Please help redfoot tortoise

[trx]

Hello everyone my name is Veselin i recently bouth a 1 year old redfoot from Wilton pet shop which im bit regreting should of look a bit longer for a breeder in London.The toroise came upsidedown in a tiny box first i tought they forgot to send it Anyway ive been having it for 6 days eating fruits veg and zoomed forest tort food +sepia bone at all times.The viv is vivaexotic vx36 (90cm by 50cm),red spotlight with dimming thermostat on 88 F,bedding is cypress mulch and moss i a plate under the light.Im keep researching and learning everyday and im hopping im doing it right.The tort(i havent think of a name yet) got like shell damage on the botom notthing magor the reptile keepers in ZSL said its probably from rubbing in a hard surface but they were unsure.It doesnt smell and its not soft also my major issue is there is a tiny white spot under his eye if anyone could help me ill be more than grateful.
Thanks

Got detailed pictures of the shell and the eye but dont know how to post them.

[burnt toast]

http://shelledwarriors.co.uk/forum/s...ad.php?t=29355

Sorry I dont keep redfoots, but this should help with posting pictures

[FLINTUS]

Originally Posted by trx

Hello everyone my name is Veselin i recently bouth a 1 year old redfoot from Wilton pet shop which im bit regreting should of look a bit longer for a breeder in London.The toroise came upsidedown in a tiny box first i tought they forgot to send it Anyway ive been having it for 6 days eating fruits veg and zoomed forest tort food +sepia bone at all times.The viv is vivaexotic vx36 (90cm by 50cm),red spotlight with dimming thermostat on 88 F,bedding is cypress mulch and moss i a plate under the light.Im keep researching and learning everyday and im hopping im doing it right.The tort(i havent think of a name yet) got like shell damage on the botom notthing magor the reptile keepers in ZSL said its probably from rubbing in a hard surface but they were unsure.It doesnt smell and its not soft also my major issue is there is a tiny white spot under his eye if anyone could help me ill be more than grateful.
Thanks

Got detailed pictures of the shell and the eye but dont know how to post them.

Do you mean wilton, salisbury? You need to set up a photobucket account. Never buy from a pet shop. When an adult this tort will need min 6 by 5 ft enclosure outdoors in a shed or greenhouse. The bedding's good just spray everyday. That shell damage could be the start of MBD, so a photo would be good. Does he have pyramiding? Get rid of the viv or at leasy upgrade it to a 4 or 5 by 2 ft enclosure-I use a large rabbit plastic case. Right diet outlined is weeds or fruit-very little veg but salad is okay- with mushrooms or animal protein(not live food-low fat dog food's good) once a week but don't overfeed. Good weeds include dandelions, clover, hibiscus, forget-me-not, chickweed, bittercress, e.t.c Once making 5 posts you can PM me and I'll tell you more about them as I have one of a similar age to yours.

[pagan queen]

Originally Posted by FLINTUS

Do you mean wilton, salisbury? You need to set up a photobucket account. Never buy from a pet shop. When an adult this tort will need min 6 by 5 ft enclosure outdoors in a shed or greenhouse. The bedding's good just spray everyday. That shell damage could be the start of MBD, so a photo would be good. Does he have pyramiding? Get rid of the viv or at leasy upgrade it to a 4 or 5 by 2 ft enclosure-I use a large rabbit plastic case. Right diet outlined is weeds or fruit-very little veg but salad is okay- with mushrooms or animal protein(not live food-low fat dog food's good) once a week but don't overfeed. Good weeds include dandelions, clover, hibiscus, forget-me-not, chickweed, bittercress, e.t.c Once making 5 posts you can PM me and I'll tell you more about them as I have one of a similar age to yours.

Flintus, why are you so abrupt? Your post sound like you are giving orders. I don't know anything about redfoots but please give this person a break. I'm not having a go, it's nice of you to offer help but you sound so scary in your posts, I worry the person my be put off and miss out on valuable help.

[Mick.Ire]

Originally Posted by pagan queen

Flintus, why are you so abrupt? Your post sound like you are giving orders. I don't know anything about redfoots but please give this person a break. I'm not having a go, it's nice of you to offer help but you sound so scary in your posts, I worry the person my be put off and miss out on valuable help.

I didn't think that was too abrupt, just full of correct facts. I've seen a lot worse.

Like Flintus said, you need a bigger enclosure. Humidity is a key factor for these torts. What are your ambient temps like and basking temps? Do you have a UVB source?

[EJ]

Wiltons is one of the better shops in the UK. The animals are very well taken care of before being sold. Actually better than many private collections I've seen. This is from an observation from about a year or so ago.

The enclosure you have is just fine for now but it will most likely need a larger enclosure as it grows. Tortoises kept in a viv will do better than those that are not unless you live in an area that is constantly warm or you have a designated room that is kept warm. The climate in a viv is so much easier to control.

On the food... Dark leafy greens should be the main mix with as much variety as possible being provided. If you are feeding pellets... which I highly suggest you do... I would recommend a complete pellet such as Mazuri, NutraZu, Pretty Pets, Komodo or T-Rex tortoise diets.

If you could post some photos of the tortoise and plastron that would be helpful to see what is going on as far as health issues.

Here is a helpful little guide that also covers Redfoot type tortoises. It should provide suggestions and answer the questions on your tortoise general needs...
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tortoises-Co.../dp/0793828635

On the shipping... There is always the chance the tortoise is going to get flipped over. As long as the tortoise is not in water or direct heat they can remain on their backs for days without any harm. Also... a smaller box is better than a bigger box because there is less chance of the tortoise getting bounced around. The tighter the tortoise is packed... the better... within reason.

[EJ]

They weren't quite facts and they werent quite correct. It also was abrupt.

Originally Posted by Mick.Ire

I didn't think that was too abrupt, just full of correct facts. I've seen a lot worse.

Like Flintus said, you need a bigger enclosure. Humidity is a key factor for these torts. What are your ambient temps like and basking temps? Do you have a UVB source?

[EJ]

Two more specific books are...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/search/re...&index=blended

The more expensive is more comprehensive and up to date. If you have a serious interest in Redfoots that is a must have book... The Redfoot Manual.

[boxman]

Originally Posted by FLINTUS

Do you mean wilton, salisbury? You need to set up a photobucket account. Never buy from a pet shop. When an adult this tort will need min 6 by 5 ft enclosure outdoors in a shed or greenhouse. The bedding's good just spray everyday. That shell damage could be the start of MBD, so a photo would be good. Does he have pyramiding? Get rid of the viv or at leasy upgrade it to a 4 or 5 by 2 ft enclosure-I use a large rabbit plastic case. Right diet outlined is weeds or fruit-very little veg but salad is okay- with mushrooms or animal protein(not live food-low fat dog food's good) once a week but don't overfeed. Good weeds include dandelions, clover, hibiscus, forget-me-not, chickweed, bittercress, e.t.c Once making 5 posts you can PM me and I'll tell you more about them as I have one of a similar age to yours.

Do not give low fat dog food- low fat as opposed to high fat will just take longer to cause harm. As Ed suggests, Mazuri or similar will give the protein needed.
You can also pm me or e mail (paul@ukchelonia.info) as I have kept a WC breeding herd for 22 years, and have bred countless hatchlings for UK owners over the years..

[EJ]

What was the origin of the animals you first got?

I don't recommend any animal protein on a regular basis. Redfoots need the same amount and kind of protein as all tortoises.

Originally Posted by boxman

Do not give low fat dog food- low fat as opposed to high fat will just take longer to cause harm. As Ed suggests, Mazuri or similar will give the protein needed.
You can also pm me or e mail (paul@ukchelonia.info) as I have kept a WC breeding herd for 22 years, and have bred countless hatchlings for UK owners over the years..