Newbie Needing Advice

MPappagallo · Jun 15, 2019

I am considerign adopting these two young sulcatas from someone that has only had them for about 4 months. He said they had some "shell disfiguration" when he received them, but that it hasn't seemed to affect them. He stated they are eating and seem to be healthy, but he realized he just doesn't have time to deal with them. Can any of you experts tell me what might cause these shell issues...and if they are worth a 2 1/2 hour drive to pick them up? I would love to give them a good home and a great life....but I don't want to go get them only to find out they have some terrible disease or health issues that will prevent them from living a normal life. One of them appears to have a cracked area near the front of the shell...and the other one appears to have some disfigurartion along the bottom edge...you can see it a little better in the bottom view. Obviously, they need a better enclosure....which I would definitely provide. Let me know what you guys think. Thanks in advance for any advice.

Tom · Jun 15, 2019

They look like a dog chewed on them at some point in the past. That damage will be less noticeable as they gain size.

If you want to rescue them, go for it. Just be sure to house them separately. They should never be housed in pairs.

dmmj · Jun 15, 2019

I was expecting some horrible MBD. They look good, is it worth the drive? Probably

MPappagallo · Jun 15, 2019

Tom said:
They look like a dog chewed on them at some point in the past. That damage will be less noticeable as they gain size.

If you want to rescue them, go for it. Just be sure to house them separately. They should never be housed in pairs.

Thanks so much! I would definitely keep them separate. I am happy to hear that they will probably be fine as they grow.

MPappagallo · Jun 15, 2019

dmmj said:
I was expecting some horrible MBD. They look good, is it worth the drive? Probably

Thanks so much! Being new at this, I just wanted to make sure that it wasn't a big problem that I wouldn't be experienced enough to handle. I am thrilled to know that it's no big deal!

Cathie G · Jun 15, 2019

MPappagallo said:
Thanks so much! Being new at this, I just wanted to make sure that it wasn't a big problem that I wouldn't be experienced enough to handle. I am thrilled to know that it's no big deal!

Hello. I'm so glad you joined the TFO...and that you are going to rescue a couple of tortoises. I don't know anything about the tortoises you are acquiring but people on this site do so ask them...My little guy is a Russian and we both have shell babys

MPappagallo · Jun 15, 2019

Cathie G said:
Hello. I'm so glad you joined the TFO...and that you are going to rescue a couple of tortoises. I don't know anything about the tortoises you are acquiring but people on this site do so ask them...My little guy is a Russian and we both have shell babys

Thanks for the welcome! I have literally been on this site non-stop for the past several days trying to absorb every bit of info I can! LOL My brain is about to explode at this point...but I really wanted to make sure that I learned as much as I could before I got my own tortie. I had no plans to get one this quickly, but an opportunity came along, and I decided to take the plunge. I am excited, and looking forward to learning more and more as time goes by.

Cathie G · Jun 16, 2019

MPappagallo said:
Thanks for the welcome! I have literally been on this site non-stop for the past several days trying to absorb every bit of info I can! LOL My brain is about to explode at this point...but I really wanted to make sure that I learned as much as I could before I got my own tortie. I had no plans to get one this quickly, but an opportunity came along, and I decided to take the plunge. I am excited, and looking forward to learning more and more as time goes by.

It's a constant learning. I've also found that hobbies I had when I was younger are helping me also. I studied plants for gardening, basket weaving, even edible wild plants. I liked doing Amish type of wood working. ( now I have Lowe's cut it if I can) Anyway, I've found that I'm using a lot of those type of experiences too. Just about when I think I've got Saphire down pat, I find out I'm an ex pat. He comes up with something, I'll have to outsmart him on again. Have fun with it.

MPappagallo · Jun 16, 2019

Cathie G said:
It's a constant learning. I've also found that hobbies I had when I was younger are helping me also. I studied plants for gardening, basket weaving, even edible wild plants. I liked doing Amish type of wood working. ( now I have Lowe's cut it if I can) Anyway, I've found that I'm using a lot of those type of experiences too. Just about when I think I've got Saphire down pat, I find out I'm an ex pat. He comes up with something, I'll have to outsmart him on again. Have fun with it.

Thanks so much! I know what you mean about the old hobbies coming in handy! I am a gardener as well...and I have already begun thinking about what new things to plant for a "tortoise buffet". LOL Also, I love building things, so I am looking forward to setting up enclosures and building fun things!

Cndlou0309 · Jun 17, 2019

MPappagallo said:
Thanks for the welcome! I have literally been on this site non-stop for the past several days trying to absorb every bit of info I can! LOL My brain is about to explode at this point...but I really wanted to make sure that I learned as much as I could before I got my own tortie. I had no plans to get one this quickly, but an opportunity came along, and I decided to take the plunge. I am excited, and looking forward to learning more and more as time goes by.

This is wonderful! They will come to us!
All of my rescues, dogs, cats, hens... have been rescued! They find me!!!
I’m new to torrties as well! I just acquired 2 45 year old CA Desert Tortoises from a friend going thru a divorce! She has had them their entire lives! Sad to see them displaced, I agreed to take them! I just love em! Such personalities!!
This forum is amazing! Full of great advice from wonderful experts!!
Best to you & your two new babies!!

wellington · Jun 17, 2019

Get everything set up and running before bringing them home. It will make it easier and less stressful.
Like you have been doing, read all you can and ask questions any time. Dont read off this forum. That will really confuse you. There are differing opinions on some things within this forum, but 99% of all the ideas, etc are still correct.

drew54 · Jun 17, 2019

I have to agree with Wellington. Get it set up, temps right, humidity, etc. You don't wnt to be messing with this with your little one in there. Get it set up at least 24 hrs before you get your little dude. That will give you time to work out the kinks and save yourself and your tort issues.

MPappagallo · Jun 17, 2019

Cndlou0309 said:
This is wonderful! They will come to us!
All of my rescues, dogs, cats, hens... have been rescued! They find me!!!
I’m new to torrties as well! I just acquired 2 45 year old CA Desert Tortoises from a friend going thru a divorce! She has had them their entire lives! Sad to see them displaced, I agreed to take them! I just love em! Such personalities!!
This forum is amazing! Full of great advice from wonderful experts!!
Best to you & your two new babies!!

Thanks so much! We picked up our babies tonight, and just made it home. I am so happy to have them here and totally looking forward to getting to know them! I will probably spend 15-20 hours tomorrow taking pictures of them...lol. Congrats on your two new ones as well. It's wonderful that you were able to help your friend out by taking them. I know you will enjoy having them around.

kazjimmy · Jun 17, 2019

The breeder pull out the baby out of the egg shell way too early! They would be fine. Closed chamber would help the shell develop back to smooth and the craps would be less notice after tortoise got bigger, like 5 years old.

MPappagallo · Jun 17, 2019

kazjimmy said:
The breeder pull out the baby out of the egg shell way too early! They would be fine. Closed chamber would help the shell develop back to smooth and the craps would be less notice after tortoise got bigger, like 5 years old.

Thanks so much for the information. We picked them up today and we are setting up their enclosures so they will each have a comfortable space!

DesertGirl · Jun 19, 2019

MPappagallo said:
Thanks for the welcome! I have literally been on this site non-stop for the past several days trying to absorb every bit of info I can! LOL My brain is about to explode at this point...but I really wanted to make sure that I learned as much as I could before I got my own tortie. I had no plans to get one this quickly, but an opportunity came along, and I decided to take the plunge. I am excited, and looking forward to learning more and more as time goes by.

You DO know how big those things get, don’t you? If you’re ok with that, get ‘em.

MPappagallo · Jun 19, 2019

DesertGirl said:
You DO know how big those things get, don’t you? If you’re ok with that, get ‘em.

Yes...we are familiar with them. We have several friends that own large (over 100 lbs) sulcatas,so we have been thinking about it for quite some time!

Sue Ann · Jun 19, 2019

MPappagallo said:
I am considerign adopting these two young sulcatas from someone that has only had them for about 4 months. He said they had some "shell disfiguration" when he received them, but that it hasn't seemed to affect them. He stated they are eating and seem to be healthy, but he realized he just doesn't have time to deal with them. Can any of you experts tell me what might cause these shell issues...and if they are worth a 2 1/2 hour drive to pick them up? I would love to give them a good home and a great life....but I don't want to go get them only to find out they have some terrible disease or health issues that will prevent them from living a normal life. One of them appears to have a cracked area near the front of the shell...and the other one appears to have some disfigurartion along the bottom edge...you can see it a little better in the bottom view. Obviously, they need a better enclosure....which I would definitely provide. Let me know what you guys think. Thanks in advance for any advice.

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Oh please rescue them! Poor things have had a rough start by the looks of them and are waay too dry

Sue Ann · Jun 19, 2019

Cathie G said:
Hello. I'm so glad you joined the TFO...and that you are going to rescue a couple of tortoises. I don't know anything about the tortoises you are acquiring but people on this site do so ask them...My little guy is a Russian and we both have shell babys

Love that term "shell babies"

Cathie G · Jun 20, 2019

Sue Ann said:
Love that term "shell babies"

I like that too...but his name is Saphire the walking rock. He just sits there a bit and studies...then decides to move around and do something...kinda like me.

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