>>Is this a decent temperature range to keep a tortise? What species would be best? I've had my eye on a "greek" tortise at the pet store. I believe it's a Golden Greek.

That sounds OK - but is that the range during the day or over a season? If there is a period where the temperature is constantly over 80, that might stress out a tortoise. They would prefer some variation over the day. If the temps are constantly 70F, you can provide more warmth with a heat lamp during the day. But if it's always warm it's hard to provide a cooler spot.

As for which species - I'd recommend getting something that is captive bred. A Golden Greek from a pet store probably is wild caught. Wild caught specimens have a higher risk of illness and may not adapt well to captivity.


>>
>>I understand that heat lamps and wet shelters are important. I'm less concerned about keeping the turtle warm than I am about fighting the humidity. I was hoping that the golden greek turtle would thrive in dry air with an occasional bath. Am I correct?

Most houses with central heat and air are very dry - so we compensate by providing water bowls (tortoises need to drink) and humid (not wet) hide spots. I also give my tortoises a soak once a week.

>>
>>Also, I'm excited to grow a little garden to feed the guy. What seeds could I plant for him (kale? spinach?) Has anyone had luck with frozen greens in the winter, even ones that were home-grown and frozen?
>>

Spinach is not a good staple food. Weeds from a chemical free yard are often best. Dandelions (flowers and leaves), clover (ditto), plantain (plantago species), etc. As for greens I feed my russians collards, dark-leafed lettuces, turnip greens, kale. I just go to the grocery store, but if you can grow these things - go for it! I'd try to grow things that *you* also want to eat. One or two tortoises really don't eat that much. That's why I rely on my yard weeds through much of the spring and summer. Easy and cheap.

Once source on tortoise nutrition is www.tortoisetrust.org


>>Any advice would be appreciated.
>>
>>Mike C

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