Turtle Tea with TTPG

Are leopard tortoises one of the world's worst pet tortoises? Or are they just deeply misunderstood, notoriously sensitive giants?In this episode of Turtle Tea with TTPG, host Wendy Montroy sits down with dedicated keeper and breeder Cliff Graham-Lee (Pink Tortz) to unlock the mysteries behind Stigmochelys pardalis. From navigating the confusing genetic mix of South African versus East African localities to the strict realities of managing their hyper-sensitive respiratory systems, Cliff pulls no punches on what it actually takes to keep these majestic animals thriving.Whether you are tracking rapid growth rings, trying to dial in the delicate dance of warm-season humidity, or wondering how to structure a massive indoor winter enclosure, this episode is packed with essential husbandry insights you will not find on a standard care sheet. Dive in to learn why the animal is always the cheapest part of the setup, how to handle silent pathogens like Mycoplasma, and why mastering leopard tortoise care requires becoming a true student of the species.0:02 Leopard Tortoises Unpacked4:24 Why Leopard Tortoises?10:29 Native Range and Climate17:35 Wild Populations and Imports28:50 Not for Beginners40:57 Biosecurity and Mycoplasma52:29 Feeding the Grazers1:00:10 Pricing and Buying Advice1:06:25 Setup Costs and ResearchKey Questions Answered in This EpisodeQ: Are leopard tortoises a good choice for beginners?A: Absolutely not. Leopard tortoises are a hyper-sensitive species that require precise environmental conditions. They are highly skittish, slow to adjust to new environments, and more prone to stubborn respiratory infections from stress or improper humidity than almost any other tortoise species.Q: What is the main difference between South African and East African leopard tortoises?A: While science now officially groups them together under one species name, keepers notice distinct physical and behavioral differences. True South African lines often undergo a winter slowdown or diapause and can look physically distinct with heavy star patterns or high-black coloration, whereas East African populations do not undergo diapause and thrive best in consistently warm, equator-like climates.Q: Can you keep leopard tortoises on wet substrate or in rainy climates?A: They require a delicate balance. While high humidity is absolutely essential during growth to prevent shell pyramiding, constant dampness or excessive cold precipitation is dangerous. They handle wet and warm conditions well, but adult leopard tortoises must have a dry, heated retreat to prevent respiratory issues, especially when adapting to rainy climates like the American Southeast.Q: What is the recommended size or age to buy a leopard tortoise?A: Due to how fragile hatchlings are, breeders and serious keepers highly recommend waiting until a juvenile reaches the 200-gram mark before purchasing or selling. By 200 grams, their shell is structurally set and they are much less likely to crash or develop irreversible pyramiding due to minor husbandry errors.Contact our guestInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/pinktortz/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PinkTortz/More about the showWebsite: https://www.turtletea.orgTTPG Official Site: https://www.ttpg.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ttpg_turtlesandtortoises/Facebook Group: The Turtle and Tortoise Preservation Group

In this episode of Turtle Tea with TTPG, Wendy sits down with Anthony Pierlioni of Just Turtles and The Turtle Room to discuss one of the most enigmatic and charismatic species in the hobby: McCord’s Box Turtle (Cuora mccordi).Once so common in their native range that they were reportedly "more numerous than rocks," these stunning yellow-headed turtles haven't been seen in the wild for over 15 years. Anthony shares the sobering reality of their extinction in the wild while offering a message of hope through the thriving populations now found in human care.In this episode, we dive into:The "Human Care" Shift: Why Anthony is moving away from the word "captivity."The McCord Mystery: The history of the species, its naming after Bill McCord, and its tragic disappearance from the wild.Unusual Behavior: The fascinating social lives of McCordi, including their unique head-bobbing "conversations" and comical personalities.Husbandry Essentials: Anthony’s "easy" approach to keeping them, including his DIY "turtle mash" diet and thoughts on UVB for neonates.Availability: How the market has changed now that fewer turtles are being exported to China, making them more accessible to US keepers than ever before.Whether you are a seasoned Cuora enthusiast or just curious about a turtle that communicates by yawning in its mate's face, this episode is packed with practical advice and heart-felt conservation insights.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 Anthony Pierlioni on JusTURTLES or Facebook. For more in-depth info on McCords Box Turtles or any of the Cuora genus please visit Cuora.orgNot 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!

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/

Wendy Montroy sits down with Michael Thathuvaswamy to dive into the fascinating world of Tabasco Mud Turtle breeding (Kinosternon acutum). Building on the previous episode about husbandry and care, this discussion explores everything about breeding and hatchling care. Whether you’re a long-time turtle keeper or just starting out, this episode is packed with practical, field-tested insights to help you raise healthy, thriving Tabasco Mud Turtles.You can find both Wendy and Michael in the ⁠TTPG Group Discussion on Facebook⁠.

Host Wendy Montroy kicks off the podcast by introducing our mission: to build a digital library of real-world care and breeding information for turtles and tortoises. This show is brought to you by the Turtle and Tortoise Preservation Group (TTPG) and aims to equip keepers, from beginners to experts, with the knowledge needed to ensure the survival of these incredible animals through responsible captive breeding.Future episodes will feature deep dives into specific species, covering everything from lighting and diets to breeding and hatchling care, and spotlighting often-overlooked species. Join Wendy for conversations with innovative keepers, and be sure to subscribe as the next episode features Michael Thathuvaswamy of Shelled Friends discussing Tabasco Mud Turtles!Got ideas for future episodes? Let us know!