4LeggedFloridaDreams
New Member
Hello friends,
I have my mind set on a group of 2 male and 4 female Forstens tortoises. My goal would be to breed them, so I would invest in females from 4 different lines and 2 different male lines, ideally.
I have experience with Kinixys, Manouria, and other reptiles, such as chameleons and bearded dragons, as a small sample.
I now live in SW Florida, where the climate is pretty well perfect for sub tropical and Savannah species, to live outdoors year-round, with some occasional heating, irrigation, and ample shade.
The reasons I’ve decided on this species are suitability to my climate for housing outdoors, personality, manageability in terms of size and available wild graze, and the need for increased numbers of breeding animals and successful breeding in captivity.
In my research I have run into various reports of them being aggressive during mating and possibly other times. Obviously each tortoise has a potential to be aggressive or not, but it seems prudent to account for this aggression and plan housing accordingly.
Some seem to let them sort out the aggression and keep them in large enough enclosures and claim eventually things settle down.
Other are adamant about housing them in solitary, only introducing them under observation and for breeding.
I try to imagine a compromise, where the tortoises can get away from one another visually and have space and resources for themselves, but could also have access to one another for breeding and occasional interaction, possibly lessening aggression during the times they cross paths.
I came up with plan for 2 12’x12’x4’ paddocks with a central divider that allow 2’ openings to get to what would essentially be 4 6x6’ sections per side.
Basically, take a 12’x12’ square and place a cross in the middle, but leave a small gap near the walls.
To my mind, this set-up allows for the tortoises to escape physically and visually, while potentially having more natural and occasional encounters. I used a similar method in breeding chameleons, where I divided 2 large enclosures with a large “soft divider” that gave visual interruption and the feeling of separation, but allowed the animals occasionally to cross paths and even swap the sides the male and female utilized as their side.
Ultimately, if things didn’t work, I would just divide the paddocks fully and allow for individual housing.
I welcome feedback and directions from those who have had success and paved the way.
I would also be grateful for any experienced keepers in Florida that grow graze for their animals year round. Are there any specific plants or species that you find easy to grow in Florida conditions, that these tortoises really enjoy? Any specific seed mixes you have found success with?
I’m fairly familiar with several FL plants and seeds, as well as ornamental plants. I’m also struck by our lack of chicory and dandelion and wondered if any of you South Florida folks were growing it longterm in our climate.
Thanks for reading this far!
I have my mind set on a group of 2 male and 4 female Forstens tortoises. My goal would be to breed them, so I would invest in females from 4 different lines and 2 different male lines, ideally.
I have experience with Kinixys, Manouria, and other reptiles, such as chameleons and bearded dragons, as a small sample.
I now live in SW Florida, where the climate is pretty well perfect for sub tropical and Savannah species, to live outdoors year-round, with some occasional heating, irrigation, and ample shade.
The reasons I’ve decided on this species are suitability to my climate for housing outdoors, personality, manageability in terms of size and available wild graze, and the need for increased numbers of breeding animals and successful breeding in captivity.
In my research I have run into various reports of them being aggressive during mating and possibly other times. Obviously each tortoise has a potential to be aggressive or not, but it seems prudent to account for this aggression and plan housing accordingly.
Some seem to let them sort out the aggression and keep them in large enough enclosures and claim eventually things settle down.
Other are adamant about housing them in solitary, only introducing them under observation and for breeding.
I try to imagine a compromise, where the tortoises can get away from one another visually and have space and resources for themselves, but could also have access to one another for breeding and occasional interaction, possibly lessening aggression during the times they cross paths.
I came up with plan for 2 12’x12’x4’ paddocks with a central divider that allow 2’ openings to get to what would essentially be 4 6x6’ sections per side.
Basically, take a 12’x12’ square and place a cross in the middle, but leave a small gap near the walls.
To my mind, this set-up allows for the tortoises to escape physically and visually, while potentially having more natural and occasional encounters. I used a similar method in breeding chameleons, where I divided 2 large enclosures with a large “soft divider” that gave visual interruption and the feeling of separation, but allowed the animals occasionally to cross paths and even swap the sides the male and female utilized as their side.
Ultimately, if things didn’t work, I would just divide the paddocks fully and allow for individual housing.
I welcome feedback and directions from those who have had success and paved the way.
I would also be grateful for any experienced keepers in Florida that grow graze for their animals year round. Are there any specific plants or species that you find easy to grow in Florida conditions, that these tortoises really enjoy? Any specific seed mixes you have found success with?
I’m fairly familiar with several FL plants and seeds, as well as ornamental plants. I’m also struck by our lack of chicory and dandelion and wondered if any of you South Florida folks were growing it longterm in our climate.
Thanks for reading this far!