So I had to 'adopt' this poor 3-toed box turtle from people who apparently got it from owners who did not look after her. They said she was raised in a small shoe box and was fed pizza and bread. I got her today and she is in quite a state. Her beak is about 1/4- 1/2" inch below her bottom jaw and her toe nails are more like claws, super overgrown. She has what appears to be some sort of shell rot on her plastron. The guy I got her from said she only ate a small amount of veggies since they had her (2 weeks).
I have other torts and turtles but have never had a box turtle so I'm not familiar at all with them. I have been reading tons on here and on the net. The overgrown nails and beak are way out of my experience level. Is this something people can do or is a vet the best option? I feel awful for her (i believe its a female)and I've never seen such a neglected turtle. She has not even looked at food. I soaked her when I brought her home to see if she'd perk up but not really. I'm not sure what to do to make her eat and what would be the best to get her back on tack. I worry she's too weak to survive.
They thought (but weren't too sure) she was about 12 years old. She weighs 224 grams, a half pound. She seems very frail. Not sure what's normal for that age.
Any advice is appreciated.
Thanx
I have other torts and turtles but have never had a box turtle so I'm not familiar at all with them. I have been reading tons on here and on the net. The overgrown nails and beak are way out of my experience level. Is this something people can do or is a vet the best option? I feel awful for her (i believe its a female)and I've never seen such a neglected turtle. She has not even looked at food. I soaked her when I brought her home to see if she'd perk up but not really. I'm not sure what to do to make her eat and what would be the best to get her back on tack. I worry she's too weak to survive.
They thought (but weren't too sure) she was about 12 years old. She weighs 224 grams, a half pound. She seems very frail. Not sure what's normal for that age.
Any advice is appreciated.
Thanx