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| Urgent advice required Posted: 01/09/2016 by Lcm82 |
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Hello, looking for some advice, my husband in his work today has come across a tortoise which was in a home that has been abandoned. The neighbour said there hasn't been anyone in the property for at least 3 weeks. It was in a glass tank, no water or food. Regardless of his poor fortune he seems bright and happy and needless to say has joined our family. I have researched very quickly about tortoise care and rung several vets who didn't really know much about tortoises and just advised me just to feed him and give him water. I don't know his type, sex, age all I can fathom is that he probably has had a poor diet as his shell is pyramid formed. I also gather that a tank is no place for him to live.any advice for the immediate care of him please? He is currently under my watchful eye in the garden enjoying dandelion leaves, and most likely freedom! I tried to add photos but it keeps failing. Thanks in advance. | |
| Re: Urgent advice required Posted: 01/09/2016 by tomtortoise@tovevalley.net |
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Hello, It's lucky that it has been found by a sensible person. What is it's length (straight line) & weight. I can advise you re. an enclosure when I receive the above info.. Keep trying with the photos or as a friend to help maybe. Tom | |
| Re: Urgent advice required Posted: 02/09/2016 by Lcm82 |
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Thank you for reading and replying. He is 16cm in length and weighs 668g. My husband is planning on starting to construct the table tonight after work so any advice would be great, thank you. Sally | |
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| Re: Urgent advice required Posted: 02/09/2016 by tomtortoise@tovevalley.net |
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That's OK, He has MBD as you noted, but it's not too bad, he'll be ok. He really needs a 15sqm enclosure outside, wood is the best material & cheapest. Also a spacious night house, ideally with a polycarbonate roof. As we are approaching autumn a temporary pen half the size would suffice this year. It would still be heaven for him, given the way those imbeciles left him. Keep weighing every 14 days & keep records. He may be fit to hibe for 2 months in Jan/Feb., see how his weight goes. If you send photos of the tail area I can confirm the sex. Looks about 7-10 years. A 'table' needs to be as big as poss., I'd suggest collapsible, as it will only be needed in Spring when he is in a full hibe' cycle. Tom | |
| Re: Urgent advice required Posted: 02/09/2016 by Lcm82 |
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Thank you for your advice, I really appreciate it. I hoped that he wasn't as old as that given his living conditions when we found him. Here are some more pics. Sally Edit: tried to add 4 but will only add 1 for some reason, hope that's a good enough picture | |
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| Re: Urgent advice required Posted: 02/09/2016 by tomtortoise@tovevalley.net |
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Thanks Sally, A few more with the tail in diff positions would be good. Try to keep it relaxed. Tom | |
| Re: Urgent advice required Posted: 04/09/2016 by Lcm82 |
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Sorry that's not a good pic, I'll try again with natural light tomorrow | |
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| Re: Urgent advice required Posted: 04/09/2016 by tomtortoise@tovevalley.net |
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OK thanks Sally. Add 1 then re -Post the next & so on. Tom | |
| Re: Urgent advice required Posted: 08/09/2016 by tomtortoise@tovevalley.net |
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I'd say it's male, but more pics would have confirmed. I see that I forgot to say it's Hermanns. Tom | |
| Re: Urgent advice required Posted: 18/09/2016 by Lcm82 |
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Sorry it's been a while. Maybe this pic is better! Thanks for your help | |
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