Turtle Video
Posted by: j_john
In response to Mike's recent Admiral video I decided to document what it's like to see Elmer go on the offensive.
Watch out!
From: December 13 | Comments (3) | Permalink
Turtle Door
Posted by: j_john
There's a new addition to my art collection, courtesy of local Highland Court painter Rebekah Miles. For a grad school assignment at PSU she decided to meet with the residents of the building and create art pieces for everyone. A couple of weeks ago she displayed them in the lobby and now she will go around and photograph them in their respective apartments. She called it the apARTment project.
At first I thought it might look good hanging up above Elmer's habitat, but after removing the current poster I noticed the wall was far too disfigured for the painting to cover up. Next I considered placing it in the bedroom, but it seemed out of place next to my poster with Juliette Binoche, so I then turned around and figured I should try it on the back of the front door. This way it is near enough to Elmer for her to maybe sneak a peek.
From: December 13 | Comments (1) | Permalink
All About Elmer
Posted by: j_john
Having spent most of my free time recently fixing up my reptilian roommate's new home, I am proud to present Elmer's current setup.
It will change a little bit when I switch the substrate (bedding) from alfalfa and grain pellets to soil and peat moss, but for now I am pleased with her current habitat.
From: December 13 | Comments (1) | Permalink
New Home
Posted by: j_john
Check out Elmer's new digs:
I had been planning this upgrade for awhile, and with the awesome assistance of Fiona Garlich I found a great $5 table at the local William Temple Thrift Store and set everything up on Saturday night. I hope Elmer settles in to her new environment and enjoys all the new room to roam around. She certainly deserves it, especially after the recent developments during my visit to the vet where I found out Elmer was experiencing an eye infection (a common problem with turtles).
Usually I administer eye drops and she gets better, but this time they recommended giving her antibiotic shots for 10 days. Shots?! Oh god, it looked so easy when the vet showed me how-Elmer didn't even flinch. Of course when I stick her she tries to bite the needle and then retreats into her shell. The worst time was Saturday afternoon--after trying to be quick and painless I placed her back in her home, and she promptly stuck her face in her water bowl, in a manner that I could only describe as an attempted drowning. I felt so terrible, I immediately went to work setting up her new space.
Since I'm leaving town tomorrow, I am indebted to Fiona yet again for agreeing to continue the shots in my absence.
From: December 13 | Comments (1) | Permalink
Turtle Tales
Posted by: j_john
As far back as I can remember I've been fascinated and enamored with turtles. Their ability to hide in a protective shell, live for many years and the slow, peaceful way they operate are just some of the traits I find appealing about these reptiles. Oh, and this is way before the mutant ninja stuff hit...anyone who has seen my collection of turtle figurines will understand my level of turtle appreciation. I can't begin to count the number of friends and relatives who have presented me with turtle-related gifts over the years.
I love a turtle.
So, without further adieu, I'd like to introduce my newest flatmate, Elmer. Elmer is an Eastern box turtle, believed to be at least 20 years old, and she was kindly delivered to me by my loving parents a couple weeks ago.
Elmer has been in my family for the past 15 years, and her first name was Beans. I'll admit she hasn't had the best luck in the nomenclature department, but as a young boy I was misled about the status of her gender (females have flat plastrons ((bottom shells)), while males have curved plastrons). Makes for easier mounting while trying to maintain the species.
I've been doing a lot of research, trying to figure out new things to introduce into her diet--she rarely eats, and when she does it is mostly a protein substance called "monkey chow." I remember feeding her crickets and mealworms once, but the crickets kept escaping and my sister wasn't so happy about the live insects in the house and fridge. Looks like some vegetables and fruits would be a nice addition.
Anyone who wants to know more about these awesome creatures should check these sites out:
Bill's Box Turtles
Turtle Times
Box Turtle Site.org
From: December 13 | Comments (0) | Permalink
