A new Owner Who is not happy - Page 2

suttysue · 04-04-2011, 03:19 PM

Nows the time to pat yourself on the back, you have rescued these wee torts so they can now be cared for in the correct manner.
Start by feeding them correctly, add a supplement (nutrobol) & give them cuttlefish to get the calcium they need. Bathe them daily in lovely warm warter, this hydrates them and will also encourage them to pee & poo.
Good luck any worries just ask the question, I'm sure there will be plenty of people willing and able to help.
Keep going they realy are worth it.
Sue

NATURALIS · 04-04-2011, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eremiel

I have put a photo of my new boys in this post (dont know if they are boys)

The dark one is George and the light one is Bilbo.

Im not happy as the title says because i bought my Tortys 3 days ago and took them to an Exotic vet today for a check up so we can start off on the right foot, only to be told their shells are so soft they could have problems and that the poor little things are full of worms!

The pet shop that had them ketp them in a very small Viv and feed them banana and stramberrys!!

I need some help!!! Any ideas how i can make my boys happy and get them healthy again.

Any chance you can send me pictures so we know what species you have , to

Jillyp · 04-04-2011, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TortBabe

Try to provide them with a really good varied diet. http://www.thetortoisetable.org.uk/s...atabase_14.asp
The above site is invaluable for learning which weeds/plants etc are safe for them to eat, and this forum shall help you with the rest. Good luck with your new torts!

This looks great with pics and info but I'm more confused than ever now. It states Borage is a no-no yet it's sold in the SW mixed seeds packet. This weed malarky is a minefield... but don't let that put you off - it's great that you've rescued them and can hopefully get them hale and hearty in no time. Good luck

Eremiel · 04-04-2011, 08:19 PM

They live in a 6 foot viv turned on the side with the glass taken out so they dont get to hot and humid. (its just a temp' home till we build one in summer)

They are Russians or Horsefields i have been told.

They are 2 years old in June.

They have a heat lamp on 12 hours aday on a dimmer therm' set to 30'

They also have a UVB strip light on 14 hours per day.

The vet told me not to feed them dry foods (pet shop pellets) So they have all the wild foods i can find. I bought a book on English Wild Plants and crossed ref' the names with the Tortise Trust website.

Im worried at the moment that they are getting to cold at night. I bought a heat mat but dont know how to use it.

Does it need a therm'? How long does it have to be on? Should it be in the cold end or the hot end at night?

Any info at all on heat mats and if i really need one would be great

Thankyou all x

NATURALIS · 04-04-2011, 08:30 PM

thanks for sending me the pictures , yes they are horsfield tortoise's , they have grown to quick so need to be feed a weed diet which has plenty of fibre in it , they also look like they need plenty of calcium .

Eremiel · 04-04-2011, 08:32 PM

i have never cried in front an Exotic Vet until Sunday that is..... The poor little things i jst cant belive they are so poorly from a pet shop that are meant to care for them.

kkenny · 05-04-2011, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ethelandedna

Don't you have to make a certain number of posts before you can add photos?

Yes 5 points needed

wigwamman · 05-04-2011, 04:28 PM

you've had some good tips on here already,so with the propper husbandry things should start to improve for your boys.
chill out a bit,this will probably be a steep learning curve for you ,there are some knowledgeable people on here if you need further help.
enjoy your new hobby
best wishes
dave

Helen M · 05-04-2011, 04:58 PM

Night time heat isn't usually necessary with Russians unless your house is really cold! Otherwise they will be fine. Just follow your vets advice. They are still young and hopefully with some tlc they'll be fine. You just need to get them eating some calcium rich foods and plenty of summer sun.

Helen xx

Minty913 · 07-04-2011, 08:56 PM

was it ******** **** by and chance? i hate the was they keep there torts i want to buy them all every time i do in there

07-04-2011, 08:56 PM	#20
Minty913 Member Hatched Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Swindon Posts: 291	was it ****** ** by and chance? i hate the was they keep there torts i want to buy them all every time i do in there Last edited by Bindi; 01-05-2011 at 02:34 PM. Reason: PM OP for establishment name

04-04-2011, 03:19 PM	#11
suttysue Senior Member Sub Adult Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: UK / Eng / Yorkshire Posts: 1,483	Nows the time to pat yourself on the back, you have rescued these wee torts so they can now be cared for in the correct manner. Start by feeding them correctly, add a supplement (nutrobol) & give them cuttlefish to get the calcium they need. Bathe them daily in lovely warm warter, this hydrates them and will also encourage them to pee & poo. Good luck any worries just ask the question, I'm sure there will be plenty of people willing and able to help. Keep going they realy are worth it. Sue

04-04-2011, 08:19 PM	#14
Eremiel Member Hatched Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Swindon, UK Posts: 301	They live in a 6 foot viv turned on the side with the glass taken out so they dont get to hot and humid. (its just a temp' home till we build one in summer) They are Russians or Horsefields i have been told. They are 2 years old in June. They have a heat lamp on 12 hours aday on a dimmer therm' set to 30' They also have a UVB strip light on 14 hours per day. The vet told me not to feed them dry foods (pet shop pellets) So they have all the wild foods i can find. I bought a book on English Wild Plants and crossed ref' the names with the Tortise Trust website. Im worried at the moment that they are getting to cold at night. I bought a heat mat but dont know how to use it. Does it need a therm'? How long does it have to be on? Should it be in the cold end or the hot end at night? Any info at all on heat mats and if i really need one would be great Thankyou all x

04-04-2011, 08:30 PM	#15
NATURALIS Senior Member Adult Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: cheshire Posts: 3,472	thanks for sending me the pictures , yes they are horsfield tortoise's , they have grown to quick so need to be feed a weed diet which has plenty of fibre in it , they also look like they need plenty of calcium .

04-04-2011, 08:32 PM	#16
Eremiel Member Hatched Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Swindon, UK Posts: 301	i have never cried in front an Exotic Vet until Sunday that is..... The poor little things i jst cant belive they are so poorly from a pet shop that are meant to care for them.

05-04-2011, 04:28 PM	#18
wigwamman Member Juvenile Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: west midlands Posts: 800	you've had some good tips on here already,so with the propper husbandry things should start to improve for your boys. chill out a bit,this will probably be a steep learning curve for you ,there are some knowledgeable people on here if you need further help. enjoy your new hobby best wishes dave

05-04-2011, 04:58 PM	#19
Helen M Senior Member Adult Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 2,362	Night time heat isn't usually necessary with Russians unless your house is really cold! Otherwise they will be fine. Just follow your vets advice. They are still young and hopefully with some tlc they'll be fine. You just need to get them eating some calcium rich foods and plenty of summer sun. Helen xx

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