Reptiles....

We took in a new reptile the other day. A person was giving away a Russian Tortoise to the first person who could prove they knew how to care for one properly and would provide a good home. I've owned box turtles and water turtles in the past, but never a tortoise. But I've always liked them. A little googling and I figured out the care requirements pretty quick. Proper heat, UVB lighting, diet, enclosure, etc. The nice thing about them is that they LOVE dandilions. And I happen to have PLENTY of those annoying weeds... :) They are actually very healthy for them, and they cost me nothing to feed. And I already had the plastic tub and other supplies.

Anyway, meet Timmy, the Russian Tortoise:

The boys enjoy these non-standard pets. They come very handy when homeschooling, too. We get to teach them many lessons related to them: where are they from? What is it like there? Can we find that on the map? What is their life cycle like? How do you care for them and why do they need the things I give them? Why is specific food good or bad for them? Why do they need UVB and what is it? They really help to make learning fun. And it also gives them a chance to start taking on responsiblity with our pets. Daily care and maintance, chores, etc. All good things for kids.
Here are a couple other pets of ours. These are Water Dragons: