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

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!

In this episode of Turtle Tea with TTPG, host Wendy Montroy sits down with Russian tortoise breeder and expert Katie Bradley (@mossytortoise). With over 18 years of experience keeping and breeding Testudo horsfieldii, Katie shares her deep knowledge on Russian tortoise care, natural history, genetic testing, outdoor vs. indoor habitat setup, diet, and safe fridge brumation. Whether you are a beginner looking to get your first tortoise or an experienced keeper wanting to optimize your husbandry, this episode breaks down everything you need to know about housing, UV lighting, weed-based nutrition, and the recent importation bans affecting Russian tortoises in the U.S. Although technically not from what we currently consider "Russia", these tortoises have a long history of being imported from Central Asian countries that were part of the former U.S.S.R.Key Topics Covered in This Episode:󠁯•󠁏󠁏 The origin story: From a rescue on Craigslist to breeding second-generation captive-bred Russian tortoises.•󠁏󠁏 Russian tortoise natural history, native range (the "-stans"), and subspecies identification.•󠁏󠁏 Importation ban updates (December 2024 Uzbekistan import bans) and why captive breeding matters.•󠁏󠁏 Habitat and enclosure size requirements (why a 40-gallon tank is not enough).•󠁏󠁏 Outdoor vs. indoor care, temperature gradient, and safe UV lighting (Arcadia T5 setup).•󠁏󠁏 Proper diet: Broadleaf weeds, grocery store green rotations, avoiding fruit•󠁏󠁏 Step-by-step fridge brumation (hibernation) techniques, substrate selection, and seasonal wind-down.Connect & Follow:Guest: Katie Bradley https://www.facebook.com/MossyTortoisehttps://www.instagram.com/mossytortoise/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/TTPGGroupQuestions & Answers (Q&A)Q: Are Russian tortoises good for beginners?A: Yes, beginners can keep Russian tortoises successfully, but only if they are committed to providing proper husbandry. Reptiles are not low-effort pets like cats or dogs; adults require large enclosures, UVB lighting, precise heat gradients, and a varied broadleaf diet to thrive.Q: How big of an enclosure does an adult Russian tortoise need?A: Standard 40-gallon aquariums are far too small for adult Russian tortoises, as they are active wanderers. For indoor housing, a minimum space of 4 ft x 8 ft (using a sheet of plywood lined with pond liner) is recommended. Whenever possible, safe outdoor housing during warmer months is ideal.Q: Can you feed grass to Russian tortoises?A: No, Russian tortoises will generally refuse to eat grass. Their ideal diet consists of broadleaf weeds (such as dandelion, plantain, and thistle), leafy greens (kale, collard greens, arugula, endive), and grape leaves. Avoid fruits and high-sugar foods, as they disrupt gut flora.Q: Are Russian tortoises still being imported into the U.S.?A: As of December 2024, commercial importation of wild-caught Russian tortoises from Uzbekistan (the primary export source) to the U.S. has effectively stopped. Keepers looking for Russian tortoises in the U.S. should seek out established, reputable captive breeders.More about the showWebsite: https://www.turtletea.orgIf you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave a comment below to help more turtle enthusiasts find the show!

In this episode of Turtle Tea with TTPG, host Wendy Montroy welcomes experienced chelonian keeper Paul Rattay for an in-depth conversation on breeding and caring for the Radiated Tortoise (Astrochelys radiata).While Radiated Tortoises are widely considered one of the most striking and desirable species in human care, successfully reproducing them requires immense patience, precise environmental cues, and long-term commitment. Paul breaks down his 20-year journey with the species, sharing the exact protocols, trial-and-error lessons, and practical strategies that led to his breeding success.Whether you are curious about the mechanics of egg diapause, managing aggressive male courtship, or setting up hatchling enclosures, this episode provides a thorough guide to modern Radiated Tortoise husbandry.Timestamps0:07 Radiated Tortoise Basics2:02 Maturity Takes Patience7:06 Genetics Shape the Pattern10:00 Seasonal Egg Laying11:39 Clutch Size and Frequency15:48 Egg Care and Diapause19:26 Incubation Temperature Window25:33 Hatchling Care28:44 Humidity and Soaking30:27 Growing to Adult Size31:28 Finding Breeding Stock35:31 Male Courtship Behavior38:22 Managing Multiple Males42:10 Breeding Advice and Timing44:08 Comparing Other Species47:44 Finding Expert HelpFrequently Asked Questions (Q&A)Q: How long does it take for a Radiated Tortoise to reach breeding age? A: Raising Radiated Tortoises from hatchlings is a long game. Males and females often take 12 to 16 years (or longer) to mature. Sex determination is difficult until they reach roughly 11 to 12 inches, though endoscopic sexing at an avian/exotic clinic can confirm sex earlier.Q: What is diapause, and why is it necessary for Radiated Tortoise eggs? A: Diapause is a mandatory cooling period that pauses embryonic development to simulate natural environmental seasons. After collection, eggs are kept at room temperature overnight, placed in a temperature-controlled cooling unit (around 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit) for 15 to 30 days, and then moved to an incubator set between 86 and 88 degrees Fahrenheit.Q: How do you care for new hatchlings and ensure smooth shell growth? A: Hatchlings should stay in the incubator until their yolk sac is fully absorbed and they begin moving around. Because young Radiateds flip over easily, house them in modest-sized hatchling tubs where they can be monitored. Provide routine soaks, maintain elevated humidity with covered enclosures, and avoid hot, dry ambient conditions to support high-domed, smooth shell development.Q: What are male Radiated Tortoise courtship behaviors like? A: Males can be intense during breeding introductions. Common behaviors include ramming, marching, and flipping females. Keepers should supervise introductions closely to ensure safety.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/TTPGGroupContact our guest, Paul RattayFacebook: Rattay Radiateds - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568025690064More about the showWebsite: https://www.turtletea.orgIf you enjoyed this episode please subscribe, and leave a review or comment to help more turtle enthusiasts find the show!

In this episode of the Turtle Tea podcast, host Wendy chats with Steve Enders, founder and executive director of The Turtle Room. Steve shares how a passion for private turtle keeping expanded into field research, species conservation, educational content, and digital data management. Discover how collaboration between private keepers, zoos, and conservation groups can help secure the future of endangered turtles and tortoises. This episode is another special installment in our series, For the Love of Turtles, celebrating the dedication, accomplishments, and real-world impact of our members in turtle and tortoise preservation.0:07 Turtle Room Origins2:01 Fieldwork Opens Doors7:41 Podcasting for Conservation15:06 Zoo Partnerships and Breeding22:57 Tracking Turtle Data31:15 Bridging Turtle Organizations33:56 Inspiring Young Turtle Lovers36:19 How Volunteers Can HelpQ: What is the mission of The Turtle Room and how did it begin? A: Founded in 2011, The Turtle Room brings private keepers together to elevate animal care, share resources, and build large-scale managed assurance programs.Q: How did The Turtle Room transition into wild field research? A: Following an invitation to chair a captive management session at the Turtle Survival Alliance conference in 2015, Steve partnered with researcher Eric Munscher to launch a long-term Pennsylvania Wood Turtle survey project that has now spanned over a decade.Q: Why is data tracking important for turtle and tortoise keepers? A: Regular weight and growth tracking provides actionable health insights and contributes to naturalistic husbandry knowledge across species.Q: How can volunteers support turtle conservation without doing fieldwork? A: Non-profits constantly need skilled support in video editing, social media management, writing, graphic design, and web development to amplify their outreach.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/TTPGGroupContact our guest, Steve EndersFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theTurtleRoomWebsite: https://theturtleroom.org/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/theTurtleRoomMore about the showWebsite: https://www.turtletea.orgIf you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave a comment below to help more turtle enthusiasts find the show!