Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I would be very interested in hearing what those of you with experience have to say about the information in the post. It looks like it got missed over the weekend, and I'd sure like to see some discussion on the issues he raises.
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Sohni
(aka Jeannie, but other people have similar names, too confusing, so I switched)
0.1 Baja de L.A. Rosy Boa (Bella)
0.1 Okeetee Corn Snake (Bess)
1.1 Rubber Boas (Esther & Isaiah)
1.0 Leopard Gecko (George)
0.0.1 Hermann's Tortoise (Moxie)
2.0 Adopted DSH Cats (Amos & Silas)
1.0 Rescued English Springer Spaniel (Jimmy)
and...
2.0 Kids (Riley & Noah) w/ 0.0.1 California King
Snake (Rex), 1.0 Mexican Rosy Boa (Lucas), 0.1
Leopard Gecko (Geico)
1.0 Husband (no pets, just us, lol)

Hi Jeannie,
I use the method described by Richard when my tortoises are kept indoors. He described this method to me when I acquired a leopard tortoise from him a few years back. Since then I have used it with all my torts. It seem to work really well. I've had perfect smooth growth on Leopards, Radiateds, and spider tortoises. I do use Active heat UV bulbs but apparently he's not even doing that. I think the combination of a moisture chamber,mazuri tortoise, and good heat has contributed to the nice growth. I actually described the method in detail a few months back but took some heat for it. One other think, i don't use mazuri exclusively. I use it twice a week. Hopefully other people might try this out because It seems to really work. I will say when you talk about pyramiding in captive tortoises their usually is lots of feedback so I'm surprised his post didn't stir some responces, hopefully their will be more feedback on this post.
CW
P.S. Sorry about the spelling I'm pressed for time.

What Richard failed to mention (or he might have mentioned this earlier) is that he has been working on this for at least 15 years that I know of (for starters).
The environmentally controled chambers focus on heat and hydration/humidity. From what I understand, the temperatures are in the upper end of the range and the humidity is very high. I'm sure Richard will provide some more specifics when he gets a chance.
I keyed onto this years ago but had no desire to do any controlled experiments and I was thrilled to see someone willing to put in the work. (this again was 15, or so, years ago) Richard is only coming out with any results now.
Ed

ED,

what is the "environmentally controled chambers"??? Do you have any info regarding their construction or how they work? Has anyone other than Richard (who I guess is unavailable for a couple weeks)tried these Chambers????

Thanks,
Bob S.

Not many people(=nobody) really wants to take the time or the energy to do such a study. Richard has a financial stake which makes it worth it to him (or so I suspect).
I use a shoebox with a sand substrate on a snake box rack. Simple, but it works.
When I make the recomendation to provide a humid microhabitat, it is basically the same thing except the critter has a choice because I really don't 'know' but I highly suspect based on a feeling based on personal experience. Not very scientific but I'm happy with it.
Ed

I'm using a rubbermaid shoebox with a hole cut into one side large enough for the torts to go in and out. I fill the shoebox with peat moss and keep it moist with a spray bottle. I do keep the spray bottle near the heat light so it's a similar temp and not cold water. The torts go in and out as they wish and seem to like burrowing in the peat moss. Hopefully soon I'll go buy a digital camera and take some pics of my setup. I use medium vision tubs. I'm no expert but agree with Ed that the combination of a good heat source, various microclimates and mazuri seem to produce excellent growth.
CW

What is nice about this is that it is simple and easy to duplicate no matter what part of the world you live in. I'm concerned about using the moss as a medium. Do you have any problem with it molding, these stupid little (I mean REAL little) mites or anything like that. Do you change it out often. This is why I recomend a fine sand as a substrate but if you can get the moss to work that would be better because you wouldn't have to moisten it as much.
Ed

I haven't really had to much trouble with mold or mites.(knock on wood). I do keep my cages very clean. I spot clean daily and biweekly clean the whole thing.
CW