Does his shell look okay?

[Mushroom02]

Recently took in what looks to be a male, today. I’m assuming he came from a place of neglect considering the previous owner dumped him at a pet store, saying they’d kill him if they didn’t accept him.

I’m worried that his shell might have some issues. I intend to get him to a vet asap, but want to try and get a clue on what might be going on. His shell has some small cracks by his back legs.

(Also, I know his beak is long. I look forward to being able to get that corrected for him so he can finally be comfortable!)

 

[Sarah2020]

Hi, His shell looks like he has been through the wars but nothing awful. Check his walking posture.

Please read this carefully sheet

The Best Way To Raise Any Temperate Species Of Tortoise

I chose the title of this care sheet very carefully. Are there other ways to raise babies and care for adults? Yes. Yes there are, but those ways are not as good. What follows is the BEST way, according to 30 years of research and experimentation with hundreds of babies of many species. What is...

tortoiseforum.org

I recommend regular warm water shallow soaks in a high sided container . Provide fresh green leaves and dandelions if available on a terracotta dish. You can get a vet check but I think correct set up heat, light, enclosure size, diet, soaks will all help you make this shelled warrior happier and healthier.
Introduce a cuttlefish bone into the enclosure to help with calcium intake for strong, bones, shell, beak and claws.

If you have possiblity of a secure outdoor enclosure In addition to an indoor for cooler weather that is a plus.

Ask questions we are happy to help.

 

[TammyJ]

His claws need to be properly trimmed by someone experienced or a good reptile vet. Seems like he was kept totally wrong, and spent his life on smooth tiles or something equally unsuitable.

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Hello! Agree with the above, hopefully he can get a little nail trim on the back claws and hope you find the link helpful.

You might like these too, I based them off the forums care information and added some visual aids

This covers correct equipment(uvb, heating bulbs, lighting etc, definitely double check your bulb types), sizing(you can get away with smaller indoors if you can build a larger outdoor space when weather permits, but still go sizeable), appropriately maintaining the humidity, safe substrates, there’s lots of visual examples for everything, and a really handy diet link to check out!

Housing adult Russian and Hermans indoors

Hello there! In this thread I’m going to include some information an example of an appropriate indoor set up for an older Herman/russian. As much as it’s encouraged to have tortoises in a safe outdoor enclosure, I understand being from the uk myself, that some climates make it difficult to...

tortoiseforum.org

This includes lots of inspiration for an adult set up both indoors and out! The indoor bit has some good ideas to tackle indoor space whilst still providing the needed roaming room! Check comments too, I’m always adding to it. I know the recommended adult size is intimidating to some, especially if you’ve been lead into thinking he’ll be fine in a smaller set up(very common) but tortoises long term health really does rely on lots of roaming room. If you’re unable to go that big, go as big as you can

Enclosure inspiration

Howdy folks! Hope everyone is well! As you all know, I’m a big fan of making threads that cater more towards visual learners like myself, I’ve really been wanting to create a thread full of adult enclosure inspiration for a while now, I’ve managed to find some great references over time! I do...

tortoiseforum.org

Lastly, this one here is probably most important to go over and keep on hand, it’ll help you avoid the wrong bulbs, substrates, housing etc, I always encourage double checking purchases on the forum too before buying

Common keeping errors

Hello everyone! I’d been a long time lurker on this site long before joining just under a year ago now, over that time I’ve seen these husbandry issues come up time and time again, sometimes with dire consequences☹️ I thought this thread might serve as a good visual guide for these common...

tortoiseforum.org

Hope they help! Welcome to the forum, bless you for taking this guy in