Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was at the San Diego reptile show today, and saw some CB pancakes and stars, Indian Stars. I have liked both species for a long time, and might be ready to get a group. At the age of 1 or 2, I understand it is difficult to sex either species. So, my quesions are as follows:

1-I live in Temecula CA, a nice area that has a desert like climate. What species would do best? I know where they both come from, and am leaning to the Pancakes so I could get them some outdoor sun.

2-I have a snake room, high end balls, that is at least 50-70% humidity, but in the 4x2x2 cage, with a heat lamp, it would be considerably less. But I do have a humidifier in the room and can spray them off, Stars, if I decide to get a Star.

3-I really only want CB animals, so probably will get younger animals that are unsexed. What is a good ratio to start out with. I have 3 cages available, and will let them outside often.

Dave

I don't know much about Pancake torts so I will leave that one to the experts here.

As for Star, if you keep your room between 50-70% humidity that is too humid for Stars. Stars like it dry. I think a lot of people make that the mistake of keeping their Stars in humid condition. I bought my Star hatchlings from Jackie at Star of India (http://www.starofindia.homestead.com/). He has a good care sheet on his site.

The breeder I talked to actually said the opposite, that alot of people incorrectly keep Indian Stars too dry, and they get nose run. My room is around 50% humidity, but the cage with a heat lamp would be drier. I would think an animal from India would like at least 50% humidity.

Dave

That is totally the opposite from everything I have read in books and on web sites. Isn't it funny depends on who you talked to? Stars' husbandry is VERY similar to the Leopard torts which they like it dry as well. I would suggest you talk to a couple more breeders and do some searches on the web to see what you can find. I keep my 2 Stars in dry condition and have no problems with them. Let me know what you find out. I'll be interested in hearing more on this.