The browns are out.
 

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Well they all came out today into their temporary pen.
Much to their disappointment they only have a pen 20 foot x 40 foot instead of the whole garden and the reason is they will just stay out if not put away and at the moment there is no way I can lift them up to put them in.

They are gorgeous, Gordon! Yes, you’ll have multiple hernias and goodness knows what if you lug them about.
Brilliant to see them in the spring sunshine though.
Is your favourite one, the one that bit you, in the photo? ;-) :lol:

They are stunning Gordon:0)

To be honest I'm not sure Emma when Mary is back online tomorrow she will probably be able to see, I think it's one of the ones in the doorway.

I really must weigh them which is a job for the girls tomorrow I'm thinking.

They’ll love you for that.
I think that’s the best thing I’ve seen all day to be honest. It’s always a treat to see them. :-)

Oh wow they’re fabulous, we all need a bit of cheer

Yes your right she's the one to the right of the doorway. You're doing a grand job with them all they all look fantastic. Maybe this year they will provide you with some fertile eggs.

I can now envisage her chomping on you, Gordon. Thanks Mary. ;-)
Eggs would be wonderful. I’d love to see photos of the nest...if you’re brave enough to go in...

wow they are incredible and gorgeous - I didnt know you had so many Gordon ! you can see why tortoises lasted 200 million years its amazing to see them all together like that CB

wow love these gordon x

Lovely xxxx

Who says you cant sleep in the bath.:)

That is a face full of relaxation and zen. :-D

He was getting well into it until his head went under. :lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

Then there were two.:)

They look so chilled. Nice and sunny up your way then? It was here this morning but has clouded over now.

They look well happy!

They are still there and have been soaking all afternoon. I really need to make a big mud wollow so the big ones can have a soak. Maybe that's a job for tomorrow as I really am getting short of things to do.

I guess you are feeling a bit better then if you are up to creating large wallows!

Nice animals. I’ve thought for a long time about getting a couple. Do you find them difficult to keep in our climate?

Hi Richard.

Out of all the large tortoises these are I think the best to keep in the uk.
They will eat literally anything ang prefer a lower temperature infact one of mine was out this morning at 6.am.
Winter time when they are large you will need somewhere like an insulated shed/garage to keep them.
They are also very sociable and talk to each other a lot and mine if I can get the right tone will speak to me which I know sounds daft but they really do.:lol::lol::lol:

Agree with Gordon the Browns are the best large tortoise to keep in the UK climate.

I’ve always thought they are as I’ve read reports that they will still be eating at temperatures as low as 16*C. More suitable than a Sulcata.

I have a 7m x 7m garage at the end of the garden, that could be useful for the winter accommodation! Now you’ve got me thinking!

They are a really great species to keep as are very primitive and as Gordon has intimated are very vocal. We always refer to our male as the strimmer as that is exactly what he sounds like when getting friendly with his ladies.

That sounds like a perfect size for a few. The one thing I will recommend is build it strong as when they are adults they aren't the brightest and will bulldoze their way from AtoB without thinking of going the easy way.
Mine are active at 16 c which is good as they live in the bottom of my tortoise room which is always warm so they only get one lamp and don't that often use it.

I think I definitely being persuaded! If you have any hatchlings let me know!

Hi Richard
I certainly will let you know you will hear me jumping up and down with excitement.
I have had eggs a few time now (50+ per clutch) and all 7 females have been mated a lot in the last month so fingers crossed.

Fingers crossed

lovely bath photos Gordon ! look so natural ! CB