Hi, i have just become a new owner. He/She came with a home of 2ft x1ft 3, coconut substrate, sun glo lamp and Komodo complete food, but have no idea of breed, age or sex. My sister got him from a friend, who could no longer look after him, she said he was about 15mth old!! Having been on the TPG I think I need to change lots of things. I have an appointment with the vet on Tuesday, but would really welcome some advice as today I want to go out and buy stuff that I need

Hi Nell

Congratulations on your new tortoise.  There is lots of info on the site for you, the first thing to do is to identify your new tort - are you able to post photos please, and we can let you know what sort he/she is?  In all likleyhood, you have a mediterannean tortoise, so assuming you have, most important immediate advice for you:-

Throw out the substrate and the Komodo food.  Get some topsoil and childrens play sand, 50/50 mix about 2 - 3" deep.  There are masses of dandelions and other weeds growing at the moment - 100 times better than any 'complete' food which can cause all sorts of nutritional problems.  Bath your tortoise daily in a container he cant climb out of in warmish water, up to his chin level.  Leave him there for 10 - 15 mins, this will encourage him to drink, it is important to keep him hydrated.  If he is in a tank, move him into an open topped enclosure, and check the temps under his basking light, this should be around 30C. Get some Nutrobol, which is a calcium and Vit D powder which you sprinkle on his food - essential for healthy shell and bone growth. You will need to think about getting a new lamp really, the one you have might be old and not giving out any UV.

Just a few things for starters <g> if you let us have some pics, we can give you more specific information.

all the best

Arlene TPG

Thanks Arlene, I have been out today and bought new lamps, basking and uvb. In the shop they had little torts and I asked how old they were, he said about 15mth. I was shocked as the one I have is twice the size, he said mine must be about 4 yrs. If he is then will he be settled in his ways and can I wean him.I have put dandelion,  (I have plenty in the garden) and lettuce in but he doesn't touch it and I'm scared he won't eat, he hasn't eaten today,any advice? I will get my daughter to put pics on in a couple of days, as I'm not that computer literate. The site is excellent and so informative.

ps, I will keep you informed what the vet says and I am in no doubt that I will have many more questions. Thanks again

Hi Nell,

Try bathing in warm water before offering food. This will warm him/her up, highten activity and aid hydration.

HTH
Darren

Hi Darren, he has slept almost all day, I wouldn't disturb him to bath him would I. He is snuggled in the corner, bit worried as not done this before! he was out for a good few hours yesterday and so active has he wore himself out? Nell

Hi Nell

They can sometimes take a little while to settle into a new home, bathing is important, so even if you are waking him up to do it, it is good for him!  It is very difficult to judge age from size, tortoises can grow really fast if fed the wrong food, so although yours might be the size of a 4 year old, he could be much older or younger.

Make sure the temperature in the enclosure is correct, this is really important as tortoises are cold blooded and cannot self regulate their body temp, they rely on their surroundings, so if he is too warm, or too cold, all he can do is move around to a different spot.

A check by a vet is a good idea, and try to take a fresh faecal sample to check for worms - lots of tortoises have them, especially if they have come through the pet trade, and they can cause loss of appetite etc

all the best

Arlene

 Hi Arlene and gang. After sleeping most of yesterday (must of needed it) Linford is up and running today, I think the bath done him the world of good. He has eaten some dandelion and lettuce, not a lot but it's a start. He is trotting about at the moment. i have tried to put pics on but there is an error, will keep trying.

Nell

Hi Nell,

Glad to hear he's improved - how's he been the last few days?

As Arlene said - it would be a good idea to get a faecal sample checked. It can be done free here for certain species:-
http://www.tortoise-protection-group.org.uk/site/174.asp

HTH
Darren

Hi Darren,

had trouble with my password, so only managed to get on tonight and saw your post. I will send off his poo tomorrow if he does one, not done one today. Thank you.

Nell