Katsy Lairmore
Member
Hey everyone!
I have very very little information to give everyone about a redfoot tortoise that I rescued tonight but here is what I do know: The lady that has had her doesn't have a clue how long, let her roam the kitchen with no heat, lights, or a water bowl that she could get in. She never soaked her. She didn't know what kind of tortoise it even was!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! she had no idea on age but guessed it was a girl. she has been feeding her fruit and lettuce but wouldn't tell me what kinds other than strawberries and iceburg lettuce. she didn't know the size. She was very very reluctant to give me much info.
OK, so I'm in panic mode right now! I get her home and OMG she can hardly breath, runny nose, mucous filled eyes and one had a bit of blood, kinda looks injured. I soaked her in warm water, scrubbed her (not hard, but enough to get some nasty stuff off cuz she smelled terrible), the water was so brown that i couldn't see through it.
I made sure to dry her very well and put her on a warm (not hot!!) heating pad mostly to keep her warm while she finished drying from her bath and i have a heater in the same room as her so that she stays warm. I'm checking temps often and keeping my eye on her. I know that keeping her warm is very important, especially right now. Im soooooo worried about her!!!!!! She has such labored breathing! I do not have an on call reptile vet here in Lincoln. I am calling as soon as they open on Monday morning and requesting an emergency visit.
What can I do until then?
This was a short notice rescue so please be kind. I have other tortoises/turtles (a sulcata, 2 russian, a three toed box turtle, and an ornate box turtle (both box turtles are also rescues)) but I am not too familiar with this particular breed. I do have the heat lamps, UVB lights, calcium and diet needs covered, and everything I need to get her all set up. The lady said she was big but had no idea her weight so I didn't set up an enclosure because I wasn't sure what size I needed.
I just weighed her and she is 4 pounds, 14.8oz and looking straight down she is 9x6 (12x9 if laying the measuring tape on her)
She seems weak. What should I start feeding her to get the most nutrients in her?
I have very very little information to give everyone about a redfoot tortoise that I rescued tonight but here is what I do know: The lady that has had her doesn't have a clue how long, let her roam the kitchen with no heat, lights, or a water bowl that she could get in. She never soaked her. She didn't know what kind of tortoise it even was!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! she had no idea on age but guessed it was a girl. she has been feeding her fruit and lettuce but wouldn't tell me what kinds other than strawberries and iceburg lettuce. she didn't know the size. She was very very reluctant to give me much info.
OK, so I'm in panic mode right now! I get her home and OMG she can hardly breath, runny nose, mucous filled eyes and one had a bit of blood, kinda looks injured. I soaked her in warm water, scrubbed her (not hard, but enough to get some nasty stuff off cuz she smelled terrible), the water was so brown that i couldn't see through it.
I made sure to dry her very well and put her on a warm (not hot!!) heating pad mostly to keep her warm while she finished drying from her bath and i have a heater in the same room as her so that she stays warm. I'm checking temps often and keeping my eye on her. I know that keeping her warm is very important, especially right now. Im soooooo worried about her!!!!!! She has such labored breathing! I do not have an on call reptile vet here in Lincoln. I am calling as soon as they open on Monday morning and requesting an emergency visit.
What can I do until then?
This was a short notice rescue so please be kind. I have other tortoises/turtles (a sulcata, 2 russian, a three toed box turtle, and an ornate box turtle (both box turtles are also rescues)) but I am not too familiar with this particular breed. I do have the heat lamps, UVB lights, calcium and diet needs covered, and everything I need to get her all set up. The lady said she was big but had no idea her weight so I didn't set up an enclosure because I wasn't sure what size I needed.
I just weighed her and she is 4 pounds, 14.8oz and looking straight down she is 9x6 (12x9 if laying the measuring tape on her)
She seems weak. What should I start feeding her to get the most nutrients in her?