Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am interested in Pancake Tortoises but would like to find more information on them. I have been told they do not like it over 80 deg but then had a brief (too brief) conversation with someone who raised them in Florida with great success. I would like to keep them in my garage, winter temps range from a rare 55 deg (60 is more likely) at night with daytime temps in the high 70’s and summer temps range from a low of 70 deg (75 is the norm) at night to highs in the mid 90’s (85 to 95). Can I keep a breeding group in these conditions (successfully)? What about humidity, food, etc. Sorry I have so many questions, but there is little info available on these dudes (and dudets).

I've had one for about a year & a half & all I can tell you is mine spends about 90% of its time hiding under rocks. It eats like a pig, makes HUGE turds & escapes from its pen once in a while (I'm sure with the help of a cat). After 3 or 4 days it turns itself in when it gets hungry &/or thirsty.
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also i think you garage might not have the best temps. for them. If i were you i would go russian they do good. But still 70s for a tort. is not really that good. Most torts. dont like lowwer then 60s.

I have had a breeding group of Pancakes for about four years now. They are wonderful tortoises and honestly my favorite. That is a bit cold for them. They would be ok in an enclosure in the garage if they were provided with basking lights and things to thermo regulate. It is my experience that they can tolerate cold fairly well but I do not believe they could take it that cold. Especially if you want to breed them. They are great escape artists as previously mentioned by other posters. They can climb with the best of them. Make sure you can keep them contained and secure. Also keep in mind that they only will produce one egg at a time per female (assuming the male can get the job done with both females). It has been my experience that a female will lay approximately 2-3 eggs per season. They are also very sensitive eggs. If you have any questions about pancakes feel free to email me. pavochavo@gmail.com I have had four out of five eggs successfully hatch. I have been told by people at the Columbus zoo that is a great hatch rate. Just don't expect to make money from breeding them. I would gather that you would need a large group of adult tortoises to be able to pull that off.

Thanks,
Aaron