Turtle Tea with TTPG

In this episode of Turtle Tea with TTPG, host Wendy Montroy welcomes back expert breeder Ralph Till to dive into the specifics of breeding the Spider Tortoise (Pyxis arachnoides). They cover breeding group ratios, managing egg diapause, incubation parameters, and successful hatchling care strategies to support species conservation.Key Topics Covered in This Episode: - Why Spider Tortoises should be kept in breeding groups rather than as single pets - Ideal male-to-female ratios (2.2 or 3.3) and breeding behavior after brumation - Low reproductive output: Why Spider Tortoises only lay 1-4 eggs per year - Step-by-step egg diapause protocol: Incubation temperatures (88-89F) and cooling periods (64F) - Incubation timelines ranging from 154 days to over 300 days - Essential hatchling care: Hydration, soaking routines, and closed-chamber setups - Conservation status, captive population management, and bloodline tradingGuest Contact:Ralph Till: [email protected] Turtle Tea & TTPG:Turtle Tea is a show dedicated to turtle and tortoise species, husbandry, and conservation, produced under the mission of the Turtle & Tortoise Preservation Group (TTPG). Our goal is to build a digital library of expert knowledge for keepers, breeders, and conservationists of all experience levels.Learn more about TTPG and support chelonian conservation:Website: https://www.ttpg.org/Q&A Summary:Q: What is the ideal group ratio for breeding Spider Tortoises?A: Balanced ratios such as 2.2 or 3.3 work best. Having multiple males stimulates breeding interest, whereas single pair setups often result in lower activity.Q: How do you handle Spider Tortoise egg diapause?A: Eggs are placed in an incubator at 88-89F with ~80% humidity for 5 weeks, transferred to a cooling unit at 64F for 5 weeks, and then returned to the incubator until hatching.Q: How often do Spider Tortoises lay eggs?A: Females typically lay 1 egg per clutch, producing between 1 to 4 eggs per season.Q: How long does it take for a Spider Tortoise egg to hatch?A: Incubation times vary widely, typically taking anywhere from 154 days to well over 300 days depending on environmental triggers and diapause cycles.Q: What is critical for Spider Tortoise hatchling care?A: Daily soaking and access to clean water are vital from day one, as hatchlings require heavy hydration to thrive and develop smooth carapace growth.#TurtleTea #TTPG #SpiderTortoise #PyxisArachnoides #TortoiseBreeding #Herpetology #ReptileCare #TortoiseConservation #ChelonianCare

In this episode of Turtle Tea with TTPG, host Wendy Montroy sits down with Katie Bradley from Mossy Tortoise to discuss breeding Russian tortoises in human care. Katie brings 13 years of experience and two generations of captive-bred offspring to break down the full lifecycle of breeding, from housing and courtship to incubation and raising healthy hatchlings.Russian tortoises are no longer being imported, making high-quality captive breeding essential for the species. Katie shares her setup for housing males and females separately, her incubator specs for temperature-dependent sex determination, and how she manages hatchlings for optimal shell growth and long-term health.Connect with Katie Bradley:Instagram: Mossy TortoiseFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MossyTortoiseEpisode Q&A BreakdownQ: At what age or size are Russian tortoises ready to breed?A: Maturation depends on size rather than strict age. Females should generally weigh at least 950 to 1,000 grams before breeding, which usually occurs between 5 and 10 years of age. Males can mature earlier, around 450 to 500 grams or 4.5 to 5 inches in shell length, around 5 to 8 years old.Q: Should male and female Russian tortoises be housed together permanently?A: No. Male Russian tortoises can be very aggressive and will continuously chase, bite, and stress females. They should be housed separately and only brought together for short, supervised breeding visits lasting anywhere from 20 minutes to a few hours.Q: What temperatures determine the sex of Russian tortoise hatchlings?A: Russian tortoises are temperature-sex dependent. Incubating at 83 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit produces male offspring, while incubating at 89 degrees Fahrenheit produces females. Temperatures above 90 to 91 degrees Fahrenheit can significantly decrease hatching success rates.Q: How should Russian tortoise eggs be set up for incubation?A: Eggs should be placed on completely dry vermiculite or perlite. Wet substrate can cause the eggs to absorb too much water and crack. Maintain high ambient air humidity (around 80%) using water containers, circulation fans, and an air bubbler inside the incubator.Q: How long does it take for Russian tortoise eggs to hatch?A: At female-producing temperatures (89 degrees Fahrenheit), eggs typically hatch between 60 and 72 days. Eggs incubated at lower temperatures for males take longer, usually between 75 and 90 days.Q: What is the best way to care for newborn Russian tortoise hatchlings?A: Once they pip, move hatchlings onto wet paper towels in a small container until their yolk sacs absorb and their bellies close up. Once eating and passing waste, transfer them to a substrate like moist coconut coir. Keep them hydrated with daily soakings, regular shell misting, a warm gradient with a minimum temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and a diet of wild-grown weeds.About the Turtle & Tortoise Preservation Group (TTPG)The mission of the Turtle and Tortoise Preservation Group (TTPG) is to ensure survival of the world’s turtles and tortoises through captive breeding. The TTPG supports the private ownership of chelonians and recognizes the substantial role that the private sector has played in the captive breeding and conservation of turtles and tortoises.Website: https://www.ttpg.orgJoin TTPG or donate: https://www.ttpg.org/membershipFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TTPGGroupAbout Turtle TeaWebsite: https://www.turtletea.orgIf you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave a comment below to help more turtle enthusiasts find the show!

They are violent, they are beautiful, and they will absolutely bite your toes if you’re not wearing shoes. In this episode, we dive into the intense world of Forsten’s tortoises.In this episode of Turtle Tea with TTPG, we go deep into the world of the Forsten’s Tortoise (Indotestudo forstenii). Host Wendy Montroy sits down with species specialist Stephen Sifuentes to discuss the highs, lows, and intense aggression of these Sulawesi natives. If you've ever considered specializing in a single species, this episode is a masterclass in commitment, habitat management, and the realities of working with a "feisty" tortoise.In This Episode, We Cover:The Power of Specialization: How Stephen transitioned from a "mishmash" collection to a laser-focused Indotestudo program after a life-changing talk at the TTPG conference.The "Little Man Syndrome": Why these tortoises are known for their extreme aggression and why you should never enter their pens without sturdy shoes.Creating a Tropical Oasis: Stephen shares his ingenious setup, including 4x4 hydroponic reservoirs and a custom-piped DIY fogging system that services multiple cages at once.The Forsten’s Diet: Why mushrooms are a dietary staple and how tropical fruits like papaya are essential for maintaining health in these beautiful but misunderstood tortoises.The Challenges of Wild-Caught: An honest look at the difficulties of importing and rehabilitating wild-caught individuals, and why bloodline diversity is critical for long-term conservation.Breeding Realities: Expert advice on pairing, managing sexual maturity, and the absolute necessity of keeping these territorial animals separate to prevent fighting.IUCN Status: Indotestudo forstenii is listed as Critically Endangered due to deforestation, human encroachment, and the pet trade on Sulawesi Island.Habitat Tip: Replicate their native Indonesian climate - they need high humidity (80%+) .Housing Specs: Stephen recommends 1500g-2000g for breeding maturity. While babies can sometimes be raised in groups, adults require individual housing due to their highly territorial nature.Connect with Our GuestStephen Sifuentes: Find him on Facebook or reach out via the TTPG Group Discussion.Don’t Miss the Next Episode!We are diving into Forsten’s breeding and hatchling care in our next installment of Turtle Tea. Make sure you are subscribed so you don’t miss the follow-up to this conversation!Visit turtletea.org for more resources and past episodes.

In this episode of Turtle Tea with TTPG, Wendy Montroy and Cameron Lamb discuss the practicalities of breeding and raising Three-toed Box Turtles. Cameron explains his preference for starting with hatchlings to better understand the natural history and care of the species before moving into breeding and producing offspring. The conversation covers the entire lifecycle, from the spring breeding season to the 70-day incubation period and beyond.The discussion provides a detailed look at how to handle delicate box turtle eggs, which are more sensitive to moisture levels than many tortoise species. Cameron also shares his methods for starting hatchlings on pelleted diets, the benefits of raising young turtles in small groups to encourage feeding, and the safety precautions necessary when moving juveniles to outdoor pens where predators may be a factor.Key Topics Include:Determining sex through incubation temperatures (82°F–88°F).Setup requirements for new hatchlings, including hydration and UV lighting.Timeline for maturity and average clutch sizes for healthy females.Winter brumation patterns and how they vary between individual animals.Resources:For more information on turtle conservation and husbandry, visit Turtletea.org or join the Turtle and Tortoise Preservation Group (TTPG) community. You can find Cameron Lamb on Facebook and Instagram at Cameron Lamb Exotics.Not a TTPG member yet? ⁠⁠Join us⁠⁠! The ⁠⁠Turtle and Tortoise Preservation Group⁠⁠ is full of the kindest, most knowledgable and FUN turtle people on the planet!

Unlock the secrets of breeding Bog Turtles as we break down everything from egg laying to hatchling care. In this episode, Wendy chats with Raul Gonzalez about the challenges and rewards of working with one of North America’s rarest and most coveted turtle species. Raul pulls back the curtain on his breeding program, sharing everything from the subtle signs of nesting to the critical "penny-sized" hatchling care that follows. Discover the surprising maturation rates of captive females, the visual cues for sexing these animals, and why patience is the ultimate tool in a breeder's kit. In this episode, we cover:Maturity & Sexing: How captivity accelerates maturity compared to the wild and the visual differences between males and females. Breeding Triggers: The simple approach to introducing pairs after brumation. Nesting & Incubation: Recognizing the "pacing" signs of a gravid female and the specific incubation methods Raul uses to avoid mold transfer. Hatchling Care: The "shoebox" setup strategy for tiny hatchlings and getting them started on food. The Breeder’s Mindset: Why passion, not profit, must drive the preservation of this species. Connect with Raul: Find Raul Gonzalez in the TTPG Facebook Group or message him directly on Instagram and Facebook for questions about breeding and raising bog turtles. Not a TTPG member yet? ⁠Join us⁠! The ⁠Turtle and Tortoise Preservation Group⁠ is full of the kindest, most knowledgable and FUN turtle people on the planet!

Flippers, snouts, and a reputation as the “holy grail” of turtles - Fly River Turtles are unlike anything else in herpetoculture. In this episode of Turtle Tea with TTPG, host Wendy Montroy sits down with longtime keeper Raul Gonzalez to explore the fascinating world of the Fly River Turtle, also known as the Pig-Nosed Turtle (Carettochelys insculpta).Raul shares how childhood dreams turned into hands-on experience with one of the most sought after aquatic turtles in the hobby. Together, they dive into what makes Fly River Turtles so unique: their almost fully aquatic lifestyle, rapid growth, surprising omnivorous diet, and the reality of housing large, powerful turtles long term.The conversation also tackles common challenges, including sexing difficulties, male aggression, enclosure size, and the responsibility that comes with keeping a species impacted by habitat loss and poaching. Raul discusses ethical sourcing, CITES regulations, and his hope to see more responsible captive breeding in the U.S.Whether you are Fly River Turtle-curious or already keeping one, this episode offers practical insight, honest perspectives, and a deeper appreciation for one of the most extraordinary turtles on the planet.Have questions? You can find Wendy and Raul on the TTPG Group Discussion: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/TTPGGroup⁠Not a TTPG member yet? ⁠Join us⁠! The ⁠Turtle and Tortoise Preservation Group⁠ is full of the kindest, most knowledgable and FUN turtle people on the planet!

Host Wendy Montroy welcomes Dirk Barnard, founder of Tortoise Conservation South Africa and a keynote speaker at the TTPG Conference, for a fascinating deep dive into one of the world’s smallest and most misunderstood tortoises: the common padloper (Homopus aureolatus).In this episode, Dirk shares the personal journey that led him into tortoise conservation, beginning with a childhood encounter alongside his father in rural South Africa. That early experience sparked a lifelong passion and a deep respect for the fragile balance that padlopers depend on to survive. Dirk unpacks the complex legal landscape surrounding tortoise ownership in South Africa and explains why education and awareness are essential tools in preventing exploitation and unintentional harm.Despite measuring less than 10 centimeters, the common padloper carries enormous conservation significance. Dirk brings the Western Cape to life, describing its extraordinary biodiversity, unique biomes, and dramatic climate swings. From semi-desert to coastal habitats, padlopers have evolved to endure scorching heat and cold winters, showcasing remarkable resilience in the face of environmental extremes.The conversation turns sobering as Dirk challenges common assumptions about conservation threats. While poaching often gets the spotlight, he explains why electrified fencing, habitat loss, and urban expansion pose far greater risks to padloper populations, along with predation from birds such as crows and ravens. Backed by real-world data, Dirk urges a broader, more informed approach to tortoise protection.Wendy and Dirk also explore the realities of captive care, offering practical guidance on diet, enclosure design, humidity, and health, especially for hatchlings. Dirk emphasizes the importance of mimicking natural conditions and providing a diverse, nutrient-rich diet that includes succulents and native plant matter.The episode wraps with a thoughtful discussion on cultural perceptions of reptiles, the stigma surrounding tortoise ownership, and why education is key to changing long-held misconceptions. Dirk makes a passionate case for empowering the next generation with accurate information and respect for these extraordinary animals.Listeners are invited to connect with Dirk through Tortoise Conservation South Africa and his social media channels, and to join the conversation in the TTPG Facebook Group. Wendy also teases an upcoming episode focused entirely on common padloper breeding and hatchling care.If you care about tortoise conservation, husbandry, or learning from experts on the ground, this episode is not to be missed.Have questions? You can find Wendy and Dirk on the TTPG Group Discussion: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/TTPGGroup⁠Dirk Barnard on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/dirk.barnard⁠⁠Tortoise Conservation South Africa⁠Not a TTPG member yet? ⁠Join us⁠! The ⁠Turtle and Tortoise Preservation Group⁠ is full of the kindest, most knowledgable and FUN turtle people on the planet!

Wendy sits down with long-time keeper and founding member of the Kleinmanni Assurance Project (KAP), Ralph Till, for a deep dive into breeding the critically endangered Egyptian tortoise. Ralph shares decades of hands-on experience, including ideal female size and age, seasonal breeding behaviors, how to set up reliable nest boxes, incubation best practices, and what to expect from hatchlings during their first fragile month of life.They also explore the origins and goals of KAP - an initiative built to establish genetically diverse assurance colonies across the United States following the ESA regulation changes. Ralph explains how KAP places animals, why meticulous record-keeping matters, and what it really takes for new keepers to responsibly join the effort.If you’re interested in working with Egyptian tortoises, or just want a rare behind-the-scenes look at conservation-minded captive breeding, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.Chapters0:04 - Breeding Egyptian Tortoises1:08 - Maturity and Egg Laying2:46 - Breeding Season in Captivity4:13 - Egg Incubation Techniques8:11 - Hatchling Care10:29 - Transitioning to Adult Care11:52 - Getting Started with Breeding16:16 - The Kleinmanni Assurance Project20:35 - Advice for New Keepers23:05 - Importance of Genetic Diversity27:35 - Building a Supportive CommunityFor more info:TTPG Group Discussion on Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/TTPGGroup/Kleinmanni Assurance Project (KAP)https://www.kleinmanniassuranceproject.com/Turtle & Tortoise Preservation Group (TTPG)https://ttpg.org/