Interesting Aldabra Behavior

[EJ]

Early this morning... 7am... I look out in the yard to see if any of the tortoises are out. I do this on a daily basis to see who is active or not. The temperature is in the low 60s F and it's misty. I see this Aldabra and wonder what it's doing.

On Closer inspection I see it is interested in something around this old tree stump which has been there 3 years as a stump.

On further closer inspection I see that it is eating the stump itself.

From the looks of it the tortoise has been going at it for a while. He only left after he got annnoyed by my intrusion.


I thought it was kind of cool and note worthy.

[NATURALIS]

Blimey not much else for them to graze on in that pen, maybe some grass would be in order.

[EJ]

Here's where you can shine with your expertise... Partially shaded area... highly acidic substrate of hard packed clay... no organic matter in the substrate what so ever. 1/4 acre in size. Average rainfall about 20 inches a year. Now... tell me how to grow some grass in this area.

Grass would be in order and greatly appreciated because the tortoises cost me a fortune in hay and Mazuri to feed.

I'd love to see what your Aldabras look like.

Originally Posted by NATURALIS

Blimey not much else for them to graze on in that pen, maybe some grass would be in order.

[EJ]

Wood ants pulverized the stump and the recent rains made it palatable. The tortoise went back for seconds.

Originally Posted by stells

cos after 3 years... it decided it was hungry and should eat a tree stump?

[16 shells]

Nice pic's Ed, not much you would have thought to be had out of the tree stump. Only guessing on maybe some left over sugary resin, as from a Coniferous tree that was , or insect's, or beak workout session.
Or who know's.

[EJ]

I can't imagine but it was seriously interesting. The wood was quite pulverized and easily broken up... fiber is fiber.

Originally Posted by 16 shells

Nice pic's Ed, not much you would have thought to be had out of the tree stump. Only guessing on maybe some left over sugary resin, as from a Coniferous tree that was , or insect's, or beak workout session.
Or who know's.

[Catwoman63]

Grat pictures of the aldabra ed, must have tasted nice to go back for seconds x

[NATURALIS]

Originally Posted by EJ

Here's where you can shine with your expertise... Partially shaded area... highly acidic substrate of hard packed clay... no organic matter in the substrate what so ever. 1/4 acre in size. Average rainfall about 20 inches a year. Now... tell me how to grow some grass in this area.

Grass would be in order and greatly appreciated because the tortoises cost me a fortune in hay and Mazuri to feed.

I'd love to see what your Aldabras look like.

I guess you would first need to get rid of the top 1ft and replace it with topsoil , sow with grass seed and install a watering system .

[EJ]

Thanks for the very heart felt laugh... and helpful information. You do have a calling as a comedian. You're a funny guy.

Originally Posted by NATURALIS

I guess you would first need to get rid of the top 1ft and replace it with topsoil , sow with grass seed and install a watering system .

[NATURALIS]

Originally Posted by stells

You would also have to keep checking PH... incase the acidity seeps into the topsoil... and regularly lime your garden. After that... the lawn may stll die... or be eaten so much it won't repair... so if you do this on a yearly basis you should be ok

You two should be a double act ....wait !!!! ..you are a double act pmsl !!!!!!