Remember this?
It’s now this:
One week old. See how much the umbilicus has shrunk? Eventually it will disappear entirely.
The hatchling Indian Star tortoises are growing well. On Wednesday, they had their first soak. This species is from a more arid region. Soaking offers them the opportunity to drink. And to poop. The little guys seemed to enjoy it. Their heads dipped into the water immediately, and they took their first drink.
First drink. For a size comparison, they're in an 11x9 food storage container. Sorry about the wonky angle.
There were occasional mishaps. But don’t worry. The water isn’t deep.
As helpless as a tortoise on its...oh, wait.
Nap time. Everyone is sleepy!
Note the red marks on their shells. Even though each tortoise’s pattern is unique, the colors will shift and change a bit over time. For accuracy of record-keeping, each tortoise is marked with fingernail polish on a different scute (rhymes with “scoot” or “cute”), and the marks are recorded. Scutes are the scales on the shell, and these marks are the easiest way to accurately identify animals in a collection.
I took them out into the sun for some much-appreciated vitamin D, which is essential to good bone development. They have ultraviolet lamps, of course, but nothing beats natural sunlight. Sadly, I have no pictures of this event because I was so busy making sure visitors didn’t pocket one! Maybe next time.
Stay tuned for more updates. I have more photos to share, and it’ still early in hatching season.
Animalcouriers
March 9, 2012 at 9:07 am
We learnt a lot about these wonderful creatures recently. We had to transport a Terrapin and the care instructions were lengthy. The bathing and pooping works wonders! Do you have to wash your hands after handling tortoises as we had to with the terrapin?
becomingcliche
March 9, 2012 at 9:10 am
Yes. We wash our hands between species, and with some of them, we actually wear gloves. Cross-contamination is always carefully guarded against. And we bleach the tubs after each round of soaking (I soak two different groups). You must have the most interesting job on the planet. What’s the weirdest animal you’ve ever transported? If you blogged about it, I’d love it if you linked me to the post!
poetryofamadman
March 9, 2012 at 9:32 am
I love turtles!
becomingcliche
March 9, 2012 at 9:33 am
Me, too! I always have.
sj
March 9, 2012 at 9:45 am
Their tiny little faces are just so precious!
becomingcliche
March 9, 2012 at 1:38 pm
Aren’t they, though? Squish kind of has a turtle face. Which makes me love him all the more!
I will call one Severus. And you will be forced to love him.
ifiwerebraveblog
March 9, 2012 at 9:51 am
What a great job you have.
becomingcliche
March 9, 2012 at 1:39 pm
It is the best!
Peggy Isaacs
March 9, 2012 at 10:09 am
I am falling in love with little guys. Adorable.
becomingcliche
March 9, 2012 at 1:52 pm
They are easy to fall in love with, I tell you!
Gilly
March 9, 2012 at 10:10 am
I quadruple like this!!! I love tortoise belly buttons! And I’m so impressed by the little cutie who dared to try the backstroke! Loooove Tortoise Day!
becomingcliche
March 9, 2012 at 1:49 pm
They’re not the mental giants. I had to rescue more than one from their own adventurous nature.
Danny Smile
March 9, 2012 at 10:59 am
o my goodness! i already think i will have to get some cute turtles for me too.
becomingcliche
March 9, 2012 at 1:41 pm
They are amazing animals, but they can be expensive to keep. I have the ideal position because I get to play with them without having to buy the UVB bulbs!
i mayfly
March 9, 2012 at 11:19 am
a-a-a-h-h-h-h-h, so, so adora-cute. This so makes me want volunteer to be a marine turtle watcher.
Sandra Parsons
March 9, 2012 at 11:37 am
You should definitely give it a try. It sure is demanding, but also veeeery rewarding!
becomingcliche
March 9, 2012 at 1:41 pm
I would love to do that, too. It would be worth dealing with the heat.
Transitioning Mom
March 9, 2012 at 11:45 am
Baby tortoise belly buttons! Who knew? They are cuter than words can describe!
becomingcliche
March 9, 2012 at 1:51 pm
I KNOW! I learn something new every day!
Woman In Thrisis
March 9, 2012 at 12:05 pm
I want your job? Are you hiring?
Woman In Thrisis
March 9, 2012 at 12:06 pm
I meant.. I WANT YOUR JOB! (exclamation point). Sorry the coffee hasn’t kicked in yet. Yes, I know it is noon but try not to judge me. I’m still looking ofr a job.
becomingcliche
March 9, 2012 at 1:49 pm
It’s a volunteer position at the moment, so I’m making about the same as you!
Hope you find your dream job soon!
Woman In Thrisis
March 9, 2012 at 11:26 pm
Thank you
It’s good enjoy what you do though!
Life in the Boomer Lane
March 9, 2012 at 12:24 pm
This is absolutely fascinating.
becomingcliche
March 9, 2012 at 1:51 pm
It’s amazing. Truly.
ghfool
March 9, 2012 at 1:13 pm
People love turtles, especially when they’re covered in chocolate and pecans. I know it’s highly tempting for some. So just know that I counted 10 baby turtles in your possession and that’s how many I expect to see later. If I only see 9, then I’ll calling the authorities!
becomingcliche
March 9, 2012 at 1:51 pm
I know! They’re the right size to fit in a change purse.
Audrey
March 9, 2012 at 1:29 pm
They are the cutest! It’s a wonder you haven’t set up shop at the zoo just to play with them all day.
becomingcliche
March 9, 2012 at 1:50 pm
I visited them three times in one week. My family is patient with me.
Chris Sheridan
March 9, 2012 at 1:36 pm
Your little tortoises are great and it’s always fun to see them. But reading your post makes me glad that my body does not respond in the same way, when I soak in the tub – especially since my wife and I enjoying sharing a bath from time to time. This could just really ruin the mood…
becomingcliche
March 9, 2012 at 1:50 pm
Floaters are definite mood killers.
Kimberly Pugliano
March 9, 2012 at 1:56 pm
LOVE!!!
MJ, Nonstepmom
March 9, 2012 at 2:39 pm
I will be emailing my address….I dont care which one you ship out to me !
magsx2
March 9, 2012 at 3:17 pm
Hi,
Beautiful photos, they are all so gorgeous. It is a great idea to mark the shells, I can see how easy it would be to get them mixed up otherwise. They are obviously getting the best of care.
Donna L. Sadd
March 9, 2012 at 3:50 pm
I just wanted to pop in to tell you that I enjoy your blog immensely. Whether it’s about your son, tiny turtle babies or a political sign, I always take away something…usually a smile!
Angie Z.
March 9, 2012 at 3:59 pm
Oh, the wittow biddy babies ah taken der naps!
(I love the word wonky so much that I don’t mind the wonky angle.)
The Hobbler
March 9, 2012 at 4:11 pm
They are just the cutest ever!
cassiebehle
March 9, 2012 at 5:26 pm
I am just so completely in love with the lil guys! If I send you my address, will you mail me one??
becomingcliche
March 10, 2012 at 7:16 am
I know. It’s all I can do to not load them all up in my pocket and bring them home!
bloggerclarissa
March 9, 2012 at 6:23 pm
The sea of cuteness. Thank you for these fantastic turtle posts!!!
becomingcliche
March 9, 2012 at 7:16 pm
My pleasure. In another couple of weeks, a different species will begin hatching. This is the BEST time of year!
whatimeant2say
March 9, 2012 at 9:02 pm
Too stinking cute!!!! And informative, too!
becomingcliche
March 10, 2012 at 7:17 am
Zoo life is just fascinating.
Kana Tyler
March 10, 2012 at 1:10 pm
An award for you! Stop by to collect… http://kanatyler.com/2012/03/09/tmi-if-ever-an-award-were-meant-for-me/
Kana
The Byronic Man
March 10, 2012 at 7:27 pm
I love turtles and tortoises! I own none, though… why is that? I need to correct this.
jmnartsy
March 11, 2012 at 3:59 am
Such lovelies…unique patterns like unique fingerprints. Warm fuzzies with this one! ;o
Silva Gang
March 11, 2012 at 7:35 pm
These guys are so pur-ty! Congrats! One time, my friend had a couple turtles, and she put them into a big tank (thinking they would like the extra space… maybe a bachelor pad of sorts). Anyhoo, they grew super fast, and now they’re huge! I don’t know how big your little guys can end up being, but hers are at least 10 pounds each! I think she’s regretting the whole decision to upgrade them to a Kardashian-sized penthouse.
becomingcliche
March 12, 2012 at 6:56 am
These won’t grow quite that quickly, thank goodness. I’ve got some photos coming showing how much one species can grow in about 9 months. And some of them will be going out to other zoos.