Kingsnake.com - Herpforum - Tortoises - General

Radiated Tortoise Hatchling Question

FriedelSN — 2020-02-23T21:11:32+00:00

Original post by FriedelSN — 2020-02-23 21:11:32 GMT

I had a tortoise laid 10/21/19 hatch today 2/23/19. It still has a good portion of its yolk. Is this normal or are we doing something wrong during incubation? We have temp set at 86 and humidity around 50. TIA.

View full thread on Kingsnake.com

Indian star tortoise possible fraud

Batsos12345 — 2019-09-15T11:14:25+00:00

Original post by Batsos12345 — 2019-09-15 11:14:25 GMT

How do I know if someone is selling torts fraudulently. I’ve had numerous conversations with Turtle Tran on Fauna. Can anyone help me either see if he’s legit or does anyone have Indian stars to sell.

Thanks

View full thread on Kingsnake.com

Please help me guess the approx age of t

Mw05 — 2018-05-11T18:32:58+00:00

Original post by Mw05 — 2018-05-11 18:32:58 GMT

Hello,

I'm new to this forum, but I figured with all the knowledgeable people who visit here someone might be able to help.

I have previous experience keeping Ca Desert Tortoises in the past. Yesterday I was given a male and female Testudo Tortoise and was told the care on them is roughly similar to desert tortoises. Any advice on their care would be greatly appreciated. Also, the male is roughly 4" and the female around 4.5", would anyone know the age range they could be?
Thanks in advance for any help!

View full thread on Kingsnake.com

SF Bay Area tortoise endoscopy - where?

kcmyl — 2017-07-16T19:17:20+00:00

Original post by kcmyl — 2017-07-16 19:17:20 GMT

Hello, if you live in the San Francisco bay area and have taken your tortoises to get endoscopy to find out about their gender, do you have any recommendation for a vet clinic and how much do you (should I expect to) pay?

Thanks!

View full thread on Kingsnake.com

world's fastest tortoise (via cnn)

unchikun — 2015-09-10T20:44:22+00:00

Original post by unchikun — 2015-09-10 20:44:22 GMT

thought i'd share, even though the board's been kinda slow lately... pun not intended...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

(CNN)—Sprint over, Usain Bolt. There's a new celebrity racing into the record books.

And like his human equivalent, Bertie's achievement as the speediest tortoise has earned him a spot in the Guinness World Records.

Bertie smashed a decades-old record, earning a spot in the book as the fastest mover among his species.

"To be in the book is a dream come true, a massive achievement," said Marco Calzini, Bertie's proud owner.

Both Bertie and the tortoise he replaced in the record book, Charlie, live in the United Kingdom.

During his run, Bertie reached a speed of 0.6 miles per hour, smashing Charlie's previous record that has been unchallenged since 1977, the Guinness World Records said.

Bertie's epic accomplishment occurred at his home in Adventure Valley, a family park in Durham, UK.

Shearer saves lost sheep from woolly death, sets unofficial world record

As he basks in his new fame, Bertie spends his days noshing on strawberries with his lady love, Shelly. His Guinness World Records certificate hangs in a wall in his enclosure.

Bertie is not the first animal to win bragging rights in next year's edition of the book.

California resident Franchesca has the longest fur on a rabbit -- measuring nearly 37 centimeters or 14 inches. That's longer than a Subway sandwich.

Then there's Purin, a pup who catches the most balls in a minute with her paws.

Image

View full thread on Kingsnake.com

Aldabran Streach

tripletoes — 2015-08-21T08:38:06+00:00

Original post by tripletoes — 2015-05-10 00:33:10 GMT

I have had an Aldabra tortoise with a shell deformity (previous owner)for about 10 years and estimate it to be have been between 2-4 years old when i got it. Anyhow I know it is not uncommon for one to stretch out of its shell when it is touched. Although it may seem that it is somewhat enjoying the attention I question this. Is it trying to make itself bigger to ward off predators or attackers? What is the deal with the stretch? Anyone got an idea?

Reply by tripletoes — 2015-08-21 08:38:06 GMT

iTS FOR PARISITES....iTS FOR POSTURING...iTS FOR LAAAAAME!!!

View full thread on Kingsnake.com

Perfect Beginner Tortoise?

mattstratton — 2015-04-29T19:36:36+00:00

Original post by mattstratton — 2015-04-29 03:58:50 GMT

I've been wanting a tortoise for a while, I think they are so cool! But I know that some reptiles are harder than others to take care of, especially in the hands of an inexperienced owner. So I decided to make a post on the forums here to get an opinion on which tort would be a good pet for someone new to tortoises.

I can provide indoor and outdoor play areas/living spaces, but I would prefer a tortoise that didn't get too big, I've seen some pretty massive tortoises lol!

I've been looking at a few different species online but I can't really tell which would be good for a first time tort owner. I liked the Russian Tortoises and Red Foot Tortoises. Would those make good first time pets?

Also, any tips/advice you could share with me would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

Reply by zovick — 2015-04-29 19:36:36 GMT

Either of the two you mentioned are good for beginners. You might consider the Redfoot to be a bit easier because it does not hibernate. I have not kept Russian Tortoises personally so am not certain if they will do fine without hibernating or not. Perhaps someone else can answer that? I do know my Western Hermann's Tortoises have been fine if kept active all winter.

Bill Z

View full thread on Kingsnake.com

Female Leopard Tortoise

scott0221 — 2016-05-26T10:48:58+00:00

Original post by scott0221 — 2015-04-25 22:12:39 GMT

Hi,
I am looking for help regarding our tortoise. We have a 10 inch female leopard. We recent moved from Colorado to Minnesota. She is not doing very well. She is healthy, but not happy. She belongs to our 15 year old daughter who was considering selling. We are moving again (to Idaho) in a few months and are hoping it will go better.

We would like advice on weather (MN and Idaho) and/or indoor enclosures, substrate, and other options for helping us keep her happy. We just purchased a large 6 foot by 2 foot box (formally a snake cage). Timothy Hay smells terrible and is not holding humidity. She gets poked in the eye. We tried coco husk, but it seems to quickly mold here and gnats appeared. Now we have dry floor, 2 ponds (water dishes), some hay, some hay but the box smells. We are wiping it out every other day. The weather is improving here so she will have some time to cruz outside, but weather in Idaho still entails another long winter indoors. In CO, she spent lots more time roaming outside and we have a large tortoise table (it did not survive the move). Hay and coco husk worked fine living there. Is her size or the weather making it a problem now?

We have a couple cats so have been hesitant to have an uncovered enclosure, but she seems to need more space. Is she old enough to protect herself from the cats or we correct in keeping them separate? Any thoughts or ideas are welcome.

Reply by ntrepid55 — 2016-05-26 10:48:58 GMT

Try alfalfa pettets made for horses...comes in 50 lb bag at tractor supply. Put a 2" layer.. It is very absorbant and you can clean out only what gets wet and throw it directly into your garden ..it is biodegradeable and good for plants. If the tort eats it ....it is actually healthy for her. Stock tanks for livestock make great "boxes" for tortoises...they are waterproof and strong...will not hold odor like wood.

Reply by zovick — 2015-04-26 13:06:05 GMT

Hi,

Over the years, I have raised my tortoises in Colorado, Connecticut, and now Georgia, so I can understand your situation and needs fairly well. I would suggest that you try a different substrate which should work better for the size of tortoise you have. My preferred and recommended substrate is Eucalyptus Mulch (when available), and if that is not available, I use Cypress Mulch instead.

If you email me privately at wzovickian@gmail.com I will be happy to send you a detailed Care Sheet which addresses keeping tortoises healthy and happy in the colder climates. In the mountains of extreme northwestern CT, my tortoises were able to be outside full time only from the very end of May until the beginning of September, and even then had to be brought in on the occasional nights when the temps dipped into the 40's or even lower. One year, frost was recorded in all 12 months of the year!

Bill Zovickian

View full thread on Kingsnake.com

Mosquito Control

gsn — 2015-04-20T01:23:23+00:00

Original post by gsn — 2015-04-20 01:23:23 GMT

Looking for recommendations on controlling mosquitos on a Sulcata that spends 7 months of the year outside. I'm in the Savannah, GA area. Anything safe to put on the shell?

View full thread on Kingsnake.com

Need help with ID

timna — 2015-03-15T02:56:29+00:00

Original post by timna — 2015-03-15 02:56:29 GMT

My daughter found this little guy this evening I wanted to find the ID to make sure it gets the proper care needed.

Thanks for any info you can give.

View full thread on Kingsnake.com

Time to put tortoises outside?

jeffb — 2015-03-17T17:53:53+00:00

Original post by jeffb — 2015-03-14 14:47:20 GMT

I am wondering if it's too early to put my red foot and sulcata tortoises outside. We have had our last freeze and the temps are in the 50s at night - 60s/70s during the day - thoughts?

Reply by amazoa — 2015-03-17 17:53:53 GMT

In Jacksonville we occasionally dip down to 18-22 degrees. I heard my redfoots and elongated into the covered structure in the picture anytime the night low is below 55 degrees. The Door has 3 bolts and wingnuts to secure it. I have 3 heat sources from above. A 250 infra-red in the center and two 150 watt Ceramic heat bulbs on either side.

-----
Richard -amazoa-

"Changes in behavior occur when the pain of staying the same outweighs the pain of change."

View full thread on Kingsnake.com

REDFOOT CARE

kingsnake100 — 2015-01-21T00:21:28+00:00

Original post by kingsnake100 — 2015-01-21 00:21:28 GMT

ANYONE IN THE NEWMARKET , TORONTO , CANADA AREA HAVE FACILITIES TO CARE FOR REDFOOTS ?

View full thread on Kingsnake.com

Pancake death

labendwa — 2015-01-11T23:41:19+00:00

Original post by labendwa — 2015-01-06 02:30:11 GMT

Had trio of adult pancakes for z15 years. All was well until today. One female felt very light when picked her up and died within two hours. Didn't get to see her yesterday but seemed fine two days ago. Others seem fine. All others torts in collection seem ok.

Found infertile egg about a month ago but not sure which female laid egg.

Any ideas why it died so quickly?

Thanks. Do not want to find any more surprises.

Reply by zovick — 2015-01-11 23:41:19 GMT

Hi Wayne. I am afraid I don't have an answer for you but wanted to say hello and that I am sorry to hear about the loss of your female Pancake after so many years. I hope the other two will remain fine.

Bill Zovickian

View full thread on Kingsnake.com

Happy Christmas from....

emysbreeder — 2014-12-28T19:21:07+00:00

Original post by emysbreeder — 2014-12-20 17:13:10 GMT

Vic Morgan ....Defying Destiny Mt.tortoise reserve. Thanks for doing your part in defying the destiny of any turtle or tort. you breed.

Reply by zovick — 2014-12-28 19:21:07 GMT

Hey Vic and Others,

I hope everyone will have a safe and Happy New Year.

Bill Zovickian
(GA)

View full thread on Kingsnake.com

Moderators

kahtomi — 2014-12-22T14:16:53+00:00

Original post by kahtomi — 2014-12-05 01:11:14 GMT

Where can I get a list of moderators? I want to buy a tortoise and a guy says he's a moderator here and I'd like to check it out. I got scammed a few weeks ago and don't want it to happen again.

Reply by CindySteinle — 2014-12-22 14:16:53 GMT

>>Where can I get a list of moderators? I want to buy a tortoise and a guy says he's a moderator here and I'd like to check it out. I got scammed a few weeks ago and don't want it to happen again.

Feel free to shoot me an email with a name.

View full thread on Kingsnake.com

Burmese Star temps

simias — 2014-10-15T02:06:44+00:00

Original post by simias — 2014-10-15 02:06:44 GMT

I'd like everyone's opinion/experience on the minimum nighttime temp you feel is safe for Burmese Stars. I have a group of a dozen, all 6-8", and I allow them to stay in their outdoor pen 24/7 when nighttime lows are 60 and above (they have a heated barn but none of them enters it at night on their own). When they were smaller, my lower limit was 65. I've had no issues with respiratory problems at all.

I've had other burm star keepers tell me everything from night time lows of 40 for adults, to nothing below 65.

Thoughts?

View full thread on Kingsnake.com

Incubator

saddleman — 2014-08-25T18:46:24+00:00

Original post by saddleman — 2014-08-23 03:41:08 GMT

What kind of incubator do you use for tort eggs? I've been using one that I made from an igloo cooler and a chicken egg incubator. It works good but it takes up a lot of room for the number of eggs that it holds. I've heard of making an incubator out of a refrigerator . Any suggestions

Reply by amazoa — 2014-08-25 18:46:24 GMT

This is a picture of my incubators....Crabs were stored in these thick walled styrophome large containers. The digital thermostats are in celsius so it is set to turn the havobator off should it hit 31.1 degrees celsius which is 88 degrees F.

-----
Richard -amazoa-

"Changes in behavior occur when the pain of staying the same outweighs the pain of change."

Reply by amazoa — 2014-08-25 18:12:32 GMT

I also use the commercial havobator but having had a spike in temperature a few seasons ago I made some changes. I now plug the Havobator into my digital thermostat that will kick the havobator off if it attempts to exceed 88 degrees. I always incubate my eggs at 84 degrees but several seasons ago the wafer failed and the temp. spiked to 120 killing all the eggs I had in it. This will never happen again or lets say should not with the double safety I now use. Good Luck--Richard

-----
Richard -amazoa-

"Changes in behavior occur when the pain of staying the same outweighs the pain of change."

Reply by zovick — 2014-08-23 16:05:02 GMT

I use the commercially available Hovabators which are most probably pretty similar to what you have described that you devised yourself. An internal fan for air circulation is an option and I cannot recall at the moment if the small plexiglass observation window is another option or if all of them have it.

Let's see what anyone else has to say on this topic.

View full thread on Kingsnake.com

Soft eggs

saddleman — 2014-08-23T03:30:52+00:00

Original post by saddleman — 2014-08-18 19:37:44 GMT

I have a sulcata laying soft shell eggs. Any suggestions?
Thanks

Reply by saddleman — 2014-08-23 03:30:52 GMT

Thanks

Reply by zovick — 2014-08-21 22:09:49 GMT

If that is the case, I suspect that she may have a problem other than, or contributing to, the inability to calcify the egg shells. It might be the best idea to take her to a vet and have her checked for an infection. A complete blood count might be very informative in that regard and help you solve the problem before it gets out of hand.

Reply by saddleman — 2014-08-21 17:19:51 GMT

If I remember right, she laid 4 clutches last year and it is getting worse with each clutch.

Reply by zovick — 2014-08-19 12:07:54 GMT

Yes, I had assumed this was an adult female since she was laying eggs; however a couple of questions do come to mind. First, has this female laid normal eggs for you in the past or were these soft eggs her first clutch? If not, how many soft clutches has she laid vs. how many normal clutches? Is she digging normal nests or laying the eggs on top of the ground?

In addition to possible dietary calcium deficiency there are other possibilities for the problem, such as a urinary tract infection affecting the calcification of the eggs or some problem affecting her absorption of the calcium in her diet if it is already sufficient as one would expect if the other females are producing normal clutches for you.

I have seen a couple of my female Radiated Tortoises lay eggs with virtually no shells at all from time to time, then a few months later, they have laid perfectly normally shelled eggs which have hatched. This has occurred in females that have laid a lot of eggs prior to producing the ones with extremely thin shells. I generally attributed it to their bodies just needing a rest and taking a break from shell production because everything else was fine with them and all other animals were unaffected at the times when this occurred.

Reply by Saddleman — 2014-08-19 02:10:44 GMT

Thanks for responding. I add calicium to my babies food but this is a large adult living outside and has been for year with other female sulcata and leopards, none of which have the same problem. I will try your suggestions and see what happens. Thanks again

Reply by zovick — 2014-08-18 21:47:50 GMT

She may need more calcium in her diet to help her calcify the shells of her eggs. You can try giving her cuttlebones, chicken egg shells (from hard boiled eggs to prevent the possibility of spreading Salmonella), and sprinkling her favorite foods with Rep-Cal. One friend of mine used to cook chickens in a pressure cooker and then bone them, save the chicken meat for himself and feed the cooked bones to his Radiated, Star, and Leopard Tortoises. I witnessed this firsthand, and the tortoises actually seemed to enjoy gnawing on the bones for a number of days after they were put in the tortoise enclosures. Aside from providing calcium for the animals, this practice can also help to prevent overgrown beaks.

This will not help you right now, but might be useful to know for future reference: when I was raising Star Tortoises (all 3 types), I used to take the shells of the hatched Star Tortoise eggs and feed them to the female who had laid them. They almost always ate them. Radiated Tortoises don't seem as interested in eating the shells of their hatched eggs, but it doesn't hurt to offer them just in case. It is an easy way to recycle organic calcium.

View full thread on Kingsnake.com

Hybred tortoises

emysbreeder — 2014-06-26T01:12:37+00:00

Original post by emysbreeder — 2014-06-21 04:21:32 GMT

Has anyone seen pictures of the Hybrid tortoises in Asia? I saw it on the "tortoise forum". vic

Reply by emysbreeder — 2014-06-26 01:12:37 GMT

Bill, It was on "tortoise forum" under Radiated and Ploushare section. Sulcuta x Radiated and other crazy stuff. I'm not really convinced but was wondering if it could even happen. Vic

Reply by zovick — 2014-06-22 11:17:22 GMT

Hi Vic,

I haven't seen the pictures you mentioned but I am curious to find out if you know what the species are which produced the hybrids? And are these hybridizations supposed to be occurring in the wild or in captivity?

Maybe you could put the URL to the thread or post you mentioned in this forum so I and others can find it easily and learn more.

Bill Z

View full thread on Kingsnake.com

Do not trust Leopard seller "Tim"

tortfanatic — 2014-06-14T14:10:08+00:00

Original post by tortfanatic — 2014-06-14 14:10:08 GMT

Seller "Tim" who alternately goes by Mike and whose PayPal name is xiao zhang at email redstar300@yahoo.com cannot be trusted.

http://market.kingsnake.com/vendors/tm300

He is selling unhealthy animals and sold me a leopard tortoise that he repeatedly claimed before and after sale was healthy. The animal showed up sick with a respiratory infection and kidney failure. The poor thing couldn't open her eyes or breathe well and the vet finally put her down after five days with no improvement. This after treatment from a zoological veterinarian who took great care with her.

Do not buy an animal from this individual!

6/1/14:

She's blong to one of my friend
he has her since she was a baby
No healthy issue

Tim

6/6/14:

Just back town This leopard tortoise is healthy but she's very shy
she always the first one walk out from the hers home
she may need more time to know the new environment and new house

Thanks
Tim

There were no more responses after I told him the veterinarian had diagnosed kidney failure on top of the respiratory infection, none of which she could have contacted in shipment.

View full thread on Kingsnake.com