I found this guy in my backyard yesterday while hunting down a ball I had thrown for my dogs! I thought he was "just a turtle" but after doing some research and talking to someone at a local bird/reptile store I found out he's a Tortoise! I've been researching care for these guys and had no idea it was so involved. I would love to take proper care of him while I figure out what to do with him. The idea of keeping him is exciting but after reading even just a little info on care for these creatures I'm worried I may not be the best fit. I guess my first questions is what kind of tortoise is he (or she???). I noticed diets differs between species and again I want to make sure while I have this guy he gets the care he needs. Help!
Found Tortoise
- Thread starter holly91
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Hi! You have found a Russian tortoise. What all are you doing to try to locate his owner, who is most likely beside themselves with worry over his being missing?
He's a russian that appears to have been in captivity for quite some time. I think before you look too far into their care, you need to post flyers, craigslist ads, etc. to find this little guy's proper home before you decide to keep him/her.
Russians are escape artists so there is probably someone not far from you missing their tortoise.
Russians are escape artists so there is probably someone not far from you missing their tortoise.
its a Russian. Check with your neighbors and place a few generic signs. If no one claims, then its yours!
Or you can find a home for it...
if you post more pictures we can tell you if its male or female.. take a belly pic and tail area.
Or you can find a home for it...
if you post more pictures we can tell you if its male or female.. take a belly pic and tail area.
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- Feb 27, 2009
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- The Catskill Mountains of New York State
Yes it's a Russian tortoise. They live on land (not on a brick in the water).
For his diet while your finding his owners, go with greens, especially weeds if you don't use yard chemicals or give your dogs ivermectin products you can use ones from your own yard. Things like dandelions, plantain, clover, grape leaves and mulberry leaves. Do you have any hibiscus or rose of Sharon (althea) bushes? No fruits for this guy. Warning they can climb what looks to be an impossible item and escape easily. He's going to need something big enough he can be soaked, with warm water just up to where his two shells meet.
Oh my gosh guys...thank you!!! I wasn't sure if it was possible that he escaped or if someone just dumped him. I wasn't certain on whether I should be posting signs and if crazies would reply. Again, I just want to keep this guy safe. I will start making signs right now. And if not on a brick in water...where should I keep him? I certainly don't want my dogs to get him in the yard!
holly91 said:
YOU WOULDN'T HAPPEN TO LIVE IN PENSACOLA WOULD YOU??? I know someone who is desperately looking for her Russian Tortoise.
Since hopefully you wont have him for long, do you have a plastic tote box or even a tall cardboard box would work temporarily. BE sure to not give all the information on the "Found" flyers. You want to be sure the person who lost the animal can ID him, but others can't just pretend it's there animal. Like perhaps just say, "Found Tortoise". Then they have to tell you what species it is. Don't show the picture either.
and one in Germanstown, TN
TheTortoiseWhisperer said:
and one in Germanstown, TN
Welcome!
No...I live in Michigan! As for the signs I kept it very basic, "Found Tortoise" with my number. I've started asking the neighbors too. I have him in a large tote type thing with some collard greens and a shallow dish of water. Now if he would just relax and stop trying to climb out I've also contacted a local rescue and am hoping to transfer him to them while trying to locate the owner.
I've also contacted a local rescue and am hoping to transfer him to them while trying to locate the owner.
Never know what you will find! Welcome!
Welcome!- Status
