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Tom
Last Activity:
Jun 17, 2019 at 12:15 PM
Joined:
Jan 9, 2010
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Gender:
Male
Location (City and/or State):
Southern California
Occupation:
Animal Trainer

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Tom

The Dog Trainer, Male, from Southern California

5 Year Member

Ask me questions in a forum post. Not enough space to answer correctly here. Jul 19, 2018

Tom was last seen:
Jun 17, 2019 at 12:15 PM
    1. charl19
      charl19
      Hey Tom,
      I need some help on what type of grass seed I need to plant in pots for baby sulcata. Will Kentucky 31, fescue, and the blends of grass with rye grass work? Thanks.
      Jun 16, 2019 at 6:08 PM
      2. Tom
        Tom
        I wouldn't buy anything from a hardware store. Its treated with all sorts of wired stuff. Get grass seed that is meant for horse pastures. I like the one from Tyler at tortoisesupply and the ones form grow organic.com.
        Jun 16, 2019 at 8:41 PM
    2. huyct
      huyct
      Hello, I came across your forum postings today when doing research because my grandma bought herself a young Russian Tortoise. I'm researching what a good enclosure for him would be. Most people say turtle tables, but you say vivariums/closed habitats. Could you elaborate? Thanks in advance.
      May 28, 2019
      2. Tom
        Tom
        What size Russian?

        There isn't much room to answer questions in profile comments. Will you start a thread so we can converse more thoroughly?
        May 28, 2019
      3. huyct
        huyct
        I'll try to figure out how. I'm assuming I can tag you on it.
        May 28, 2019
    3. SLOsurf805
      SLOsurf805
      Do you have any of your stars available still?
      May 16, 2019
      2. Tom
        Tom
        I do. Send me a message?
        May 16, 2019
    4. Tiny_t
      Tiny_t
      I read mistakes forum. What important things TO DO for russian tort 4 inches?
      I live in utah & want to build outdoor enclosure but weather changes quick. What is too cold?
      He will only eat romaine (no weeds, veggies, etc). Should I soak grass pellets & mix with food?
      INdoor enclosure: I want to build a big wood enclosure but worry wood will get damp & stink.
      And Best substrate?
      Heat lamp off at night? Ideal temps?
      Apr 27, 2019
      2. Tom
        Tom
        Apr 28, 2019
    5. Ben02
      Ben02
      Hey Tom, my torts are approaching a year old in may and 1 is 250 grams, another is 222 grams and the third is 140. Each are in there own closed chamber enclosure. They have minimal pyramiding that I have put a stop to. I’m worried they are growing to fast. They are completely healthy and happy little torts all from the same clutch. They are Greeks.

      Cheers Tom
      Apr 15, 2019
    6. Lincoln Michal
      Lincoln Michal
      Will you have hatchling S. pardalis pardalis this year. Would be interested.
      Mar 21, 2019
    7. Adelia
      Adelia
      Do you breed Indian Stars Tom? If not can you recommend a reputable breeder who does? Thank you!
      Mar 18, 2019
    8. lorena.r
      lorena.r
      Hi Tom! Torti is a 1yr 9m old sulcata. He began having swollen eyes and difficulty breathing. Vet trip and XR revealed pneumonia. He is on ceftazidime now. He is eating well and has good energy but still has the original symptoms. I am keeping his habitat at 30-50% humidity an temps 80-96F. 2 soaks a day. Can I do anything else to help him?! I haven't purchased vitamins or calcium supplements--should I?
      Mar 13, 2019
      2. Tom
        Tom
        That all sounds good. I'd keep the whole enclosures 85 or more 24/7 and bump up humidity. Closed chamber or open top?

        Start a thread so we can converse. I have more questions that won't fit here.
        Mar 13, 2019
    9. Falconer298
      Falconer298
      Tom, another member said you are a falconer too. I’m currently breeding peregrines. Just transferred my passage Goshawk so I don’t have a hunting bird currently. Pouring my animal husbandry into my new baby sulcata! Thanks for your long thread on keeping the babies wet. I think in the three months I’ve had mine that it’s gotten smoother.
      Feb 21, 2019
      2. Tom
        Tom
        Glad to meet you! I left a greeting message on your intro post.
        Feb 21, 2019
    10. leotortoise1
      leotortoise1
      Hi @Tom, Do you have any SA leo babies/juveniles available? I lost mine who was 5 years last summer and we're finally ready again. I did the necropsy as you recommended. He was accidentally poisoned while we were gone which was heartbreaking but we're finally ready. Thanks so much. He was a SA leopard that was super outgoing and friendly and was a part of our family. I'm not sure how to DM I'm sorry.
      Jan 18, 2019
      2. Tom
        Tom
        So sorry to hear this. They really are super cool tortoises. I will have lots of babies at the end of summer. They hatch best if left in the ground here, so they only hatch once a year at the tail end of the summer after ground temps have been warm for a few months. I estimate 180 eggs in the ground right now.
        Jan 18, 2019
        Gijoux likes this.
      3. leotortoise1
        leotortoise1
        Thank you! If any older ones become available or you know anyone reputable person who might have something good for our family before that time please let me know. In the meantime I'll put my order in for a new Animal Plastics enclosure per your specs :)
        Jan 18, 2019
        Tom likes this.
    11. Ameade0
      Ameade0
      Hey I'm new here! You seem like you know what's up! I'm raising a sulcata and am worried it might be pyramiding!
      Jan 15, 2019
      2. Tom
        Tom
        Jan 15, 2019
    12. tyree213
      tyree213
      Tom is there any specific fluoresent uvb you recommend? I saw that youve tested some out with your meter.
      Jan 12, 2019
      2. Tom
        Tom
        Depends on mounting height. I like the Arcadia 12% HO bulbs for mounting at 18-20". Good quality, strong UV, and long lasting.
        Jan 12, 2019
    13. Brianna Grey
      Brianna Grey
      Hi Tom can you send me links for good CHE, lights ,temp guns and everything else I need for getting and maintaining the correct temps/humidity for a sulcata hatchling
      Jan 2, 2019
      2. Tom
        Tom
        Jan 2, 2019
    14. karenbrams
      karenbrams
      Hi Tom, I’ve read your posts about closed chamber enclosures for hatchlings. They have been very helpful. I’m planning to order an enclosure one from animal Plastics. The part that I would like some clarification is the height. You said 24” minimum. Why isn’t 18” adequate? I was planning for a 48 x 24 x 18. Please advise.
      Dec 30, 2018
      2. Tom
        Tom
        Its difficult to mount the basking and other lights in something that is only 18" tall. I've done it recently and it can work, but 24" is easier to work with.
        Dec 30, 2018
        karenbrams likes this.
      3. Tom
        Tom
        And be sure to request the 6 inch litter dam so you have room for your substrate without having to worry about tortoises falling out every time you open the door.
        Dec 30, 2018
        karenbrams likes this.
      4. karenbrams
        karenbrams
        Thanks so much!
        Dec 30, 2018
    15. frostmourn98
      frostmourn98
      Hi Tom, I am new to the forum and everything about tortoises. However, I am considering "signing a life-long deed" with an Ibera greek tortoise. Do you know where I can get one? I approached many pet shops in Los Angeles but didn't find any.
      Dec 27, 2018
    16. JAStort
      JAStort
      Hello Tom, i am trying to find a Sulcata Tortoise about 9-12” in size. I had a bad time with purchasing online and would prefer at least a picture before I get one. Many people who want to rehome want a fee much higher than a purchase price. I have no interest in breeding so male or female. Special needs is fine. I have experience and a habitat already prepared. Any suggestions?
      Dec 21, 2018
      2. Tom
        Tom
        Where are you?

        Make an add in the wanted section.
        Dec 21, 2018
    17. long
      long
      Hi Tom, do you have facebook address?
      Dec 13, 2018
      2. Tom
        Tom
        No. Sorry. Tortoise Forum is about the only "social media" I engage in.
        Dec 14, 2018
    18. Fireside3
      Fireside3
      Did you happen to get any hard copies of The Crying Tortoise, and if so, any left?
      Dec 2, 2018
      2. Tom
        Tom
        I just have my one copy.
        Dec 2, 2018
    19. darlingtiffy
      darlingtiffy
      Tom, I created a post in the Sulcata section about my VERY sick baby sully. You were so helpful with my last post....Could you take a look and see what you think? I'm very worried and don't know what else to do. Any suggestions or advice are very much appreciated!
      Nov 12, 2018
    20. astock64
      astock64
      Tom, I made a post in a forum called Enclosure help would you take a look at it Thx
      Nov 10, 2018
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  • About

    Gender:
    Male
    Location (City and/or State):
    Southern California
    Occupation:
    Animal Trainer
    I got my first box turtle in 1979. I started caring for Chelonians and other animals as a paid profession in 1986, and I'm still doing it. I've been keeping sulcatas and leopards since the early 90's. I've been using humidity and hydration to grow smooth tortoises since 2008, after many years of trying and failing using other methods and advice for two decades.
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    Knowledge is learning from your own mistakes. Wisdom is learning from the mistakes of others...