" yet - it usually happens at 4 years old - and I decided to them Jack and Sally. Post-puberty Jack turned out to be female and Sally male, but I didn't change their names as they already knew their name.

🥚 They lived in the same tortoise table until 2019, because Sally kept trying to mount Jack and she was gravid so she needed space. She laid two eggs in July 2019 but they were infertile and didn't hatch. I now use the incubator unplugged as a storage unit for their food and supplement, enrichment and bathing accessories storage.

🪴 They now [2025] live in their own reptile room in my new house, eating a variety of foraged plants and flowers, garden plants, houseplants; rocket, grated cucumber and grated carrot as a treat.

📜 Responsibilities:

• 🏠 Creating a safe, welcoming environment

• 🍽️ Establishing feeding routines and schedules

• 🛏️ Setting up comfortable sleeping areas

• 🎾 Introducing appropriate toys and enrichment

• 🩺 Initial health monitoring and vet visits

• 📚 Learning their individual personalities and preferences

01/05/2017

🤎 See more of them on Instagram: @TortoiseParent2017 💚

🧐 Key Insights and Skills Gained:

• 🕰️ The importance of patience during the adjustment period

• 🐢 How different animals have unique settling-in needs

• 📋 The value of establishing routines early

• 💡 Signs to watch for during the transition period

• 🏡 How proper preparation makes the process smoother

By the end of month, Jack and Sally had settled into routines, our bond beginning to grow, overcome initial challenges of their new environment. It was rewarding to see them relaxed and comfortable, feeling safe enough to sleep outside their bedroom area, and knowing that consistent care, helped create a smooth transition into their forever home.

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