2 new Horsefields

[lilllis]

Originally Posted by TortMad

Where abouts are you, we may be able to reccommend a good tort vet. It is surprising what a different it makes visiting a specialist tort vet compared to a general small animal vet

I have two male horsfields about the same size as the biggest size quoted and they are sub adults I have owned them for 5 years plus. Both were petshop bought so exact age is unknown.

I have also got a hopefully female who has a huge shell and tiny body. Too much protein in the diet causes this and even though she is only a touch smaller in shell size than my boys she is substantially younger. I couldn't believe it when I picked her up (from a private sale like you are doing).

Of course the current owners may have just measured them wrong.

Wait till you see them in the flesh for a more accurate size, sex and age

OOOOO that may explain things... he said in his email to be they are measuring from head to tail... am i right in guessing the way you should measure them is along the underside - after all that size cant change! I will let you know on friday see what you think...

Im based in colchester, Essex however i do know of a vet based 50 mins from me in Romford... same person who is doing the meandmytortoise talk in june.

[lilllis]

Originally Posted by Kirkie

Hi Lilllis,

One the question you asked about the possible age of the tortoises it will be quite hard to tell exactly, they are more than likely imports and you dont need any paperwork for Horsfields. Tortoises do grow at different paces so it could be these two are similar age despite the size difference. I got my first Horsfields the other week in similar circumstances. The owner I got them from was also told they were "18 months old" and the biggest is only scraping 6CM's, they're tiny, probably well under a year old. So I think "18 months to 2 years" is a pet industry standard answer when you dont really know.

Did you say they were identified as male and female by a vet or was it by the owner? I'm asking because I had a similar situation when buying two Hermanns tortoises. The owner said they were a pair because one was "very Alpha". When I got there they were both females and it was just the owners interpretation of their behaviour.

As Tortmad has said 1 male to 1 female is the worst possible combination for any Med tortoises, you should be prepared to split them up at any time. On an indoor table this can be done by simply dividing the enclosure in half. Post some pics of their undersides when you get them, the experts may be able to sex them for you. (You may just have to buy another 5 females

Thanks for this the more info im getting the more intreged i am to see them... and this week is going so slowly!

I dont mind how old they are as long as i have a rough idea... so i have a reason to celebrate the big birthdays!!!

I get the impression the vet has sexed them as male and female but again if they are two or younger it may be wrong if they are older and i do have a guy and girl.... i may have to get more! hehe

[lilllis]

Is there anything i should keep an eye out for - i know runny noses are bad thing... anything else?

[Kirkie]

Well their eyes are a good indicator of their health. They should have bright eyes, not sunken or closed or puffy. They should be alert, if they are picked up they should react. Ask to see them feeding. Erm I'm sure there's other things....

[TortMad]

Yes its the underside (plastron) that is what is measured. I think there is a guide on how to measure correctly in the health section.

As for what to look out for, shiny clear black eyes are good so is a dry nose and no sounds when breathing. An active tort is good and so is a smooth shell.

Also when they walk they walk tall and clear of the floor, not dragging their bum on the floor if you get what I mean.

[lilllis]

Originally Posted by Kirkie

Well their eyes are a good indicator of their health. They should have bright eyes, not sunken or closed or puffy. They should be alert, if they are picked up they should react. Ask to see them feeding. Erm I'm sure there's other things....

your a star thanks for this! i am sure if i make sure everything ok with what you have mentioned then they will be ok till i get them to a vet!

[TortMad]

http://www.shelledwarriors.co.uk/for...ead.php?t=6550

This is the guide I was talking about

[Kirkie]

Originally Posted by TortMad

Also when they walk they walk tall and clear of the floor, not dragging their bum on the floor if you get what I mean.

Absolutely, they should be up on their toes. Like this...

Any excuse to post a pic

[lilllis]

Originally Posted by TortMad

http://www.shelledwarriors.co.uk/for...ead.php?t=6550

This is the guide I was talking about

Thank you for that very interesting! but i know i will be asking more questions when it comes to later in the year! lol

[lilllis]

awww i see why you wanna post your pic!!!

Thank you both for your info tonight! im now getting nervouse about friday!
Tonight I have been typing away online and been punching holes in a lid of huge plastic sandwich box for transporting them im! Now i know im blonde but never try and hammer a nail through a plastic lid... plastic bends and flicks back.... im sure you can see where im going with this!

Right im off to bed so if i dont reply im not being rude thanks again and keep an eye out on friday afternoon for some piccies!!!!!