How can I stop my huge tortoise from eating all my plants?
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We have a HUGE tortoise. She is now almost to heavy for me to pick up. She comes out and eats my plants just above ground level. Is there any sort of natural repellent that wont harm Shelly the tortoise please?
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Leave out other food items for her, outside , maybe she will eat that instead of your garden .
what about a cage are are for her, so it limits where she can go?
Shelly might enjoy the fresh meal... have you considered growing a garden especially for her? Perhaps a small fenced area around it, so you can direct her in, and she can fill up on acceptable plants, making her too full to snack on your other plants.
Can you put a small fence around your plants beds? Then remove fence from area you created for her.
I tried a fence with pieces or perspex roof sheets dug deep into the ground and supported by sweeping brush handles. SHe just pushed them down. She is BIG and strong. Is there any plant that anyone knows of that she wont like the smell of and so will go away perhaps?
I know Bay Leaves get rid of Cock Roaches, Geraniums smell strong and many animals don't like it. Perhaps I will try those and let you know. Thanks for all your help. Denise.
You may need a fenced area built with numerous rebar and heavy duty " hardware cloth" wire, placed at least 18" underground, due to the tortoise's digging habits. You'd also need additional barriers to keep it contained from above. Any plant within 12" of ground height is in danger of being eaten. Because tortoises investigate with their nose, you could try sprinkling heavy amounts of cayenne pepper, chili powder, and garlic around your plants, or spraying concentrates of the same. Some tortoises are capable of knocking over some brick walls!