[CherryBrandy]

Originally Posted by Jan W

My 2 spent their first spring and summer outside, with access to their indoor pen (upside down wardrobe) housed within an old outbuilding from their garden area. It was a big change for them and me (worry pants) as I had to relinquish control. From their arrival at 2 years they have always spent time outside in a secure pen, but only stayed overnight if really barmy. If cool out then stayed in indoor pen.

Of course, at 8 years old they survived and thrived this year.

1. They love having so much space. Bertie was less sexually active, seemed happier to laze about than chase Beatrice.
2. They spent time together, but also apart.
3. Bertie really likes the heat, Beatrice prefers the shade when hot.
4. Beatrice seems to need more sleep than Bertie - up later and earlier to bed.
5. Preferred eating weeds from the ground than those in a pile.
6. Bertie seems to recognise the smell of nutrobol, Beatrice not bothered.
7. Beatrice likes long baths, Bertie finds 5 mins long enough.
8. Bertie is happy in torrential rain, Beatrice heads for cover.
9. They prefer top soil/sand mixture to coir. (I tried giving a choice in pen, outside covered area and outbuilding - always chose soil).
10. Quiet for first week or so, then a couple of weeks at looking at how to get out and then never saw that again.
11. Other than when it was really warm at night, kept a ceramic lamp on overnight, which they both chose to lie beneath.
12. After hibernation had to trim their beaks earlier this year but haven't had to do again and all looks good.

So now worrying about hibernation plans, but that will be the next update.

Thanks to everyone on the forum that has contributed to not only my questions but all the discussion. It gave me the confidence to progress.

Love this Jan, it really it good to read all the detail. They are super Torts in Tort Fort. Can't wait for next year too !! I think you should add to this post as updates progress as their activity and likes may change too !! CB