tortoises in my college

[fannieannie09]

Hi everyone I've recently become class rep and theres a issue thats been bothering me like mad recently that I would really like to bring up its the fact that we have red foots in college that are fed fruit and veg, no wild weeds or flowers and no supplements at all and they are really pyramided. They are also in with some rare tortoises I don't know what they are yet and they get fed the same thing as well as some babies that are kept in a viv on newspaper and on a heat mat. I want to say that there should be changes but I just wanted to make sure my concerns were quite bad things. Also in our reptile unit we have a huge Burmese Python in a 5-5ft viv with nothing in it its just bare with a water tray and the Iguana shares the enclosure with the tortoises mentioned above and also never has any supplements. I think there could be some good changes made as it is a horticultural college, no end to flowers! and we are situated in the country side so lots of weeds and wild flowers too! and we have a spare room that could be converted for the Burm. I would appreciate all you're advice I hate to see those poor tortoises the way they are!

[Domizzard]

what college is this ?

[fannieannie09]

its in North Wales. I odn't want to name it I really am not criticising I just think there could be a bit of change for the best of the animals there.

[Domizzard]

is it in northop by any chance?

[Zoo-Man]

Maybe mention this forum to the tutors?

[purplepixie]

Or you can download some information from different sites, and tell your tutor what you have found out about the different reptiles. And ask which is correct the way they are kept now, or how the sheets say. Your learning so you should get an answer

[Denise aka Martini]

How strange! Thats the same problem i have with my daughter at her college, not saying the college is bad because it isnt, its just i think the people looking after the animals only have the basic knowledge and only provide the very basic housing. Obviously an experienced reptile keeper would know exactly what the requirements are for keeping a happy/healthy animal.
As for the tortoises, mmm, keeping different breeds together is generally a no no, and although med tortoises do like fruit, it shouldnt be fed too often, i own redfoots too. The pyramiding can be a sign of poor husbandry, which is abit worrying to me when you are at a college that is teaching about looking after animals Sorry i take you are at a agricultural college?
Apologies for going on, but like most people on this site we are very passionate about our animals.

[fannieannie09]

Its ok Denise, it's a horticultural college. I want to mention it to the tutors but I really don't want to come across as a bit of a know it all but I do feel sorry for the torts though I've completely fallen in love with them after getting my tortoise.

[Denise aka Martini]

i think a good idea is to perhaps tell your tutors about this website and hopefully they will look at it and get some tips. Reptiles do need supplements no matter what ones you keep, there very important in keeping a healthy animal.

[alltorts]

The wellfare of the tortoises and any animal should be the most important thing and as you have messaged this site i thank you already know the answer. there wellfare needs to be looked into.