That Reptile Blog » Turtle and Tortoise Articles

Turtles Have Shells,But They Still Need a Place to Hide! – Part 2

findiviglio — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:49:28 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Please see Part I of this article for general information concerning pet turtle shelters. Today we’ll look at meeting the needs of a few specialists. Aquatic Bottom Dwellers Mata Mata Turtles (Chelus fimbriatus), Snapping Turtles (Chelydra serpentina), Alligator Snapping Turtles (Macroclemmys temmincki) and some other aquatic species prefer to burrow under plants or [...]

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Turtles Have Shells,But They Still Need a Place to Hide! – Part 2

Autumns Effect on Turtle, Lizard and Snake Appetites

findiviglio — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:34:08 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. As autumn approaches I invariably receive questions from reptile owners whose pets have lost interest in food. This most commonly occurs among Red Eared Sliders, Box and Painted Turtles, and other North American species, but may show up in lizards and snakes as well. Amphibians in general, and reptiles from regions without [...]

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Autumns Effect on Turtle, Lizard and Snake Appetites

Turtles Have Shells But They Still Need a Place to Hide! – Part 1

findiviglio — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:56:35 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. One of the most over-looked aspects of proper turtle care is the provision of a secure place to hide. It makes sense that a hiding place would seem unnecessary – after all, turtles can simply withdraw into their shells when threatened. However, it’s not that simple (as usual!). Shelter Use in Nature [...]

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Turtles Have Shells But They Still Need a Place to Hide! – Part 1

Looking for an Intelligent Reptile Pet? – Consider the Wood Turtle

findiviglio — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:00:47 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Most turtles become quite responsive to their owners (especially near feeding time!), and a great many show impressive abilities to learn and adjust to new situations. In my experience, however, few approach the wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta, formerly Clemmys,) in these areas. Testing Turtles Herpetologists and experienced turtle enthusiasts consider the [...]

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Looking for an Intelligent Reptile Pet? – Consider the Wood Turtle

Top 5 Turtle and Tortoise Care, Natural History and Conservation Websites

findiviglio — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 18:42:59 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Turtles and tortoises are the most popular of all reptilian pets - even “non-herpers” like them – and this is reflected by the many websites devoted to Chelonian-related matters. Following are some that I have found to be especially valuable. This list is by no means exhaustive…I’ll cover others in future [...]

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Top 5 Turtle and Tortoise Care, Natural History and Conservation Websites

Are You ready for an African Spurred Tortoise?

findiviglio — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 14:45:35 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. The African spurred tortoise (Geochelone sulcata) is at once a highly desirable and problematical pet. One of the most engaging of all tortoises, with long-term pets exhibiting a degree of responsiveness more commonly associated with dogs, hatchlings are available for modest prices. Size Spurred tortoises are, however, the largest of all mainland tortoises, [...]

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Are You ready for an African Spurred Tortoise?

Turtle Eye Ailments: Vitamin A Deficiencies and Eye Infections

findiviglio — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 15:40:20 +0000

Pet turtles, especially hatchlings and young specimens, are very commonly afflicted with Vitamin A deficiencies and eye infections, both of which usually render the eyes swollen and/or difficult to open. Eventually, the turtle will become listless, cease feeding and decline rapidly in condition. Addressing Eye Problems While turtle eye drops are available and can be effective [...]

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Turtle Eye Ailments: Vitamin A Deficiencies and Eye Infections

Tortoise Diets: Mediterranean Species and Russian (Horsfield’s) Tortoises

findiviglio — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 18:17:23 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Judging from recent questions posted on this blog, there is a great deal of conflicting information available as regards the feeding of tortoise. The Greek or spur-thighed (Testudo graeca), marginated (T. marginata) and Hermann’s (T. hermanni) tortoises, collectively referred to as Mediterranean tortoises, and the popular Russian or Horsfield’s tortoise (T. [...]

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Tortoise Diets: Mediterranean Species and Russian (Horsfield’s) Tortoises

The Russian or Horsefield’s Tortoise: an Ideal “First Tortoise”?

findiviglio — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:29:44 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Tortoises are among the most highly-desired of reptile pets, but their care is fraught with difficulties, and captive death rates remain surprisingly high. The plucky Russian, Horsefield’s or Central Asian tortoise (Testudo horsfieldi) is often promulgated as an ideal “first tortoise”. A Cold Hearty Tortoise? In many regards this is true. Unlike most [...]

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The Russian or Horsefield’s Tortoise: an Ideal “First Tortoise”?

Feeding Box Turtles and Wood Turtles: The Importance of Commercial Diets (and how to trick your pet into accepting them!) – Part 2

findiviglio — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:47:25 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here.Please see Part I of this article for information on our prepared box turtle diets. Natural Food Animals Live mealworms, waxworms or earthworms mixed into canned or pelleted food should encourage your turtle to take a bite. Earthworms are a box turtle favorite and a highly nutritious food in their own right...they can comprise [...]

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Feeding Box Turtles and Wood Turtles: The Importance of Commercial Diets (and how to trick your pet into accepting them!) – Part 2