Peabody123
New Member
LOVE this forum - Took over care of four Leopard Pardalis Pardalis Tortoises recently. Poor things were kept in an aquarium with chicken feed for substrate and pet store water dish, fed solely romaine lettuce.
New enclosure planned -Hubby working on large covered enclosure. I have cypress mulch/coconut coir as new substrate, terra cotta bases for water and food. Reptile thermometer to monitor temps. Recently received (Tortoise Supply) Herbal tortoise hay, cactus pads, cuttlebone, calcium carbonate, Broadleaf Testudo Mix - I LOVE reading Tom's posts and try to follow all recommendations!
I know I should probably have multiple enclosures - I was told one tortoise is 6 months old, two are 1 year and one is 4 years old.
My guys get a warm soak daily or every other day right now - they seem to really love it! I have wheat grass growing in a pot, should be ready in few days.....so my questions are these.........
1. How do I know how much to feed because they are varied size/ages?
2. Do I need to cut up the cactus pad or just put a piece in and have them bite off pieces (I worry about the little tortoise)
3 Pad came frozen via UPS so likely will have to freeze to ensure doesn't spoil - suggestions?
I know BEST place is outdoors, living in Western Upper Peninsula - Michigan really makes this impossible - trying to give these the best possible life. All comments and suggestions welcome!
Karen
New enclosure planned -Hubby working on large covered enclosure. I have cypress mulch/coconut coir as new substrate, terra cotta bases for water and food. Reptile thermometer to monitor temps. Recently received (Tortoise Supply) Herbal tortoise hay, cactus pads, cuttlebone, calcium carbonate, Broadleaf Testudo Mix - I LOVE reading Tom's posts and try to follow all recommendations!
I know I should probably have multiple enclosures - I was told one tortoise is 6 months old, two are 1 year and one is 4 years old.
My guys get a warm soak daily or every other day right now - they seem to really love it! I have wheat grass growing in a pot, should be ready in few days.....so my questions are these.........
1. How do I know how much to feed because they are varied size/ages?
2. Do I need to cut up the cactus pad or just put a piece in and have them bite off pieces (I worry about the little tortoise)
3 Pad came frozen via UPS so likely will have to freeze to ensure doesn't spoil - suggestions?
I know BEST place is outdoors, living in Western Upper Peninsula - Michigan really makes this impossible - trying to give these the best possible life. All comments and suggestions welcome!
Karen