Hi, I am really new to this and would like to do it right first time in order not to stress my little creatures. Last week we bought two Torts (Greeks)I have set them up in a Rabbits Cage and following advice given and found on various sites etc. Seperate heat lamp and daylight lamp. I will post pics. I weighed amd measured yesterday and they both seem to be slightly overweight. I really dont want to overfeed them and cant seem to find a guideline as to how often to feed them. Here their data: Mosey hatched 2009 was 37g when weighed at the Vet, now 30g, 5cm therefore 0,24 and Tiny, hatched 2010, 20g, 4,4cm therefore 0,23. Mosey was really slow and lethargic, thus the name but has really come out of his shell (hehe) which I can only put down to deworming. Both are really active now. I need to mention that I live in Germany so will be needing advice when the time comes to hibernate. Dreading it to be honest. Thanks so much for taking the time to read my novel.

Hi
Yes they are overweight, but at least you are aware of that now and can cut down the food given, what is it that you are feeding them on?
I do believe that the Greek is the Testudo Ibera, but I would like someone else to confirm that first as I am a little unsure between that and a Testudo Graeca Spur thigh, before I direct you to the care sheets opposite. Hibernation is not so scary if you make sure that you give yourself plenty of time to read and decide which method you will choose, personally I would go for the fridge hibernation, as long as you have a good reliable fridge, and get it set up a few weeks before you start hibernation to make sure the temps are consistent, it is a safe method to use.
Hope this helps
Jane, Keya & Molly

thanks so much for the speeedy reply. Their papers say they are testudo hermanni. I am now down to giving them a few dandylion leaves and stinging nettle leaves in the morning. As soon as I am able I will be taking a list of all ediable plants, translated into german and a friend with me to help identify the correct plant matter for them and plant them their own greenery. Is it ok to give them cucumber and iceburg salad as a substitute and not as a source of nutritution? thanks again
Sylvia

Hi
Lettuce and cucumber hold no nutrition at all, weeds are the best you can give your tort, they are full of nutrition and it helps to keep the digestive system working. A good fill in until you can do your weed pick is Florette salad, just make sure that you wash it well, it can be brought from most supermarkets, I wouldn't give it to them for too long though, and dust it with your daily nutrobal. You will learn so much on your journey of weed picking, there are plants out there that you never knew existed, certainly not what they are called, have fun
Jane, Keya & Molly