New to tortoise keeping

Lissie

New Member
Joined
Jun 30, 2020
Messages
10
Location (City and/or State)
Memphis TN
I recently acquired a baby sulcata from a friend who rescued it from owners who had no idea how to care for it. The child of the house had left it in the driveway and my friends picked it up right before it wandered into the street. It was a few hours before anyone even wondered where this precious baby was. They had no idea how to care for it either. I am rapidly learning about tortoise care and housing. Thank God I can forage meals for it, I am currently unemployed and will gradually gather all it's needs. I live in SW TN and currently have perfect weather for the it. I put it in its outdoor habitat I created around midday and bring it in to a shoebox size tote on a reptile heater at night. When outside if he is not basking or napping in the shade it is wandering around grazing. Just checked on him and he was soaking in his water. I have 2 concerns I've only had him 3 days he hasn't pooped yet.... and someone painted or colored w gel pens on its shell....could this be harmful? I think it likes me compared to last home, is that possible? It's almost like his little eyes light up when he sees me, wondering what im dropping off next for him to sample. He is loving the rose petals i gave him today.
 

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Tom

The Dog Trainer
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Bless you for rescuing this poor baby. Here is the correct and current care info. Most of the care info you find out in the world for this species is wrong.
 

Lissie

New Member
Joined
Jun 30, 2020
Messages
10
Location (City and/or State)
Memphis TN
I recently acquired a baby sulcata from a friend who rescued it from owners who had no idea how to care for it. The child of the house had left it in the driveway and my friends picked it up right before it wandered into the street. It was a few hours before anyone even wondered where this precious baby was. They had no idea how to care for it either. I am rapidly learning about tortoise care and housing. Thank God I can forage meals for it, I am currently unemployed and will gradually gather all it's needs. I live in SW TN and currently have perfect weather for the it. I put it in its outdoor habitat I created around midday and bring it in to a shoebox size tote on a reptile heater at night. When outside if he is not basking or napping in the shade it is wandering around grazing. Just checked on him and he was soaking in his water. I have 2 concerns I've only had him 3 days he hasn't pooped yet.... and someone painted or colored w gel pens on its shell....could this be harmful? I think it likes me compared to last home, is that possible? It's almost like his little eyes light up when he sees me, wondering what im dropping off next for him to sample. He is loving the rose petals i gave him today.
 

Lissie

New Member
Joined
Jun 30, 2020
Messages
10
Location (City and/or State)
Memphis TN
He pooped!!!!! Looks like a healthy poop from what I've read
...
 

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Lissie

New Member
Joined
Jun 30, 2020
Messages
10
Location (City and/or State)
Memphis TN
Bless you for rescuing this poor baby. Here is the correct and current care info. Most of the care info you find out in the world for this species is wrong.
That was the first thing I read when I found this forum. I'm already head over heels for this little guy. Have many items on food list growing in my yard or very near me.
 

nicoleann2214

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 11, 2020
Messages
917
Location (City and/or State)
NY
I recently acquired a baby sulcata from a friend who rescued it from owners who had no idea how to care for it. The child of the house had left it in the driveway and my friends picked it up right before it wandered into the street. It was a few hours before anyone even wondered where this precious baby was. They had no idea how to care for it either. I am rapidly learning about tortoise care and housing. Thank God I can forage meals for it, I am currently unemployed and will gradually gather all it's needs. I live in SW TN and currently have perfect weather for the it. I put it in its outdoor habitat I created around midday and bring it in to a shoebox size tote on a reptile heater at night. When outside if he is not basking or napping in the shade it is wandering around grazing. Just checked on him and he was soaking in his water. I have 2 concerns I've only had him 3 days he hasn't pooped yet.... and someone painted or colored w gel pens on its shell....could this be harmful? I think it likes me compared to last home, is that possible? It's almost like his little eyes light up when he sees me, wondering what im dropping off next for him to sample. He is loving the rose petals i gave him today.
Have you tried gently washing the shell with warm water to try to get it off
 

Lissie

New Member
Joined
Jun 30, 2020
Messages
10
Location (City and/or State)
Memphis TN
Have you tried gently washing the shell with warm water to try to get it off
Yes with a soft toothbrush, didn't want to scrub to hard afraid I might do more damage. As long as it's not affecting him negatively (reason for my concern) I'm sure it will wear off in time.
 

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