Does my tortoise appear healthy..?

[Sajuro]

Hello. My name is Sam and this is my boy, Hank. He is a russian Tortoise. I am not really sure how old he is but i’m guessing around 3-4? I recently adopted him, where he was only fed romain lettuce for about 2 years or so. He is my first tortoise. Sometimes he squeaks, but my vet is booked for month. I am also new to MBD and was wondering if he showed any signs? Thank you.

Pics are right after a soak He was never soaked in his old home. We are doing every other day, because his shell is not 100 percent smooth, and a bit rugged.

 

[KarenSoCal]

Hello, and welcome to the forum!

Do you know where Hank came from originally? Before the place where he only got romaine? His shell is not severely pyramided, and I don't think there is reason to expect MBD.

To me, it looks like he had a run in with a dog somewhere in the past.

I'll tag a member who's really good with things like this.

@Yvonne G

 

[Yossarian]

Looks pretty good to me, shell is well formed and looks healthy, the white ring is new growth. No evidence of MBD. Are you all set up with your enclosure and everything? Mind showing us some pics?

I dont see any evidence of damage from dog chewing though, what are you seeing @KarenSoCal?

The Best Way To Raise Any Temperate Species Of Tortoise | Tortoise Forum

 

[Maggie3fan]

To me his carapace is rough looking and slightly bumpy, but most probably from a hard start to life.He doesn't look unhealthy. He's cute, read and follow the care sheet...

 

[Yossarian]

To me his carapace is rough looking and slightly bumpy, but most probably from a hard start to life.He doesn't look unhealthy. He's cute, read and follow the care sheet...

I am under the impression from around here that the rough indented shells on most russians result from their hatching wild, as most russians apparently are wild caught. Formed fully just from what I have read though, so open to being corrected.

 

[Maggie3fan]

I am not a Russian person so I always thought "how do they know it's wild caught?" So thanks for that bit of information
You know my sister is the Russian go to person?

 

[KarenSoCal]

I dont see any evidence of damage from dog chewing though, what are you seeing @KarenSoCal?

These holes on his carapace look to possibly be bites. Or something else that would have indented the scutes.

Try zooming in on them, especially the top photo.

 

[Yossarian]

These holes on his carapace look to possibly be bites. Or something else that would have indented the scutes.

Try zooming in on them, especially the top photo.

Thanks, I see what you mean, I think thats just normal russian shell bumpiness though tbh.

 

[Yvonne G]

That's a wild caught tortoise, and probably around 10 years of age - almost fully grown. He's fine.

 

[Sajuro]

Hello. My name is Sam and this is my boy, Hank. He is a russian Tortoise. I am not really sure how old he is but i’m guessing around 3-4? I recently adopted him, where he was only fed romain lettuce for about 2 years or so. He is my first tortoise. Sometimes he squeaks, but my vet is booked for month. I am also new to MBD and was wondering if he showed any signs? Thank you.

Pics are right after a soak He was never soaked in his old home. We are doing every other day, because his shell is not 100 percent smooth, and a bit rugged.

View attachment 314969View attachment 314970View attachment 314971View attachment 314972View attachment 314973 View attachment 314969

Looks pretty good to me, shell is well formed and looks healthy, the white ring is new growth. No evidence of MBD. Are you all set up with your enclosure and everything? Mind showing us some pics?

I dont see any evidence of damage from dog chewing though, what are you seeing @KarenSoCal?

The Best Way To Raise Any Temperate Species Of Tortoise | Tortoise Forum

Thank you for everyone’s replies! It makes me feel so much better to know he is in good condition. I know he came from Petsmart. The people I adopted him from bought him for their daughter, who knew nothing. I saw an ad for him on facebook and picked him up. I felt horrible for the little guy. I have him in a temporary 2x4 tub with two feet of mixed substrate. I am currently building a 4x4 wooden enclosure, so that I can get rid of his UVB round bulb, and get him a long UVB bulb. I will get pictures when I get home

 

[1wildtiger]

Hey there and welcome!!! There’s definitely a lot to learn about keeping a tortoise. I am pretty new and constantly reading these posts and educating myself. Hope you have a great time with your new friend!! Thanks for rescuing Hank from a boring and possibly lethal existence!! ?❤️?