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Questions regarding husbandry of Russian tortoises and other Mediterranean species, sulcata, and redfoot tortoises; general tortoise care; box turtle care. If I can't answer a specific question, I can provide sources for further research. Please note: I am not well experienced with aquatic species. I've worked with them in rescue, but I don't keep or breed them. If you ask a question about red-eared sliders or other aquatic species, I may not be able to provide you with the specific information that you need, although I can give researched answers and direct you to websites that may help further. I also have contacts in rescue that I can use if necessary. Disclaimer: My advice is not a substitute for vet care. If I think your tortoise/turtle has a specific medical condition or injury that warrants a vet visit, I'll tell you so, and if possible I'll help you locate a vet. If I do advise consulting a vet, please do it for the health and safety of your pet.
I have kept and bred Russian tortoises for over ten years and have other Mediterranean species plus redfoots. Have kept box turtles in the past. I've worked with other tortoise species at a local rescue, mostly sulcata but some leopards, California desert tortoises, yellowfoots, and box turtles. I have also worked with aquatics in rescue, but don't keep them in my collection.
My knowledge is based on hands-on experience keeping, breeding, and working with tortoises and turtles.
Every day is a new learning opportunity. I enjoy observing my tortoises and gaining new insights into their habits and behavior.
| User | Date | K | C | P | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rahul | 02/05/12 | 10 | 10 | 10 | thank you very much seriously Jeannie hats ..... |
| Alban | 02/02/12 | 7 | 10 | 10 | Thank you for your quick answer. Alban |
| Elizabeth | 01/31/12 | 10 | 10 | 10 | |
| Michelle | 01/29/12 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thank you so much! Your answers and ..... |
| Heather | 01/28/12 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thank you! |
Hi Alban, I'm afraid I can't really be of any help to you. My experience is with pet tortoises and turtles, which of course are a far cry from marine turtles. What you need is a consultation with
RES tend to be real food hogs, and they can become overweight, sometimes so much that they can't pull into their shells. Gorging is instinctive for them, because in the wild the food supply isn't necessarily
Hi Elizabeth, If your turtles are a year old, they're probably around 3" or so. You need a bigger tank. A 20 gallon tank is really only (barely) adequate for hatchlings. Turtles need large tanks
Hi Henry, Without knowing the species or size of the turtles, it's hard to give you a really accurate answer. The dimensions you've given are for a 20 gallon long tank, which would be OK for a hatchling
Hi Lexi, I'm afraid I can't possibly answer your question without more information. I would need to know the species of turtle (scientific name if possible) and where you got it (found it? bought it?)
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