Ever wondered why a Three-toed Box Turtle might actually have four? Wendy Montroy and Cameron Lamb dive into the quirks and care of these favorites.

In this installment of Turtle Tea, host Wendy Montroy sits down with TTPG board member Cameron Lamb to explore the fascinating world of the three-toed box turtle (Terrapene carolina triunguis). This episode is a special part of ⁠Podcasthon⁠, an initiative where podcasts spotlight various charities. Wendy highlights how Turtle Tea functions as a nonprofit, using its platform to support conservation and education.

Cameron shares his journey from being the neighborhood reptile guy in California to directing the chelonian propagation and rescue programs. The duo discusses the natural history of these turtles, which range from the Florida Panhandle all the way to Kansas. A major point of interest is their naming, as some of these turtles actually sport four toes on their back feet, leading to plenty of confusion for new keepers.

The conversation also covers the serious side of turtle keeping, specifically the strict legal regulations in states like Florida and Arizona. Wendy and Cameron emphasize the importance of staying informed on possession limits and the ethics of keeping native species amidst threats like habitat loss.

For those looking for husbandry tips, Cameron provides expert advice on managing humidity and temperature in dry climates. He explains how to layer plants for shade and create microhabitats that help turtles feel secure. You will also learn about their opportunistic diet and how their behavior shifts from shy, hiding juveniles to engaging and visible adults.

You can continue the conversation and find more resources in the TTPG Group Discussion on Facebook at ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/ttpgorg/⁠.

Not a TTPG member yet? ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join us⁠⁠⁠⁠! The ⁠⁠⁠⁠Turtle and Tortoise Preservation Group⁠⁠⁠⁠ is full of the kindest, most knowledgable and FUN turtle people on the planet!