PLEASE READ - IMPORTED HERMANNI - WARNING! - Page 9

Kirkie · 15-11-2008, 12:13 AM

Good stuff , they're a great organisation.

Don't get panicked by the Slovenian imports if you've got them. I've got some of dubious origin before I knew any better with no problems so far. Just give them the best care you can mate.

Ozric Jonathan · 15-11-2008, 06:29 PM

I think there are people who want to buy a tortoise and have trouble finding a captive breeder in their area who has the tortoise that they want to keep. I personally had this experience and in the end travelled a large distance to find the animal I wanted from a suitable source. The person I bought from wanted to know how I was planning to look after it and I didn't have the tortoise in my posession until we were both satisfied with the situation. I wanted to see how they cared for their animals and what their attitiude was.

I also think there are people who do not think at all before they act and for them the ready availablility of Slovenian tortoises means they simply pick one up a pet shop or have one sent to them by an internet courier company and the animal is in their posession within a few hours. These customers have not had any help in deciding if they can care for a tortoise adequately because the suppilers do not have this question in their mind at any point. Its just a question of 'its a sale, sale equals profit' slam bam thank you mam.

Personally if I ever buy any more tortoises I will collect them in person from a captive breeder whose husbandry I feel is appropriate and with whom I have a relationship that goes beyond the exchange of some money. But maybe for some people this isn't an option and I certainly don't look down on them.

**Alan1** · 10-12-2008, 02:57 PM

I have just discovered that our two 2006's are from Slovenia also. I was mistakenly under the impression that captive bred meant captive bred in the UK.

I'm extremely worried now because one of them has not eaten for 5 days and shows no sign of being interested in food at all. Apart from that he's not interested in drinking and wants to get out the bath at high speed as soon as he's put in it. He does walk through the water on his own accord at times though but doesn't stop to drink. Apart from all that there is no sign of being ill at all and is happy to go about the table.

Can anyone please tell me if that is really unusual behaviour to go 5 days without eating and wanting to escape the bath?

MrD · 05-01-2009, 01:14 AM

Hi,

I also have two 2006 Hermanns torts. One of which seems to be very active, eating a lot and has shown growth since I got them in August. However, my other one (Patch) has recently become lethargic, not as willing to eat and I have the same issue when bathing him (possibly her)... He just wants to get out!
I think I could be worrying for no reason, and have been told to try and not compare the two as they are both individual and will have varying needs! But I think the fact I bought them from a Pet Shop 'grrrr' and they are Slovenian, is beginning to worry me. I really would be most upset if I lost either Herman (original I know, but I am sure he answers to it) or Patch.

I see that other people have thought about taking torts to a vet for a check up? Does anyone with a little more experience think this would be worthwhile? And if so, how much could I expect to pay?

**Alan1** · 05-01-2009, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrD

Hi,

I also have two 2006 Hermanns torts. One of which seems to be very active, eating a lot and has shown growth since I got them in August. However, my other one (Patch) has recently become lethargic, not as willing to eat and I have the same issue when bathing him (possibly her)... He just wants to get out!
I think I could be worrying for no reason, and have been told to try and not compare the two as they are both individual and will have varying needs! But I think the fact I bought them from a Pet Shop 'grrrr' and they are Slovenian, is beginning to worry me. I really would be most upset if I lost either Herman (original I know, but I am sure he answers to it) or Patch.

I see that other people have thought about taking torts to a vet for a check up? Does anyone with a little more experience think this would be worthwhile? And if so, how much could I expect to pay?

I think not comparing them is a good idea. The 'awkward' one of mine is gradually starting to eat weeds and as for wanting to get out the water, some days he sits for ages now and some days he wants out right away but I've noticed that if the water is very warm he will sit longer than if it's not. I took the advice of Linda (I think, apologies if it was someone else) and got a washing up basin for bathing them in.
You've had yours longer than me though and if it has been fine up till now and is now becoming lethargic maybe a visit to the vet would be best. Is one maybe warmer than the other or are they in together?

MrD · 06-01-2009, 02:42 PM

Hi, thanks for the reply. I am glad there are other tort newbies here to share thoughts with (as well as get expertise from you more exprienced tort carers).

Mine are both in the same enclosure together. The temp is about 27-29 degrees in the hottest part and about 21-23 degrees in the coolest part!! I read to keep it between 20 and 30 in the two areas. I hope that's right?

I've caught Patch eating more the last few days. I think he doesn't like eating in front of people, and only does it when no one is watching. I will get a washing up bowl as it could be the small bowl I am using now that puts him off (it's about 4 times the size of him).

I have found a vet local to me (who happens to be on here too, which is cool) and I am going to try and arrange a check up visit in the next few weeks (Thanks Rodneyvet).

By the way... I think it has to be said... Although I have only had my torts since August, it is safe to say I am slowly becoming addicted. I find myself sitting with them and just chilling out!!

nicnic · 06-01-2009, 04:11 PM

Iv just got back from the vets, Geogre(my first hermanns) was fine yesterday,eating well, running round and very happy. however this morning he was just sat there looking at me and very lathagic, sadley he stoped breathing just as we saw the vet. iv never been so heart broken in my live. The vet try to do wat he could, but it didnt help and he couldnt tell me WHY!!!! Geogre was from slovenia, hatched 06. on his paper work section 18 both the 3rd & 4th boxes have crosses in them were on my other torts paper work thay only have a cross in the 3rd box. there country of origin is also slovenia,thay also say in section 4 that thay were "Previously on slovenian certificate" Iam heart broken, worried sick for my little family, Dont understand what the paper work means But most of all i havent got a clue why my little George died. Can anyone help or have any idears please ??? Nicola

Kirkie · 06-01-2009, 07:27 PM

Nicnic,

This is kind of hidden away at the top of the section so I just wanted to say a heartfelt sorry for your terrible news. It's so sad when a pet dies and when it happens as quickly as this its heartbreaking. I'm sure you're not in the mood for any probing questions about your poor tort at the moment but please consider any others you have. It's worth seeing a specialist vet to give them check up. You can find a list in the health section.

Sorry again for your loss.

nicnic · 06-01-2009, 09:28 PM

Please feel free to ask anything. thanks

Hazel · 06-01-2009, 11:02 PM

So sorry to hear about your tort

15-11-2008, 06:29 PM	#82
Ozric Jonathan Senior Member Adult Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: West of Scotland Posts: 4,226	I think there are people who want to buy a tortoise and have trouble finding a captive breeder in their area who has the tortoise that they want to keep. I personally had this experience and in the end travelled a large distance to find the animal I wanted from a suitable source. The person I bought from wanted to know how I was planning to look after it and I didn't have the tortoise in my posession until we were both satisfied with the situation. I wanted to see how they cared for their animals and what their attitiude was. I also think there are people who do not think at all before they act and for them the ready availablility of Slovenian tortoises means they simply pick one up a pet shop or have one sent to them by an internet courier company and the animal is in their posession within a few hours. These customers have not had any help in deciding if they can care for a tortoise adequately because the suppilers do not have this question in their mind at any point. Its just a question of 'its a sale, sale equals profit' slam bam thank you mam. Personally if I ever buy any more tortoises I will collect them in person from a captive breeder whose husbandry I feel is appropriate and with whom I have a relationship that goes beyond the exchange of some money. But maybe for some people this isn't an option and I certainly don't look down on them. __________________ Testudo Hermanni Hermanni (Corse) tortoises Last edited by Ozric Jonathan; 15-11-2008 at 06:33 PM.

06-01-2009, 02:42 PM	#86
MrD Member Hatched Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Kent, UK Posts: 415	Thanks all! Hi, thanks for the reply. I am glad there are other tort newbies here to share thoughts with (as well as get expertise from you more exprienced tort carers). Mine are both in the same enclosure together. The temp is about 27-29 degrees in the hottest part and about 21-23 degrees in the coolest part!! I read to keep it between 20 and 30 in the two areas. I hope that's right? I've caught Patch eating more the last few days. I think he doesn't like eating in front of people, and only does it when no one is watching. I will get a washing up bowl as it could be the small bowl I am using now that puts him off (it's about 4 times the size of him). I have found a vet local to me (who happens to be on here too, which is cool) and I am going to try and arrange a check up visit in the next few weeks (Thanks Rodneyvet). By the way... I think it has to be said... Although I have only had my torts since August, it is safe to say I am slowly becoming addicted. I find myself sitting with them and just chilling out!!

06-01-2009, 11:02 PM	#90
Hazel Member Juvenile Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Manchester Posts: 853	So sorry to hear about your tort __________________

15-11-2008, 12:13 AM	#81
Kirkie Senior Member Adult Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 4,887	Good stuff , they're a great organisation. Don't get panicked by the Slovenian imports if you've got them. I've got some of dubious origin before I knew any better with no problems so far. Just give them the best care you can mate.

10-12-2008, 02:57 PM	#83
Alan1 Super Moderator Adult Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Sunny Scotland Posts: 21,512	I have just discovered that our two 2006's are from Slovenia also. I was mistakenly under the impression that captive bred meant captive bred in the UK. I'm extremely worried now because one of them has not eaten for 5 days and shows no sign of being interested in food at all. Apart from that he's not interested in drinking and wants to get out the bath at high speed as soon as he's put in it. He does walk through the water on his own accord at times though but doesn't stop to drink. Apart from all that there is no sign of being ill at all and is happy to go about the table. Can anyone please tell me if that is really unusual behaviour to go 5 days without eating and wanting to escape the bath?

05-01-2009, 01:14 AM	#84
MrD Member Hatched Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Kent, UK Posts: 415	Hi, I also have two 2006 Hermanns torts. One of which seems to be very active, eating a lot and has shown growth since I got them in August. However, my other one (Patch) has recently become lethargic, not as willing to eat and I have the same issue when bathing him (possibly her)... He just wants to get out! I think I could be worrying for no reason, and have been told to try and not compare the two as they are both individual and will have varying needs! But I think the fact I bought them from a Pet Shop 'grrrr' and they are Slovenian, is beginning to worry me. I really would be most upset if I lost either Herman (original I know, but I am sure he answers to it) or Patch. I see that other people have thought about taking torts to a vet for a check up? Does anyone with a little more experience think this would be worthwhile? And if so, how much could I expect to pay?

06-01-2009, 04:11 PM	#87
nicnic Member Hatched Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Wigan, Manchester Posts: 309	Iv just got back from the vets, Geogre(my first hermanns) was fine yesterday,eating well, running round and very happy. however this morning he was just sat there looking at me and very lathagic, sadley he stoped breathing just as we saw the vet. iv never been so heart broken in my live. The vet try to do wat he could, but it didnt help and he couldnt tell me WHY!!!! Geogre was from slovenia, hatched 06. on his paper work section 18 both the 3rd & 4th boxes have crosses in them were on my other torts paper work thay only have a cross in the 3rd box. there country of origin is also slovenia,thay also say in section 4 that thay were "Previously on slovenian certificate" Iam heart broken, worried sick for my little family, Dont understand what the paper work means But most of all i havent got a clue why my little George died. Can anyone help or have any idears please ??? Nicola

06-01-2009, 07:27 PM	#88
Kirkie Senior Member Adult Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 4,887	Nicnic, This is kind of hidden away at the top of the section so I just wanted to say a heartfelt sorry for your terrible news. It's so sad when a pet dies and when it happens as quickly as this its heartbreaking. I'm sure you're not in the mood for any probing questions about your poor tort at the moment but please consider any others you have. It's worth seeing a specialist vet to give them check up. You can find a list in the health section. Sorry again for your loss.

06-01-2009, 09:28 PM	#89
nicnic Member Hatched Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Wigan, Manchester Posts: 309	Please feel free to ask anything. thanks

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