conflicting stuff

[Yvonne G]

I think you misunderstood what I was trying to say.

How Tom cares for his tortoises in the desert of California differs greatly from how GBTortoises cares for his tortoises in New York. The tortoises end up getting the care they need to be happy and healthy, but it is provided differently depending upon where you live.

What you have to do is try to figure out what the tortoise needs to live a healthy life and grow properly, and then provide that for him. The way you do that is to read all of the conflicting advice and try to figure out what works for you in your location.

Some of us use cuttlebone, some use powdered calcium powder. Some of us soak every day, some let the tortoise get his own water. Some keep our tortoises outside all the time, some have permanent household residents. Some don't mix species, some do.

No one can tell anyone what to do. There is no one size fits all type of tortoise-keeping. You can't read an instruction manual, because there isn't one. You just have to take the advice of the people you trust, try to apply it to your situation, and hope for the best. If it doesn't seem to be working, try something different.

 

[sibi]

Wow, Yvonne, that the best explanation I've read to date on what each owner has to do to make their animal happy and healthy. Bravo!!

 

[rayneygirl]

i was just hoping for a definitive answer, but as you've pointed out there really isn't one. i understand what you're saying. I'll be paying close attention to my torts and build a routine with them. thank you.