About Chelsey Expertise I can answer questions on specifically Anoles, Iguanas, and Red Eared Sliders. I also know about tree frogs, but only feeding and keeping them healthy, not breeding or sexing. I can answer questions on most turtles/tortoises, lizards, frogs, and fish(in the fish section, please!) I don't know much about snakes, but I can give some questions a good shot. I know about sexing and breeding with the species I specified before, but probably not with others. I can, however, give good tips on feeding, housing, and caring for most reptiles.
Experience I have been around reptiles since I was very little and know how to take care of them. I know all about the certain types of lighting and calcium needed to prevent bone deformities, and the correct diet for reptiles(and frogs!) I can give good tips on breeding with some species, and help differenciate males from females, and how to take care of the young and the eggs. I also know about certain hibernation needs.
Education/Credentials I am still in school, but don't let that fool you. I am very confident and experienced with reptiles, and know the answers to most questions. I don't just impulse buy pets, I research them and get their home set up before hand. I raise my pets so they live happily and healthy their whole lives, and don't hesitate on spending money for them. I think I can help many people with their questions, and help them raise their pets successfully.
**PLEASE!!** I love answering people's questions, but it really is aggrevating when I spend a long time typing up an answer to someone's question and they never read the response. If you aren't going to check for an answer, please don't waste my time. If you will read the answer, then feel completely free to ask!!!!
Question Okay. One last question. I have a pretty small room, and my mom doesn't want me to keep it in the living room or family room. And since I live in Seattle, now days the tempatures are dropping a lot. Where should I put it's cage? Thanks
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Followup To
Question -
Thanks. But the page doesn't seem to answer one of my questions. How often should I change the poop? And another question. My sister's boss found the russian turtle on the streets. I don't know if it's in good condition. Are there any hints that say it is?
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Followup To
Question -
Hi. I might be getting a russian turtle, but I'm scared if I don't know everything that's nessesary about it, it might get sick or die. could you tell me how to house it, take care of it, and what foods it needs? Thanks.
Answer -
Hey Alex!
Russian Tortoise, very nice choice! These guys live for a really long time, most out live their owners, so make sure you are definately comitted to the idea of having one for what could be your whole life. Many people actually leave them for a grandchild in their will! Make sure you take it to the vet when you first buy it, many are wild caught and in bad condition.
I was going to tell you everything you need to know in here, but I found a website that is perfect for the job. It has many pictures (which for some reason can't be put in here) and also goes very indepth with housing, breeding and feeding. It also tells what to expect when you take it to a vet, like the certain tests they will do and things to look out for.
If there are any un-answered questions about russian tortoises after you are done searching this website, feel free to ask me. This is one of the best care sheets I have seen for any reptile!
Good luck with your new tortoise if you decide to get one!
Best Wishes, Chelsey
Answer -
Hello again!
I agree with you, care sheets should definatley start including things on when to clean. I have had that trouble before too.
I would clean it every three weeks to a month. If it starts to get disgusting before that, then clean it more frequently. It could also end up being pretty clean still, so you could even do it longer than that, like every two months. It mostly depends on how you set up your tank. If you only used sand, you could just scoop it like when you would scoop a cat's litter box, but it says it gets too dusty. I think you could probably mix the sand the way they said to, and then put an inch or two of plain sand on the top, so you can scoop it. Scooping the poop is the easiest method, and you don't need to buy new supplies as much.
I would just take the tortoise to the vet if you aren't sure about his health. They can check for parasites and stuff like that, or any injuries. Turtles and tortoises don't really show signs of illness until it's too late.
good luck with everything, and the new tortoise!
best wishes, Chelsey
Answer hey alex,
It doesn't really matter where you put the cage, as long as you have a heater for the tank. Another good way to heat the tank is to get a heating pad (for like your back or something) and to put it under neath the bedding in the cage. Just make sure you have a thermometer in the cage to see what temperature it's at. As long as it doesn't get too low and you have the right lights for the cage, it really doesn't matter the room it's in... you could keep it in a closet or garage even!
Where ever you decide to put it, just check the temp and make sure you have the right lighting, and you are good to go!
I know what you mean about moms and small rooms...my mom is the same way,k and my room could be a walk in closet! lol.
"mom, I bought some lizards."
"you bought what? no. no more pets."
"yea, theyre goin in my bedroom."
"no they arent, you dont have space."
"uhh, living room??"
"no."
"Ok, theyre going in my room then."
lol. You'll figure out somewhere, I always do ((just be like, Mom, look how perfect it looks here! lol. be persuasive =D ))
