Desert Tortoise Nutrition

A common question the various CTTC chapters receive is, "What do I feed my Desert Tortoise?" This month, Heather Ponek, President of the Kern County Chapter of the California Turtle & Tortoise Club will provide us with a comprehensive program on this topic. We'll learn, as many veterinarians agree, that a diet oriented towards grasses is more in line with their natural intake. Heather will cover the various types of grasses we should consider, the types of seeds you can obtain to grow your own, various supplements, the importance of calcium, and, of course, water. She will also include a section on what foods to avoid as well as some poisonous plants to be wary of.

Heather, with a B.S. in Animal Science from Colorado State University, is a certified Seed Technologist, who during her career has developed a deep understanding of what the Gopherus Agassizii should be eating in the wild – and in your yards.

As a side note, this presentation has been moved to the 26 of this month as our speaker has a special opportunity this weekend to view the wild Desert Tortoises as they emerge from their brumation in one of our local desert national parks.

Update on Animal Care Center

As we discussed last month after the very interesting presentation by Sierra Kirkpatrick, it was brought up that we could use some additional signage at the LA County Animal Care Center in Agoura Hills for our tortoise and turtle holding facility. Due to more people staying at home, there has been a significant increase in interest and demand for tortoises. We have procured two more signs:

Interested in Adopting a California Desert Tortoise, other Tortoise, or Turtle?
Contact: The California Turtle & Tortoise Club

Proper Care and Health Information
For Tortoises & Turtles
The California Turtle & Tortoise Club Website

 

Next Month:

Desert Tortoise Management & Research at Joshua Tree National Park: Challenges & Solutions

Michael Vamstad, a Wildlife Ecologist/Biologist with the National Park Service, will give his interesting, informative, and uplifting presentation on several programs he is leading at this national park. Michael has devised some clever solutions to the challenges our deserts, and their tortoises, have been experiencing. Having recently seen his program, it is one you will want to see!

If you enjoy photography, both of these presentations will put a smile on your face. See you next Friday evening, the 26th!