Thank you so much for helping us start Turtle Tea with TTPG. Here are some tips before the interview, as well as a general script we will follow so there are no surprises. Keep in mind that we are not live, this will be recorded and edited so there’s no pressure. This will be shared as an audio-only podcast, so be descriptive. We will record these all in one session, it should take an hour or so. The content will be divided into 2 parts, about the species and captive care, then captive breeding and hatchling care. This allows us to get 2 episodes out of each interview.
Things I need from you
I need a couple of photos for the thumbnails. If you have a photo that’s representative of the species, as well as one for the breeding/hatchling care you can send them to me on Facebook, or wendy@ttpg.org. If you have brief (less than 1 minute) videos we could use for promos that would be great. Also – let me know if there’s anything specific you want me to mention when I introduce you (a couple sentences), or any topics you’d like to avoid. I will also ask you at the end where people can find you for questions. If you don’t have specific contact info you want to share we can direct people to the TTPG Facebook group.
Tech & Setup
- Find a quiet space with minimal background noise.
- Use the strongest internet connection you can (wired if possible), or move closer to your router.
- Wear headphones/ear buds to avoid echo or feedback.
- Headset or external mic usually sounds clearer than a laptop mic.
- Don’t worry – we are not live so edits can be made if needed.
Podcast Outline
Part 1 – Natural History and Captive Care
Intro of guest and species – quick
Natural History – brief overview
If you don’t know this I will research it before we meet – no worries! Just let me know any gaps and I’ll look it up.
- Short intro to natural history – native range, climate and terrain.
- Are they threatened/endangered or on IUCN, CITES or the ESA? What are the main threats to wild populations?
- Are WC animals still being imported? (if not, when did they stop)
- Are they legal to keep in the US/specific states – if not what are the restrictions?
Captive Care – more in-depth
Are they hard to keep, moderate or a beginner species?
- How do you keep them? (indoor/outdoor, enclosure size, substrate, diet, lighting, humidity)
- keep in groups or singly
- Heating (what temps) lighting/UV (whats lights, how long on)
- Brumation (if applies)
- diet/supplements/pellets
- How active/interactive are they
Wrap Up Captive Care
- Are they expensive/hard to get in captivity?
- Is there anything that would make you not recommend this species?
- If they are still being imported how do you ensure you are getting captive bred animals?
- Has this species ever been offered on the surplus list or donated via the CPP
Final Thoughts
Part 2 – Breeding and Hatchling Care
Intro guest again for 2nd episode
Breeding and Hatchling Care – more in-depth
- Does this species need to be kept/bred in captivity? (are they rare or overly abundant)
- when breeding and egg laying occur in wild/same in captivity
- house animals together or intro for breeding?
- incubation temps/time to hatch
- how to set up right out of incubator, how long does it stay there
- what do you feed hatchlings and how often
- any special notes on hatchling care/behavior
- keep singly or in a group?
- when to move to adult setups
Wrap Up Breeding
- If someone wanted to start breeding this species, where do they start? If you start with hatchlings, how long until you’ll get fertile eggs?
- Is there a demand for babies of this species?
- Has this species ever been offered on the surplus list or donated via the CPP
Final Thoughts
That’s it! Thanks again for taking part, and let me know if there’s anything not listed here that applies to this species that we need to cover.