Re: Star tortoises

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Posted by Jerry Fife on December 31, 2000 at 19:44:05:

In Reply to: Star tortoises posted by Nick on December 30, 2000 at 20:52:20:

Nick:

I have been breeding star tortoises for several years. I think their delicate reputation came from years ago when only wild caught stars were available.

I would expect that you will have Indian Stars if you are in the U.S. The Burmese stars are very rare in U.S. collections and Sri Lankain stars, though more common, generally demand a premium.

Indian star tortoise care is very similar to leopards. They can handle temps over 115 degrees and down into the 40s.

The males are smaller than females and are sexually mature at four to five inches. Females reach sexual maturity at approximately seven inches. The size may vary depending on the geographic origin of the tortoise.

I generally have water available during the summer, but with fresh grass it's not really required. They must always have a place to escape the heat/cold/rain. They are most active in the summer following a rain. They will mate throughout the year but lay eggs from November through March. Mine lay from one to three clutches of eggs annually, and from one to six eggs per clutch.

Stars are attractive, personable, do not dig, stay fairly small, do not fight, and I believe are one of the best "pet" tortoises. The only negative is their cost. Hatchlings start around $500.

Their diet is similar to other tortoises though perhaps more protein is acceptable.

Good luck,

Jerry Fife

: This has no doubt come up before, but just how delicate are star tortoises as captives? i'm not sure if i'm going to be dealing with burmese stars, or indians (i'm not even sure of the differenece yet) i've had experience with a leopard tortoise that a former friend oh so conveniently killed for me (i'm VERY upset at my stupidity over that one) i'm researching the possibilities now. from what i've read, star tortoises need warm, dry conditions, a 'standard' diet high in fiber, low in fat and protein, varied. the UVA and UVB lighting, the spacious enclosure. that doesn't seem too much different from the regimen i was used to with my leopard tortoise. what am i missing?

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Re: Star tortoises nick 12/31/00 (0)

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: Nick: : I have been breeding star tortoises for several years. I think their delicate reputation came from years ago when only wild caught stars were available. : I would expect that you will have Indian Stars if you are in the U.S. The Burmese stars are very rare in U.S. collections and Sri Lankain stars, though more common, generally demand a premium. : Indian star tortoise care is very similar to leopards. They can handle temps over 115 degrees and down into the 40s. : The males are smaller than females and are sexually mature at four to five inches. Females reach sexual maturity at approximately seven inches. The size may vary depending on the geographic origin of the tortoise. : I generally have water available during the summer, but with fresh grass it's not really required. They must always have a place to escape the heat/cold/rain. They are most active in the summer following a rain. They will mate throughout the year but lay eggs from November through March. Mine lay from one to three clutches of eggs annually, and from one to six eggs per clutch. : Stars are attractive, personable, do not dig, stay fairly small, do not fight, and I believe are one of the best "pet" tortoises. The only negative is their cost. Hatchlings start around $500. : Their diet is similar to other tortoises though perhaps more protein is acceptable. : Good luck, : Jerry Fife : : : This has no doubt come up before, but just how delicate are star tortoises as captives? i'm not sure if i'm going to be dealing with burmese stars, or indians (i'm not even sure of the differenece yet) i've had experience with a leopard tortoise that a former friend oh so conveniently killed for me (i'm VERY upset at my stupidity over that one) i'm researching the possibilities now. from what i've read, star tortoises need warm, dry conditions, a 'standard' diet high in fiber, low in fat and protein, varied. the UVA and UVB lighting, the spacious enclosure. that doesn't seem too much different from the regimen i was used to with my leopard tortoise. what am i missing?

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