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Nicjj 11-07-2016 09:32 PM

Hello. New tortoise owner needs advice
 
Hi my names Nic. I have taken on a tortoise called Tommy he is 8 years old. His shell is very deformed. Previous owner said he was born this way, I'm not too sure. I have been reading a lot and learning fast as I want to give this little guy the best life I can. I think he is a Hermanns but not totally sure. I can't figure out how to post pictures to this forum either. So I was wondering if there's someone knowledgable on this site who would be willing to be my email friend (I won't mither too much lol) but it would help if someone could look at a few pics of him an let me know their thoughts. My email is Nic.j@hotmail.co.uk

Thanks in advance

Gordon 13-07-2016 07:25 AM

Hello and welcome you can mail your pictures to me if you like and I will put them up and we can then give you all the advice you will need.
g.schuck17@btinternet.com

Gordon 13-07-2016 08:35 PM

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http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/...psznqhrzlx.png
http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/...pscfz40nmb.png

CherryBrandy 13-07-2016 08:44 PM

wow Nic !!! I am surprised this little fellow survived. You can have a tortoise outgrow his shell but usually they may not survive as the organs get crushed !! looks like ahorsfield but will be led by Gordon and others. Welcome Nic. He is sort of special isn't he !!

Gordon 13-07-2016 08:48 PM

There you go now we can all see him as I said he has had a very bad start in life but seems to be in good hands now he needs a lot of tlc.
As suggested soil for substrate lots of calcium and limestone flour will help his bones strengthen you have a uv lamp so that will help too.
I'm sure others will give you some other good ideas for him.
Where abouts are you and where was he rescued from.

Nicjj 13-07-2016 09:08 PM

Thank you Gordon for adding my pictures and for your advice. And yes cherry he is special couldn't resist taking him on he's a lovely little guy very active and nosy. Such a Shame he's ended up this way. I'm from Warrington he was owned by a pub landlord where my dad drinks, the guy was giving the pub up and offered him to my dad so my dad took him last week as he didn't want to see Tommy go somewhere not suitable but my dad already has various other animals so I've taken him on. I've never had a tortoise before so I have been reading and learning a lot. He is booked in to the vets the end of the month just to check him over but u can't beat advice and thoughts from experienced owners. This site seems great so glad I found it.

Nicjj 13-07-2016 09:23 PM

Thanks Gordon for adding my pictures and your advice. And yes cherry he is special couldn't resist taking him on, lovely little guy very active and nosy. It's a shame he's ended up this way. I'm from Warrington he was owned by a pub landlord where my dad drinks, the man was giving the pub up and offered him to my dad, my dad agreed as he didn't want Tommy to go anywhere unsuitable but he already has various other pets so I've taken him on and he now has a permanent home with me and my daughter. He is booked in to the vets the end of this month just to check him over but you can't beat advice and thoughts from experienced owners. So glad I came across this site

burnt toast 13-07-2016 10:53 PM

Oh boy Nic that first picture! He is very lucky to have found you. As said a good non hydrating substrate , top soil is excellent. Lots of soaks to keep him hydrated. Does he get around OK? What's his diet like? (Probably a silly question! I probabprobably should ask:what WILL he eat?

Well done for giving him a 2nd chance by the way!

Nicjj 13-07-2016 11:23 PM

Hi burnt toast he does get around ok he's very fast his shell does drag on the floor but today he did seem to be lifting himself up slightly more, but as he is my first tortoise I'm not sure if this is how they all walk. I'll list what I have been doing and please feel free to advise me changing anything.
7am lamp on
8am get fresh dandilion leaves, mix with a bit of rocket and add a pinch of nutrobal (only a small pile though as I'm still wary of over feeding him)I will add more variety of food this is just what I have been doing the last few days. He seems to really enjoy it all and eats it all pretty fast.
4pm bathe (every other day I've been doin this)
5pm a few dandilion flowers as a treat
7pm lamp off and he goes sleep not long after.
I have been letting him out of his table for an hour to walk around and exercise in the living room he seems to enjoy this (there is no dangers around I just have wooden flooring, no wires that he can get to, I enjoy sitting and watching him anyway so he's not alone when he's free) When the weathers not so wet he will have access to my lawn area in the garden I just need to make him a hut.

ClareandCo 14-07-2016 07:00 AM

Poor little chap. Could you possibly take some pictures of the plastron (underside), and post them up, or possibly email them to Gordon again and ask him to?


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