Turtle Tea with TTPG

Turtle and Tortoise Preservation Group
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Pets & Animals
  • Updated Biweekly

Pour yourself a cup and join me for Turtle Tea - the definitive turtle and tortoise podcast! Whether you're a new keeper or a die-hard turtle nerd, we're sharing the inside secrets for keeping and breeding a variety of species. This show is brought to you by the Turtle and Tortoise Preservation Group (TTPG), whose mission is to ensure survival of the world’s turtles and tortoises through captive breeding. Be sure to subscribe for expert species guides, husbandry and breeding advice - we’re brewing up new episodes every two weeks.

  1. 2d ago

    Leopard Tortoises - Are they the Worst Pet Tortoise or Sensitive and Misunderstood?

    Are leopard tortoises one of the world's worst pet tortoises? Or are they just deeply misunderstood, notoriously sensitive giants? In this episode of Turtle Tea with TTPG, host Wendy Montroy sits down with dedicated keeper and breeder Cliff Graham-Lee (Pink Tortz) to unlock the mysteries behind Stigmochelys pardalis. From navigating the confusing genetic mix of South African versus East African localities to the strict realities of managing their hyper-sensitive respiratory systems, Cliff pulls no punches on what it actually takes to keep these majestic animals thriving. Whether you are tracking rapid growth rings, trying to dial in the delicate dance of warm-season humidity, or wondering how to structure a massive indoor winter enclosure, this episode is packed with essential husbandry insights you will not find on a standard care sheet. Dive in to learn why the animal is always the cheapest part of the setup, how to handle silent pathogens like Mycoplasma, and why mastering leopard tortoise care requires becoming a true student of the species. 0:02 Leopard Tortoises Unpacked 4:24 Why Leopard Tortoises? 10:29 Native Range and Climate 17:35 Wild Populations and Imports 28:50 Not for Beginners 40:57 Biosecurity and Mycoplasma 52:29 Feeding the Grazers 1:00:10 Pricing and Buying Advice 1:06:25 Setup Costs and Research Key Questions Answered in This Episode Q: Are leopard tortoises a good choice for beginners?A: Absolutely not. Leopard tortoises are a hyper-sensitive species that require precise environmental conditions. They are highly skittish, slow to adjust to new environments, and more prone to stubborn respiratory infections from stress or improper humidity than almost any other tortoise species. Q: What is the main difference between South African and East African leopard tortoises?A: While science now officially groups them together under one species name, keepers notice distinct physical and behavioral differences. True South African lines often undergo a winter slowdown or diapause and can look physically distinct with heavy star patterns or high-black coloration, whereas East African populations do not undergo diapause and thrive best in consistently warm, equator-like climates. Q: Can you keep leopard tortoises on wet substrate or in rainy climates?A: They require a delicate balance. While high humidity is absolutely essential during growth to prevent shell pyramiding, constant dampness or excessive cold precipitation is dangerous. They handle wet and warm conditions well, but adult leopard tortoises must have a dry, heated retreat to prevent respiratory issues, especially when adapting to rainy climates like the American Southeast. Q: What is the recommended size or age to buy a leopard tortoise?A: Due to how fragile hatchlings are, breeders and serious keepers highly recommend waiting until a juvenile reaches the 200-gram mark before purchasing or selling. By 200 grams, their shell is structurally set and they are much less likely to crash or develop irreversible pyramiding due to minor husbandry errors. Contact our guest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pinktortz/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PinkTortz/ More about the show Website: https://www.turtletea.org TTPG Official Site: https://www.ttpg.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ttpg_turtlesandtortoises/ Facebook Group: The Turtle and Tortoise Preservation Group

    1h 12m
  2. McCord's Box Turtles: Breeding and Raising the World’s Greatest Ambassador Species

    Jun 1

    McCord's Box Turtles: Breeding and Raising the World’s Greatest Ambassador Species

    In this follow-up episode of Turtle Tea with TTPG, Wendy Montroy and Anthony Pierlioni move from basic care into the specialized world of breeding McCord’s Box Turtles. This conversation goes beyond simple husbandry to explore the evolving mindset of the modern keeper and the critical role the private sector plays in keeping this species from vanishing forever. Anthony reflects on his personal journey as a breeder, discussing how his focus has shifted from merely hatching eggs to the more important goal of sharing information and using these animals to advocate for turtle conservation globally. Key topics covered in this episode include: The Breeding Mission: The necessity of establishing a community of breeders who can ensure the species survives for generations to come. Technique and Timing: Understanding the balance between size and age for maturity, the role of natural cooling, and how to identify seasonal triggers for egg production. Incubation Insights: Managing eggs, the specific challenges of sex determination, and using lower temperatures to produce more robust hatchlings. Hatchling Success: Practical advice on setting up neonates in high-humidity environments and the best methods for introducing them to a staple diet. The Path Forward: A look at the importance of maintaining genetic diversity through ACTS and why transparency among keepers is the most effective way to save animals. Whether you are an experienced keeper or a newcomer to the community, this episode provides a blueprint for managing a species that no longer exists in the wild and explains why their survival depends entirely on the dedication of human caretakers. Connect with Our Guest: Anthony Pierlioni Find him on YouTube at JustTurtles, follow him on Instagram @JustTurtles, or reach out via email at anthony.pierlioni@theturtleroom.org. Not a TTPG member yet? Join us! The Turtle and Tortoise Preservation Group is full of the kindest, most knowledgeable 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.

    43 min
  3. McCord’s Box Turtles - Social, Comical and Extinct in the Wild

    May 18

    McCord’s Box Turtles - Social, Comical and Extinct in the Wild

    In this episode of Turtle Tea with TTPG, Wendy sits down with Anthony Pierlioni of Just Turtles and The Turtle Room to discuss one of the most enigmatic and charismatic species in the hobby: McCord’s Box Turtle (Cuora mccordi). Once so common in their native range that they were reportedly "more numerous than rocks," these stunning yellow-headed turtles haven't been seen in the wild for over 15 years. Anthony shares the sobering reality of their extinction in the wild while offering a message of hope through the thriving populations now found in human care. In this episode, we dive into: The "Human Care" Shift: Why Anthony is moving away from the word "captivity." The McCord Mystery: The history of the species, its naming after Bill McCord, and its tragic disappearance from the wild. Unusual Behavior: The fascinating social lives of McCordi, including their unique head-bobbing "conversations" and comical personalities. Husbandry Essentials: Anthony’s "easy" approach to keeping them, including his DIY "turtle mash" diet and thoughts on UVB for neonates. Availability: How the market has changed now that fewer turtles are being exported to China, making them more accessible to US keepers than ever before. Whether you are a seasoned Cuora enthusiast or just curious about a turtle that communicates by yawning in its mate's face, this episode is packed with practical advice and heart-felt conservation insights. Resources:For more information on turtle conservation and husbandry, visit Turtletea.org or join the Turtle and Tortoise Preservation Group (TTPG) community. You can find Anthony Pierlioni on JusTURTLES or Facebook. For more in-depth info on McCords Box Turtles or any of the Cuora genus please visit Cuora.org 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!

    51 min
  4. Breeding the Ferocious Forsten's Tortoise - "There Will Be Blood"

    May 4

    Breeding the Ferocious Forsten's Tortoise - "There Will Be Blood"

    "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 Points The 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 Guest Stephen 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

    38 min
  5. Forsten’s Focus: The Feisty Tortoise of Sulawesi

    Apr 20

    Forsten’s Focus: The Feisty Tortoise of Sulawesi

    They are violent, they are beautiful, and they will absolutely bite your toes if you’re not wearing shoes. In this episode, we dive into the intense world of Forsten’s tortoises. In this episode of Turtle Tea with TTPG, we go deep into the world of the Forsten’s Tortoise (Indotestudo forstenii). Host Wendy Montroy sits down with species specialist Stephen Sifuentes to discuss the highs, lows, and intense aggression of these Sulawesi natives. If you've ever considered specializing in a single species, this episode is a masterclass in commitment, habitat management, and the realities of working with a "feisty" tortoise. In This Episode, We Cover: The Power of Specialization: How Stephen transitioned from a "mishmash" collection to a laser-focused Indotestudo program after a life-changing talk at the TTPG conference. The "Little Man Syndrome": Why these tortoises are known for their extreme aggression and why you should never enter their pens without sturdy shoes. Creating a Tropical Oasis: Stephen shares his ingenious setup, including 4x4 hydroponic reservoirs and a custom-piped DIY fogging system that services multiple cages at once. The Forsten’s Diet: Why mushrooms are a dietary staple and how tropical fruits like papaya are essential for maintaining health in these beautiful but misunderstood tortoises. The Challenges of Wild-Caught: An honest look at the difficulties of importing and rehabilitating wild-caught individuals, and why bloodline diversity is critical for long-term conservation. Breeding Realities: Expert advice on pairing, managing sexual maturity, and the absolute necessity of keeping these territorial animals separate to prevent fighting. IUCN Status: Indotestudo forstenii is listed as Critically Endangered due to deforestation, human encroachment, and the pet trade on Sulawesi Island. Habitat Tip: Replicate their native Indonesian climate - they need high humidity (80%+) .Housing Specs: Stephen recommends 1500g-2000g for breeding maturity. While babies can sometimes be raised in groups, adults require individual housing due to their highly territorial nature. Connect with Our Guest Stephen Sifuentes: Find him on Facebook or reach out via the TTPG Group Discussion. Don’t Miss the Next Episode! We are diving into Forsten’s breeding and hatchling care in our next installment of Turtle Tea. Make sure you are subscribed so you don’t miss the follow-up to this conversation! Visit turtletea.org for more resources and past episodes.

    24 min

  6. Apr 13 ·  Bonus

    International Turtle and Tortoise Week™ 2026 - Get ready to celebrate!

    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.

    22 min
  7. Breeding 3-Toed Box Turtles

    Apr 6

    Breeding 3-Toed Box Turtles

    In this episode of Turtle Tea with TTPG, Wendy Montroy and Cameron Lamb discuss the practicalities of breeding and raising Three-toed Box Turtles. Cameron explains his preference for starting with hatchlings to better understand the natural history and care of the species before moving into breeding and producing offspring. The conversation covers the entire lifecycle, from the spring breeding season to the 70-day incubation period and beyond. The discussion provides a detailed look at how to handle delicate box turtle eggs, which are more sensitive to moisture levels than many tortoise species. Cameron also shares his methods for starting hatchlings on pelleted diets, the benefits of raising young turtles in small groups to encourage feeding, and the safety precautions necessary when moving juveniles to outdoor pens where predators may be a factor. Key Topics Include: Determining sex through incubation temperatures (82°F–88°F). Setup requirements for new hatchlings, including hydration and UV lighting. Timeline for maturity and average clutch sizes for healthy females. Winter brumation patterns and how they vary between individual animals. Resources:For more information on turtle conservation and husbandry, visit Turtletea.org or join the Turtle and Tortoise Preservation Group (TTPG) community. You can find Cameron Lamb on Facebook and Instagram at Cameron Lamb Exotics. 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!

    19 min
  8. 3-Toed Box Turtles: A Fan Favorite

    Mar 16

    3-Toed Box Turtles: A Fan Favorite

    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!

    27 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Pour yourself a cup and join me for Turtle Tea - the definitive turtle and tortoise podcast! Whether you're a new keeper or a die-hard turtle nerd, we're sharing the inside secrets for keeping and breeding a variety of species. This show is brought to you by the Turtle and Tortoise Preservation Group (TTPG), whose mission is to ensure survival of the world’s turtles and tortoises through captive breeding. Be sure to subscribe for expert species guides, husbandry and breeding advice - we’re brewing up new episodes every two weeks.

Information

  • Creator
    Turtle and Tortoise Preservation Group
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Turtle and Tortoise Preservation Group
  • Show Website
    Turtle Tea with TTPG

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