WE HAVE A [box turtle] POND!

[Mmathis]

Managed to get enough "turtle" stuff completed that we started filling it last night. Got the plants & fish moved over this morning. Added dechlor, and the water from the "holding tank," and so far all is good. Found a couple of the turtles to try it out, but weather's been pretty hot, so the other turts have sought refuge where I'm not finding them. The ones who went in seemed pleased -- spent time soaking & sticking their heads in.

Will get the SKIPPY plumbed tomorrow or the next day [having to replace the hot water heater tomorrow, so might be stuck here at the house -- no shopping or running around for me.... ]. Though no where near adequate, have a small pump in a box filter in there right now. hoping the circulaton will be OK for a couple of days. Just 4 small goldies and LOTS of plants.

Promise to get pics posted!. It looks nice, but not as picturesqe as I'd hoped for. It knda looks like it was made by some middle-aged lady down the street who only half way knew what she was doing []

 

[Mucky_Waters]

Where are the pictures??????

 

[j.w]

Promises, promises, we want to see it!

 

[don't ask]

way to go TM...it's coming along

 

[brandonsdad02]

Pics or it did'nt happen..j/k. I'm sure they are loving it. My box turtle loved to play outside in the grass when we had him.

 

[Mmathis]

Whew! Was up to 102 today, hottest day so far. I've been doing so much non-stop work on the turtle enclosure these past few weeks.... You know how it is: can't do any work on one thing until you finish the other, etc., etc. Breaks generally consisted of cleaning work areas, or sometimes stopping to transplant something into the turt habitat, or playing with the water hose (watering the habitat or filling their water bowls).

After I came in mid-morning today, I crashed in bed with the cats (I'd turned the house thermostat down - guess it was just cool enough they wanted to cuddle). Have slept ALL DAY! Hubby brought Chinese home for supper, then I slept some more, and well, now it's time for bed.

I'll work on pics tomorrow -- PROMISE! Plumbers will be here installing a new hot water heater, so that will keep me out of the pond AND out of the bed. Computer & coffee maker, here I come!!

YAWN!!!! [sorry]

P.S. -- WEATHERBUG says it's 87 now, with heat index of 90-something!! And it's 11 o'clock at night. Geesh!

 

[brokensword]

102? Wow. Don't blame you for hiding inside--I would too. And I bet you HAD pics but they melted, didn't they? Looking forward to seeing what you've been up to and how you've interwoven the different habitats. Should be cool.


Michael

 

[Mmathis]

Well, if I've done this correctly, I should be able to describe each pic. Is there a per-post limit? Guess I'll find out.....

This is the area being prepped for the pond. Turtle habitat ("boy" side only -- I hadn't done the "girl" side yet) in background.



This is following a big rain - the tarp helped. The background, right-side area has since been developed into the "girl" side with it's own landscaping, etc.

Faux rock entry into "girl" side. Discovered that I should have made my rock shelf deeper (wider?). As it was, the turts would have to climb an almost sheer rock wall to access their "ponds." Can see where the cedar picket fencing is starting to fall into place.

"Boy" side ("girl" side in background on right).

"Girl" side, viewed from inside the habitat.

Another shot of the faux rock entries, before fencing goes up. Alas, my lack of ability to create faux rock is only exceded by my lack of carpentry skills! (the horizontal fencing in the background is the temp. barrier I had up during construction -- it's to keep the turtles from escaping.)

Pond filling.

"Turbo" turtle likes the water lettuce!

"Alphie" turtle is comfortable enough to poke her head under the water!



The HUGE rock (almost 2 tons!!) we bought -- Hubby picked it out! It's perfect for sitting and viewing the pond, hence its name, "Sitting Rock." I love it!!

OK, off-topic, but proof that box turtles CAN climb! This is "Draco." At the point I took this shot, he had scaled about 18" - 24" of a vertical dirt wall -- one side of the pond before the liner went in.

.... and "Draco" says, "Who, me?"

Have a few more, views of the fencing for the turtle side, but will post them AFTER I make some adjustments. I'll explain with that post.

 

[Mmathis]

OK, believe me now??

 

[Mucky_Waters]

WOW! That is a different kind of pond alright, you sure put a lot of work into it with all that fencing and pvc and faux rock, boy side, girl's side. Pretty unique!
I'm sure your turtles will enjoy it immensely.

 

[ididntdoit99]

that is very cool, cant wait to see more pictures.

 

[j.w]

Amazing all that work you have put into it and now we finally get to see it in action! Yep I believe you are doing it girl and it is looking fantstic! The turts will love it! Can't wait to see more!

 

[brandonsdad02]

How well can they swim? Just afraid they might slip and fall into the deep part of the pond and drown.

 

[don't ask]

wow you have been busy.. looking real nice... soon you'll be able to sit and enjoy

 

[Mmathis]

How well can they swim? Just afraid they might slip and fall into the deep part of the pond and drown.

Hmmm.... Sarcasm, I hope?

Boxies can swim a little bit, they sorta float, but they use their water more for soaking and pooping. My guys have their own little "kiddie pool" area, so Mommy doesn't have to worry about the deep end.