Found Tortoise

[Bnorbz]

Hey guys, I was walking my dog and found this tortoise in the middle of the street. I brought it to a neighbor that has one and he said it wasn't his. My question is, does anybody know what type of tortoise it is? I really want to know, and Should I set him free or keep him? Thanks! (That's the best pic I could get for now)

 

[Bogie=babyDINO]

He looks like a Russian to me but I'm not sure. His shell doesn't look too healthy either, poor guy.

 

[Texas Scott]

Yea looks like a Russian. Outer scutes are definitely odd looking

 

[Bnorbz]

Yea looks like a Russian. Outer scutes are definitely odd looking

Yeah, they're curling up quite a bit. So do you think it was someone's pet? I was hoping it wasn't a California desert one because I live in San Diego

 

[Texas Scott]

Yeah, they're curling up quite a bit. So do you think it was someone's pet? I was hoping it wasn't a California desert one because I live in San Diego

Well if it is a Russian it would definitely be someone's lost or abandoned pet. Russians are not native to the states.

 

[ascott]

Hey guys, I was walking my dog and found this tortoise in the middle of the street. I brought it to a neighbor that has one and he said it wasn't his. My question is, does anybody know what type of tortoise it is? I really want to know, and Should I set him free or keep him? Thanks! (That's the best pic I could get for now)

That sure looks like a short shelled Russian...likely was a pet to someone at one time....would appear that the tort has not had a reliable source of good husbandry ...that type of shell is usually a result of a lacking diet and lack of proper uv exposure... you gonna keep it? hmmm? hmmm? looks like it was meant to be....I mean, what are the odds you come across a Russian in the road and it not be meant to be????

 

[SarahChelonoidis]

Looks like a lost pet Russian to me too. Start putting up fliers, post on Craigslist, etc. looking for its owner.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

I wouldn't be very anxious to finds it's owner. It looks like he wasn't treated very well.
Look for it's owner. But don't look very hard.

 

[SarahChelonoidis]

I wouldn't be very anxious to finds it's owner. It looks like he wasn't treated very well.
Look for it's owner. But don't look very hard.

It could have been some previous owner responsible for the shell condition. For all we know, this tortoise has had good care for the last few years, the escape not withstanding.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Yes.
I'm a Smart-ss is all.

 

[Lyn W]

........or just wait to see if anyone is looking for it?
I think a caring owner will go to the ends of the earth to find their lost tort, so keep your eyes out for lost posters.

 

[Yvonne G]

Yeah, they're curling up quite a bit. So do you think it was someone's pet? I was hoping it wasn't a California desert one because I live in San Diego

Hi, and welcome to the Forum!

No, it's not native and it's against the law to release him (or put him back). He's an escaped pet. I would put up fliers on the utility poles in the neighborhood where he was found. Be sure to make the writing on the flier large enough so that someone driving by can read it.

 

[Bnorbz]

That sure looks like a short shelled Russian...likely was a pet to someone at one time....would appear that the tort has not had a reliable source of good husbandry ...that type of shell is usually a result of a lacking diet and lack of proper uv exposure... you gonna keep it? hmmm? hmmm? looks like it was meant to be....I mean, what are the odds you come across a Russian in the road and it not be meant to be????

I think it is, because the first pet I've ever wanted was a turtle! I'm gonna take super good care of him. Right now he's chillin in the sun in my gated front yard, I put out some fruit, there's grass and a dish of clean warm water

 

[Bnorbz]

Here's another pic!

 

[ascott]

It could have been some previous owner responsible for the shell condition. For all we know, this tortoise has had good care for the last few years, the escape not withstanding.

You have a point, there is however a flip side to most coins....for all we know, the tortoise said the heck with these people, I am out of here and hit the road???hmmmm? maybe??

 

[ascott]

I think it is, because the first pet I've ever wanted was a turtle! I'm gonna take super good care of him. Right now he's chillin in the sun in my gated front yard, I put out some fruit, there's grass and a dish of clean warm water

What type of fruit? I can not stop myself so I am just going to say it...fruit generally is not a great item for this species..some species are fine with fruits, this one is not so much...so maybe a morsel or two...broad leafy greens are the ticket, but since the nomad has perhaps had it rough while on the run, some fruit may be the bonding item for you two...until you can offer up some other goods that are good for him.....or her....?

Also, they are escape artist, can climb straight up and over a wired fence, somewhat the spider man of the tortoise world...so keep an eye out...

 

[Bnorbz]

What type of fruit? I can not stop myself so I am just going to say it...fruit generally is not a great item for this species..some species are fine with fruits, this one is not so much...so maybe a morsel or two...broad leafy greens are the ticket, but since the nomad has perhaps had it rough while on the run, some fruit may be the bonding item for you two...until you can offer up some other goods that are good for him.....or her....?

Also, they are escape artist, can climb straight up and over a wired fence, somewhat the spider man of the tortoise world...so keep an eye out...

I just gave him one strawberry for nourishment and the rest some spring lettuce and broccoli! Do you recommend any other foods? And wow that's crazy! I have an un used fountain in my back yard and I also set up a place for him to chill there, made sure it was dry and made a little cave for him to feel safe in.

 

[ascott]

I just gave him one strawberry for nourishment and the rest some spring lettuce and broccoli! Do you recommend any other foods? And wow that's crazy! I have an un used fountain in my back yard and I also set up a place for him to chill there, made sure it was dry and made a little cave for him to feel safe in.

Spring mix is good, broccoli is good in small amounts and not to often. Does it rain often where you are? Fountain? You mean a decorative water fountain? Does it has drain holes in the event of rainfall....? Is the fountain directly in the sun? Is it made out of concrete? Essentially, does it become a cooker over when it is in the sun? If yes, perhaps a different set up is in need....

 

[Texas Scott]

I think it is, because the first pet I've ever wanted was a turtle! I'm gonna take super good care of him. Right now he's chillin in the sun in my gated front yard, I put out some fruit, there's grass and a dish of clean warm water

If your going to keep the tortoise I suggest you read this asap and head over to the Russian tortoise sub forums.
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/

 

[Bnorbz]

Spring mix is good, broccoli is good in small amounts and not to often. Does it rain often where you are? Fountain? You mean a decorative water fountain? Does it has drain holes in the event of rainfall....? Is the fountain directly in the sun? Is it made out of concrete? Essentially, does it become a cooker over when it is in the sun? If yes, perhaps a different set up is in need....

Yeah it's a decorative fountain made mostly out of concrete and small rocks. I live in sunny San Diego , the fountain is under a shaded tree, it rarely rains here. Even during the summer, that spot will stay cool