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That’s MY Home Sweet Home! by Author Elaine A. Powers

When I wanted to be approved to foster a Sonoran Desert tortoise from the state program, I built the above den. It’s half of a garbage can, reinforced with rocks and protected from erosion by Plexiglas. The dirt around the opening is higher to prevent rainwater from flooding it. In the fall, I cover the structure with mulch to provide insulation.

I have two desert tortoises, Cantata the Sulcata and Zoe the Sonoran Desert Tortoise, that spend most of the year outside. Cantata has to come inside for the winter, but Zoe is given the opportunity to brumate outside–mammals hibernate, reptiles brumate. For several years, Zoe successfully used this den for brumation.

tortoise-dug den — *Cantata made her own home!*

I’ve always encouraged the tortoises to use this den, but last year, Cantata opted to dig her own den under my patio. She removed an incredible amount of dirt, causing me to worry about my foundation. Fortunately, all is well . . . I think.

Both Cantata and Zoe brumated in my bedroom last winter. Cantata became active first, so I let her outside when the temperatures warmed up sufficiently. I was delighted to see her dig into the den I made, instead of returning to digging under the patio.

A few days later, I let Zoe head outdoors. She muscled Cantata aside to claim the nicely refreshed den as her own!

second tortoise going into den — *Zoe says, “I don’t think so!”*

I don’t know where Cantata will end up digging her den, but I’ll definitely let you know!

Book Note: In the meantime, I encourage you to visit Lyric Power Publishing’s workbooks and activity sheets featuring tortoises, for grades Pre-K to 1 and grades 2-4. They’re filled with lots of fun activities. You’ll also find workbooks for turtles, birds, roadrunners, iguanas, rattlesnakes, rocks, and on the compass and learning directions. Download some hands-on, economical and fun activities for your children this summer!

image of six workbooks — Fun, educational and relaxing!

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