Turtle Tea with TTPG

In this episode of Turtle Tea with TTPG, host Wendy Montroy welcomes back veteran tortoise breeder Ralph Till for an in-depth look at one of the world's most unique and small tortoise species: the Spider Tortoise (Pyxis arachnoides).Native to the arid coastal scrublands of southwest Madagascar, spider tortoises face severe threats in the wild, like slash-and-burn charcoal production, making successful captive management and conservation breeding critical for their future. Wendy and Ralph discuss why these small, critically endangered tortoises require advanced husbandry, their mandatory seasonal brumation patterns, enclosure parameters, and proper diet requirements.In This Episode, We Cover: - Natural History & Range: The harsh, dry coastal scrublands of Madagascar and threats in the wild. - Subspecies Differences: Comparing Pyxis arachnoides arachnoides, P. a. brygooi, and P. a. oblonga. - Brumation Reality: Why spider tortoises bury themselves for 3 to 5 months at a time, and how to safely monitor them without causing unnecessary stress. - Captive Care & Enclosure Setup: Lighting, UV, humidity, and group housing dynamics (including 2.2 setups). - Diet & Nutrition: Daily green rotation, mushroom/fruit supplements, and commercial diet schedules. - Why They Aren't for Beginners: Managing delicate hatchlings and understanding their strict environmental needs.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.Contact Ralph Till: [email protected]: 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 follow the show and leave a comment to help more turtle enthusiasts find the show!#SpiderTortoise #PyxisArachnoides #TortoiseCare #TTPG #TurtleTea #ChelonianConservation #Herpetology #MadagascarWildlife #TortoiseKeeper

"There will be some bloodshed." Think tortoise breeding is all slow-motion romance? Think again. Forsten’s Tortoises are vocal, violent, and incredibly picky about who they date."Wendy Montroy sits down with breeder Stephen Sifuentes to pull back the curtain on one of the most aggressive yet rewarding species in the hobby. From the high-stakes "supervised dating" required to keep pairs from maiming each other to the surprising discovery of year-round egg-laying, Stephen shares his data-driven approach to mastering this challenging species. You’ll hear about the comically loud breeding rituals, the "spicy" attitude of hatchlings fresh out of the egg, and how Stephen is using a rigorous data tracking system to build a genetic roadmap for the future of the species. Whether you’re a seasoned keeper or just curious about the wilder side of chelonians, this episode is a deep dive into the dedication required to establish assurance colonies for these golden gems.Key Discussion PointsThe Compatibility Crisis: Why simply having a male and female isn't enough; Forsten’s Tortoises require specific "compatible pairs" to avoid fatal aggression.Supervised Breeding: The necessity of watching every interaction to prevent injury - including the risk of males losing their goods to an unimpressed female.Atypical Nesting: Insights into their year-round laying cycle and why their biological clocks often mirror the opposite hemisphere.Incubation Experiments: Exploring the wide range of incubation times (95 to 180 days) and the ongoing search for definitive Temperature-Dependent Sex Determination (TSD) parameters.Hatchling Care: Managing "spicy" newborns that come out of the egg with an attitude, and the importance of using mushrooms as a high-value first meal.Conservation & The CPP: The role of the Chelonian Propagation Program and the development of private studbooks to ensure genetic diversity.Advice for New Keepers: Why beginners should always start with captive-bred animals and the critical questions to ask when transitioning a tortoise to a new home.Connect with Our GuestStephen Sifuentes: Find him on ⁠Facebook⁠ or reach out via the ⁠TTPG Group Discussion⁠.Visit ⁠turtletea.org⁠ for more resources and past episodes.JOIN THE COMMUNITY:TTPG Website: https://www.ttpg.org/TTPG Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TTPGGroup

Join us for International Turtle and Tortoise Week™ (ITTW) , April 20-24 2026! Host Wendy Montroy welcomes TTPG founder Russ Gurley and Ashley Rademacher, the Director of Animal Care and Education at Zoo Med Labs, Inc. ITTW provides FREE educational packets to thousands of students across fifteen countries. Educators of all types, homeschoolers, teachers, 4H groups, or after school clubs can register to receive digital downloads or physical materials like lesson plans and stickers. The group discusses the evolution of the program from its roots and association with Earth Day, to its current status as a global outreach effort. They talk about ITTW's origins in inspiring and engaging young people and go over the packet contents, with a specific curriculum designed for students in second through sixth grade, although older kids have enjoyed it as well. They emphasize the importance of providing printed materials for schools with limited resources, especially with today's rising printing and shipping costs.Want to get involved?Register for ITTW: https://zoomed.com/international-turtle-and-tortoise-week-2026/Buy Turtle Lovers Guidebook: https://zoomed.com/shop/posters-books/turtle-lovers-guidebook/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!For more information on turtle conservation and husbandry, visit ⁠⁠Turtletea.org⁠⁠ or join the ⁠⁠Turtle and Tortoise Preservation Group (TTPG) ⁠⁠community.

Ever wondered why a Three-toed Box Turtle might actually have four? Wendy Montroy and Cameron Lamb dive into the quirks and care of these favorites.In this installment of Turtle Tea, host Wendy Montroy sits down with TTPG board member Cameron Lamb to explore the fascinating world of the Three-toed Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina triunguis). This episode is a special part of Podcasthon, an initiative where podcasts spotlight various charities. Wendy highlights how Turtle Tea functions as a nonprofit, using its platform to support conservation and education.Cameron shares his journey from being the neighborhood reptile guy in California to directing the chelonian propagation and rescue programs. The duo discusses the natural history of these turtles, which range from the Florida Panhandle all the way to Kansas. A major point of interest is their naming, as some of these turtles actually sport four toes on their back feet, leading to plenty of confusion for new keepers.The conversation also covers the serious side of turtle keeping, specifically the strict legal regulations in states like Florida and Arizona. Wendy and Cameron emphasize the importance of staying informed on possession limits and the ethics of keeping native species amidst threats like habitat loss.For those looking for husbandry tips, Cameron provides expert advice on managing humidity and temperature in dry climates. He explains how to layer plants for shade and create microhabitats that help turtles feel secure. You will also learn about their opportunistic diet and how their behavior shifts from shy, hiding juveniles to engaging and visible adults.You can continue the conversation and find more resources in the TTPG Group Discussion on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/ttpgorg/.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!

Tiny, elusive, and fighting for survival - Bog Turtles are one of North America’s most endangered reptiles. In this episode, host Wendy Montroy sits down with Raul Gonzalez to explore the fascinating and often stressful reality of working with bog turtles (Glyptemys muhlenbergii), a species few people ever encounter, let alone care for.Raul shares his unexpected journey into bog turtle keeping, which began over a decade ago with a chance introduction to these remarkable turtles. What started as curiosity quickly became a long-term commitment, complete with legal hurdles, breeding challenges, and the responsibility that comes with caring for a federally protected species. Together, Wendy and Raul unpack why bog turtles are so rare in captivity, the strict regulations surrounding ownership, and how habitat loss remains their greatest threat in the wild.The conversation dives into bog turtle natural history, wetland degradation, invasive plant species, and innovative conservation strategies like using grazing animals to restore habitat. Raul also offers firsthand insight into captive care, breeding limitations, diet, outdoor housing in warm climates, and why “too clean” water can actually cause health problems.Throughout the episode, Wendy and Raul emphasize ethical sourcing, patience, and the importance of community within the small circle of bog turtle enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned keeper or simply curious about one of the most secretive turtles in North America, this episode highlights the complexity, responsibility, and reward of protecting a species on the brink.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!

Breeding padlopers isn’t optional - it’s essential. In this episode, host Wendy Montroy sits down with Dirk Barnard to unpack what it really takes to breed parrot beak tortoises successfully.Founder of Tortoise Conservation South Africa and a keynote speaker at the 2025 TTPG Conference, Dirk shares hard-won insights into why captive breeding is now inseparable from the survival of the common padloper. Together, they explore the challenges facing breeders worldwide, from limited genetic diversity and information-sharing barriers to the real risks of inbreeding.Dirk dives deep into practical husbandry, including temperature cycling, diet, egg incubation, and hatchling care, while dispelling common assumptions that can sabotage breeding success. He also makes a compelling case for collaboration, calling for stud books and transparent breeding efforts to build sustainable populations.This conversation is both a technical deep dive and a call to action for keepers, breeders, and conservation-minded listeners invested in the future of one of South Africa’s most threatened tortoises.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!

Join us as we talk to Jason and Tara Troxell of Arctic Reptile Ranch about life with Galapagos tortoises. We'll talk about how they ended up on the islands to begin with (hint, it's not island gigantism!) and earned the nickname "Galap-holes". We go beyond the standard nature documentary fare to dig into what life with these magnificent animals is truly like. It’s a story that begins in an unlikely place, finding Galaps in Alaska.Beyond their personal journey, we dive deep into the natural history of the species and exploring how humans drove giant tortoises to extinction in nearly every other part of the world. Jason and Tara also provide a sobering look at captive care, from the immense costs of veterinary treatment (sometimes the price of a car) to the reality of caring for animals you can't physically move on your own. Whether you are a dreamer or a future keeper, this episode covers the legality, logistics, and heavy lifting required to keep these surprisingly intelligent, sensitive giants.Chapters0:28 Introduction to Galapagos Tortoises3:29 Jason and Tara's Journey into Tortoise Keeping4:03 Natural History of Galapagos Tortoises10:48 Human Impact and Conservation Challenges21:57 Legalities of Keeping Galapagos Tortoises26:57 Captive Care and Husbandry38:15 Feeding and Nutritional Needs42:46 Behavioral Insights and Social Dynamics52:49 The Cost of Keeping Galapagos Tortoises1:03:34 Reflections on Tortoise Intelligence and Care1:10:39 Conclusion and Resources for Further LearningReferencesGaughran, S. J., Gray, R., Ochoa, A., Jones, M., Fusco, N., Miller, J. M., Poulakakis, N., de Queiroz, K., Caccone, A., & Jensen, E. L. (2024). Whole-genome sequencing confirms multiple species of Galapagos giant tortoises. Evolution, Volume 79, Issue 2, February 2025, Pages 296–308Gibbs, J. P., Cayot, L. J., & Tapia A, W. (2020). Galapagos Giant Tortoises (Biodiversity of the World: Conservation from Genes to Landscapes). Academic Press.Kehlmaier, C., Barlow, A., Hastings, A. K., Vamberger, M., Paijmans, J. L., Steadman, D. W., Albury, N. A., Franz, R., Hofreiter, M., & Fritz, U. (2017). Tropical ancient DNA reveals relationships of the extinct Bahamian giant tortoise Chelonoidis alburyorum. Proceedings of the Royal Society B 284: 20162235Lichtig, A. & Lucas, S. (2015). Turtles of the lower Eocene San Jose formation, San Juan basin, New Mexico. New Mexico Museum of Natural History Bulletin. 161.Orenstein, R.(2012). Turtles, Tortoises and Terrapins: A Natural History. Firefly BooksRhodin, A., Thomson, S., Georgalis, G., . Hans-Volker, K., Danilov, I., Takahashi, A., de la Fuente, M., Bourque, J., Delfino, M., Bour, R., Iverson, J., Shaffer, H.B., & van Dijk, P. P. (2015). Turtles and Tortoises of the World During the Rise and Global Spread of Humanity: First Checklist and Review of Extinct Pleistocene and Holocene Chelonians. Chelonian Research Monographs. 5. 1-66. Sadeghayobi, E., Blake, S., Wikelski, M., Gibbs, J., Mackie, R., & Cabrera, F.. (2011). Digesta retention time in the Galapagos tortoise (Chelonoidis nigra). Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology. Part A. 160. 493-7. Vlachos, E, and Rabi, M. (2018). Total Evidence Analysis and Body Size Evolution of Extant and Extinct Tortoises (Testudines: Cryptodira: Pan-Testudinidae). Cladistics 34(6): 652–683.Wiesner, C, & Iben, C. (2003). Influence of environmental humidity and dietry protein on pyramidal growth of carapaces in African spurred tortoises (Geochelone Sulcata). Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition. 87. 66-74.

Ever wondered how to care for one of the world’s smallest and rarest tortoises? Join Wendy Montroy and Ralph Till as they dive deep into the hidden world of Egyptian tortoises (Testudo kleinmanni), exploring what makes them so fragile, fascinating, and vital to save.In this episode of Turtle Tea with TTPG, host Wendy Montroy talks with lifelong TTPG member and Kleinmanni Assurance Project founder Ralph Till about the rare and critically endangered Egyptian tortoise (Testudo kleinmanni)—the world’s smallest tortoise species.Ralph shares his nearly two decades of experience breeding these fragile desert reptiles, discussing their unique habitat, diet, humidity cycles, and conservation challenges. Learn how wild populations have vanished from Egypt and Israel, why ESA regulations complicate captive breeding in the U.S., and what dedicated keepers can do to support the species’ survival.If you’ve ever wondered how to care for, breed, or conserve Egyptian tortoises, this episode is a must-listen for serious herp enthusiasts.Have questions? You can find Wendy and Ralph on the TTPG Group Discussion: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TTPGGroupKleinmanni Assurance Project: https://www.kleinmanniassuranceproject.com/Learn more: ttpg.orgChapters00:00 – Introduction: Meet Ralph Till & The Kleinmanni Assurance Project01:32 – What Makes Egyptian Tortoises So Unique03:18 – Tiny Tortoises, Big Challenges: Breeding in Captivity06:42 – Habitat Insights: From Coastal Humidity to Desert Sand09:15 – Understanding Their Diet and Daily Routine11:40 – Why Egyptian Tortoises Aren’t for Beginners14:02 – ESA Regulations and the Breeder’s Dilemma17:25 – Building a Self-Sustaining Captive Population20:10 – Advice for Keepers: Starting with Hardier Species22:40 – The Future of Testudo kleinmanni Conservation25:10 – Closing Thoughts: Hope for the World’s Smallest Tortoise