Experience w/Outcome of Softshell? First Sulcata

[Kristie8888]

I purchased a Sulcata today and its whole shell can be "squeezed" and his nose appears spongy.
I know how to care for him but I would like some insight on how long the improvements should take by people with experience in this because now that i have him at home i see how bad he really is. Also, will the back of his shell harden slightly caved in (that's what it looks like now) or will it round out a little? Owner said he is 2 years old and looks like he's had little to no light exposure. His shell is also a little thicker than a tough finger nail on a person. Isnt it supposed to be thick and rugged at 2 years old? Last question: is softshell the same thing as rot?

 

[Yvonne G]

I'm afraid you've bought a very sick baby. At 2 he should be domed and not soft at all. Take it back and get your money back. If you keep it you're going to end up spending a lot of money at the vet, plus end up with a dead tortoise. It is dying right now.

 

[Yvonne G]

No, soft shell means no calcium in the bones and shell. Deadly.

 

[dmmj]

I have to agree with yvonne, sounds sick at 2 it's shell should be on it's way to being hard, pliable at the very least. It will be a very expensive problem, with a very low rate of success.

 

[Kristie8888]

Thanks for your replies. I thought it would just end up an ugly turtle not dead. We'll see how the seller responds.