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MARY:

Hi Sam.

My name is Mary; I'm the owner of 4 male redfoot tortoises. They are 24, 23, 23, and 17 years old. We've had them since they were just weeks old. Unfortunately, due to my father-in-law's passing and our jobs that require frequent traveling, we had to send them to a foster home for 4 years. We were finally able to find a house where we could build them a new home, so we picked them up this past Sunday. Sadly,

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Eddie:

Sam,

I hope you and the business are doing well.

I wanted to pick your brain about an issue I've been having with a little russian tortoise name Senua.

As backstory, I live in Tennessee and work with a pet store out of newyork city. They recieve surrenders sometimes in terrible condition, and they ship them out to my small sanctuary.

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Kayla:

Hello Sam,

I purchased an Aldabra from you last November. He/she has been doing really well! Eats great and gaining weight that I’ve been tracking. Today I went to grab him to put him outside for the day. I bring him in due to the raccoons and possums we have and him being still small. As I went to grab him, I noticed small noises I hadn’t ever heard. I am unsure if he had just drank water that could have caused this b

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Treating tortoises for constipation, 04/11/2024 Ver#2 

Its not unusual for Aldabras to get constipated or a partial blockage when they get cold. Their GI slows down, the movement of the GI system virtually stops peristalsis below 60 degrees. 

This causes bloating, gas and pain. 

Giant Tortoise are very susceptible to bloat and constipation, but it is often misdiagnosed as a respiratory illness. 

Cons

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Hey Sam! 

I got a what I thought was a female but I believe is male now that I noticed femoral pores that look like are backed up. Do you recommend helping them expel them or what do I suggest I do? 

-Ivan Camacho 

----------------------

Hi Ivan check out my article on that subject 

Iguana femoral pore plugs are like little earwax ports  that can sometimes get stuck and build up . This

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Joseph H

Please advise what I can do on my tortoises shell it’s peeling or chipping off. It’s been like that a couple years should we fiberglass it any ideas. Previous owner said it happened from trying to go underneath the fence in a cow pasture.

Sam

The treatment depends on how active that site is now.

it looks like some of the old parts of the shell may actually be flaking

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Caden:

Howdy, 

My name is Caden. I don't know if you will be able to help. I have an adult Yellowfoot that is sick and has the vet stumped. The skin around her neck, shoulders, and rearend is peeling, white/yellow, broken open in places, and has an awful smell. The infection has spread to her eyes. She can't really open them, and I haven't seen her eat recently. I have her separated now, but the illness has not spread to any of m

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Haley:

Hello,

I have been considering getting an aldabra tortoise for a while now. Might be ready to finally go for it with the next group of hatchlings you have coming in. I have a few questions:

1. I have a 12 year old female sulcata tortoise. She is very mellow compared to the behavior I hear other people describe for their Sulcatas (doesn't dig and will just stop if she comes up against any sort of barrier).

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Brandon K:

Hi Sam,  I just wanted to let you know that Bowzer has become a very close pet.  He loves attention and expects to be held and pet every day, so I'll sit down a couple times a day and just hold him for 20 minutes or so.  He is beyond tame...it's like he is part of the family.  He loves cucumber and collards and his tortoise pellets.  He doesn't have much of a sweet tooth, but loves the Rep-Cal iguana food as a treat ev

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EDDIE:

Hi Sam,

Been a follower of your channel for a few years now, and I'm grateful for the wealth of knowledge you've shared on your channel as well as others.

I have a question about a tortoise of mine, except we're scaling down the size a little(a lot). 

I live in Tennessee and spring is just about here. My russian torts are coming out of brumation and cruising around. I noticed one

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Nathaniel:

Q: Good day sir. I want to ask

I have 2 Aldabras.
I live in Indonesia.
Sometimes in the morning they get some foaming at their mouth.
I give them medicine for 3 months until now.
I dont hear a clicking noise, but sometimes there are some bubbles, that come from their mouth (you can see in the beginning of the 2nd vidio, my 2nd aldabra)
They have good appetite and active.
I dont

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Q: How high should the fence be to contain an adult ?

A: I would build the Aldabra fence higher than the Galop fence.
Also it depends on what the fence is made of. A blind fence (a fence they can't see through) for a galop; maybe 3 feet, but it depends on the animal's size. For Aldabras, make the fence higher. They are more mischievous than the Galops, 
plus they will pile in the corner and jump on each other to get

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Joseph

Hello, my name is Joseph. I live in Ghana(West Africa) and i am a Veterinarian. I am a small pet practitioner but recently undergoing wildlife training in a resort. Most of what i am learning is hands-on field experience. There is no senior vet on site so I basically use my knowledge in veterinary medicine and also consult. They are 5 tortoises on site; 2 aduts and 3 young ones. The young ones; 1 is 8 months and the other 2, 6 months. One of the younger ones

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Susan

Hi Sam 

I am in the UK and have 4 Aldabra tortoises ,I have been watching you on instagram and check out your website .I know you are in Florida and I also have a home in Florida but with things right now will hopefully fingers-crossed be going out in July 

I think I have a problem with one of my tortoises I purchased her last year and the seller told me she was around 7 .She is lovely her shell is not great but I am hoping t

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Isadore H.

Hi. I have a Sulcata tortoise that is about 9 months old. I want to get a second one. Is there any other type that can co-exist with mine or am i limited to to Sulcatas only? 
Thanks, izzy

Sam

I believe you are best off not integrating sulcatas with other species.

They are a very outgoing, thriving tortoises, they are incredibly active and have lots of p

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Peter

Hi Sam,

Happy New Year.

I am interested in buying an Aldabra hatchling, in your care sheet behavior section it is mentioned Aldabras are social and do best when they have company, I cannot buy two at once, the next one will be in 2022-23, my questions are as follows.

I buy a hatchling now, the next one will be at the end of 2022 by then the one I will have will be bigger in size than the new hatch

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John

Hello Sam. I’m having some issues, so it seems, with the young tortoise. She has a “cough” or more of a chirping sound since she arrived. When she starts to do it her breathing quickens and jerks her head in the shell. She also has been rubbing her face and eyes. Her setup is a rubber tub, cypress mulch floor, a 100 watt CHE, a small heat pad on the wall next to a humid hide box. Temps range from 76-78 cool side87-92 warm side. She has been ea

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Marlon

I’m interested in #N10. He’s on sale for $1,995. I’ve read your lay way plan. Is there a specific amount I need to pay monthly? Looking forward to hearing back from you Sam :).

Sam

That sale is a "day sale", which means he has to be paid for. No layaway on that animal because of the deep discount.

The Christmas sale is a $200 discount and you

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SM

Hello,

I’m interested in either J99 or K2 but had a couple of questions I’m hoping you can help me with. 

Do you have adult Aldabras with multi-scute that I can reference to what it would look like as an adult? Can you provide photos of the multi-scutes on these individual Aldabras, J-99 & K2? At what age can you determine sex? 

Lastly, how do your layaway plans work? Do I have a set time

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Rebecca:

I am inquiring about which is better to have as a pet male or female blue cuban?

Sam:

Hi Becky, nice to meet you. It depends on what you are looking for in a Pet Iguana.

Males:

People like males because they grow bigger than females, often by four feet long and 20-25 pounds.

They have bold features; long spi

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Chan: 

Hi,

I follow you on Instagram and just saw the video that you have specials on tortoises $200-$600 off. However, am not clear on what’s available with that sale.  If you can provide a list. 

There’s also a sale on juvenile hatchlings but what’s available? If you can provide a list that would be great.

Are there females and males available. I understand that large tortoises genders c

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Sabar: hey i have a juvenile aldabra tortoise and i want him to exercise how do i can to make him exercise

Sam: Hi. You have to have sufficient room, temp and sunlight. That being said, environmental stimulation also enhances activity. Such as hills and different substrates. When those elements are focused together, your tortoise will behave normally, stay active, and naturally healthy.

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Beth

Hi Sam,

I have been researching Aldabras for years and I think I am financially ready to take the plunge but I still have a one big concern that I just can't seem to find adequate answers for.  I do have other torts...I am not an expert but this isn't my first endeavor.

I live in Colorado.  I have a large backyard (one acre lot) and we plan to move further out of town in a year or two, so space isn't re

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Mike:

Hi Sam, this is a pic I took from the belly of my sulcata. Is this a concern I need to deal with? Or is this just from all the rain we have had recently? Thanks for your expert advice!

Sam:

I believe you should treat that.

That is a Scud Fungus; it slowly grows on their shells eating away at them. Most times it is just defiguring, but sometimes it can become pathagenic.

&n

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Chad

Hello. Checking to see if this service is still available and when you expect your next hatchlings to be ready for sale?

I’m interested in a ‘near perfect’ to ‘perfect’ scute 6-7” tortoise. 

Would it be best to wait until spring for a hatchling due to my climate in Oklahoma, or does this matter as much as I’ll be keeping it indoors until it’s a juvenile/ per your recs as to

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Brian:

Hello Sam

This is Brian Im planing to add some aldabra project in my here 

got some question about those 20 '' around sub adult aldabra you have

Are they able to breed in next year ? How many clutch and eggs are they usually produce ? 

Bases they need large environment to keep what else do they special need 

Thank you for your time 

&

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Q: Anyone who has or has had a juvenile Aldabra who can tell me how long it takes for them to not be scared of everything?
Mine is constantly on the run and doesn't slow down until he finds food or his hiding place. Do they eventually grow out of this?

A:  Hi Julian each animal is an individual, yes they do eventually lose their shyness as they get older.

Females are typically shyer then males.

There

Medical

How To Draw Blood from a Large Female Tortoise

Medical

How To Draw Blood from a Large Male Tortoise

Common Questions

Both these animals are 29 inches longways straight across the bottom.  The male is on the left the female on the right.

Though it is harder to see in this pic, from this angle the male starting to become concave on the bottom.
Also note the males tale is longer 9 1/2 inches compared to the females which is only 6 1/2 inches long.

Surprising both tails are 2 1/2 inches wide, which must mean proportionally the females tail is shorter and fatter.

Common Questions

A lot of people ask me the best way to tame their Iguana, While I don’t consider myself the best
or most experienced iguana trainer here are some tips. I have used and my customers have used
with great success. You have to get into the mind of these little guys so you can gain their trust. 
I would love to hear from those out there who have their own tips and experiences.

The first secret is the more you chase him around in the initial grab the more c

Common Questions

Many people ask me questions to try to determine if their tortoise is sick or not.  Check their activity level, make sure they are moving around as normal. Watch them walk, a weak animal will walk a little then sit down then walk a little then sit down they won’t motor around staying up on all fours.  

Do a physical exanimation check for shell hardness, especially on the bottom. Look at their eyes see if they are runny, look for hydration, dehydrated animals  ey

Common Questions

Watch out Mr. Hare: This tortoise is shell on wheels.

A 12-year-old African tortoise who recently had his front left leg amputated due to injury is now moving just fine, thanks to a swiveling wheel attached to his shell by doctors at Washington State University's veterinary hospital.

The 23-pound tortoise, named “Gamera” after the giant flying turtle of the old Japanese monster movies, is gaining weight and generally thriving with his new appendage.

Common Questions

ldabras with perfect scute patterns and that size are in higher demand and go for more money.

As far as I am concerned, the whole idea of “Perfect” is so very overrated.
The only time anyone cares about this condition is as a hatchling, I can show you my adults that have split or divided back Scute and I can tell you no one ever notices or cares.  What’s perfect,  this only refers to the perfectly symmetrical scute pattern,  it is totally cosm

Common Questions

Question:

Thank you very much, I sent you pictures of my sulcuta tortoise habitat with the waterfall and housing area. Will these tortoises coexist with the African tortoise? And what type of nutritional needs do they have that are different from the African tortoise? Another words will the same habitat area work with the alda tortoise?

Answer:

Hi Tom you have an absolutely fantastic set up for Sulcate tortoises.
The Aldab

Medical

Cyclura Bloating condition

General

Q: Thanks for the information. I was curious. If they had a choice of left versus right, then, but not straight due to obstruction, they could have gone either way. However, the fact that they all went left after the first one went left indicates that they either 1) had a monkey-see-monkey-do social aspect to the serial direction selection or 2) had something otherwise attractive on the left path relative to the right path. My feeling is that it is number one more than number tw

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Medical

Q: Because some people will run out and buy another tortoise by reading your opinion on tortoises having buddies. Will you say that you are really only talking about the Galops and Aldabras? Also, would you say, the right size (very large)enclosures, sight barriers, etc plays a big part in it? I am just concerned about all the members that have been waiting for at least one person to say their tort needs a buddy, to run out an get that buddy, without paying attention to the rest

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Common Questions

Q: Sam this is fantastic your work and observations being put into a reality to the tortoise community.

A: I always tell the story 30 years ago collecting tortoises is what I was doing, now it is who I am, I no longer can separate the two. Really my motivation is to give back to the animals they have taken me so many places in my life, they have been a motivation from the time I was a child, I studied and I learned, I pushed myself to achieve and gather

Common Questions

Q: There was actually a kind of psychological experiment of this done on red foots…Something about the tortoises finding their way through a wire maze to food. Only a few tortoises were successful, but they found that if the unsuccessful tortoises watched the successful tortoise do it, the success rate was near 100%. Very interesting….

A: Well I have a funny store like that. I had eight young adult Aldabras in a pen now as things are, there

Common Questions

Q: what do you think of this cage? 

A: Well you got me there. I don't like talking about things I don't have experience with like indoor husbandry of tortoises.

I know many people are successful and I would rather see you get an opinion from someone experienced keeping animals in those types of environments

For my taste I will say it's very nicely done, and I like the topography of the cage.

While this cage looks interesting I don'

Common Questions

Pyramiding shells isn’t the worst thing you will find when looking at Giant tortoises.  I see so many topic’s on pyramiding and I certainly understand the concern.

But what often goes unnoticed are all the leg problems you can have in Giant tortoises.  Giant tortoise can have splayed legs (rear legs that flair out instead of being directly under the animal.)

When we see Galapagos and Aldabra tortoise that are old and were not raised in this country yo

Common Questions

Q: “Thanks, the pictures were very helpful  You said that you see this with Aldab's and Galap's have you ever seen this happen to Sulcata's?”

A: I have not seen this exact condition in smaller tortoises.
Not that I don’t believe it is possible, but I think what really promotes this condition in these large animals is the speed at which they grow, and the weight they obtain.

You do see similar problems in spurs and leo

Common Questions

Q: Great thread I love learning and this definitely opened my eyes when buying a tortoise that is a couple years old. Do you have a thread started with the ideal enclosure set up that would be "interesting" enough to get them moving?

A: Cage size can be tricky and all of my experience is dealing with outdoor pens. That is because my farm is in South Florida.

Let me try to answer this by way of example. If you had a 7” Aldabra I would not

Common Questions

Q: There was actually a kind of psychological experiment of this done on red foots...Something about the tortoises finding their way through a wire maze to food. Only a few tortoises were successful, but they found that if the unsuccessful tortoises watched the successful tortoise do it, the success rate was near 100%. Very interesting....

A: Well I have a funny store like that. I had eight young adult Aldabras in a pen now as things are, there are times

Common Questions

Q: My Tortoise has a nasal discharge he is on antibiotics but it does not resolve. I am using Baytril at 22.7 mg/ml

A: What were the dosages you or the vet administered to the animal?
You have given the concentration of the drug in solution but not the dose rate.

Do not let the temperatures drop at night, keep the animal around 86 degrees they need their metabolism up or they can't even metabolize the drugs you are giving them.<

Common Questions

The enzyme in the blood that indicated muscle damage is called cpk.
There are a few reason you will get false high readings of cpk which are very typical in your situation and I have experience many times.

False high reading of cpk can happen because miss handing of the blood sample, ( the sample gets bumped around too much before it gets to the lab)
also taking several samples or looking for a good spot to get blood will cause the cpk to rise, this is common when a ve

Common Questions

I have hatchlings that are about two months old. At this age they can be handled (By an adult ) pretty easily. If they bite no big deal, they wouldn't break the skin. Again at this stage, if you work with them for a month or two you can really developed a very tame animal. Some of my customers put them on leashes and bring them everywhere.

Tame really deepens on how much time you put into them and the best time to buy one is as young as possible.  At a year old, if they are

Common Questions

Think we should create a medical blog, I answer so many medical questions, here is one to get started, not sure how we should format the blog.

Sure I have dealt with ear abbesses and infections many times.

Is the side of the head bulging out?

Sometimes you have to slit the tympanic membrane so you can remove debris from the cannel. Sometimes you have to completely remove the midbrain (Don’t worry it grows back)

Typical treatment is with Baytril 5m

Common Questions

To answer your question, D3 is produced by the body when the animal is exposed to nature sun light, this vitamin is used in the body to help metabolize the calcium in the diet.

So if your animal is exposed to natural sunlight then you don’t use D3 doing so can damage the kidneys. However if you are indoors then use D3 otherwise the animal cannot absorb the calcium in his diet.

Sam Pascucci

Common Questions

Several people have asked me, How do you give a large tortoise an injection?" If you have a large tortoise that is still fairly strong it can be a daunting task to pull out his leg in order to get to the inside leg to find the deep muscle.

I have made two examples: the first three pictures show injecting sites for a Leopard Tortoise, which is 4kg. (Just about 9 pounds)
The last two pictures are of a 60 pound spur tortoise. The concept discussed here holds true for all la