Hello from California and need advice

KatQuinn

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Joined
Jul 12, 2017
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Location (City and/or State)
Southern California
Hello form Southern California. My little cousin’s family asked me to take care of their one-year old tortoise. However, I quickly realized it was living under some neglectful conditions mostly due to poorly given advice. I am not sure what kind of keeper told them it would be fine to keep little Pistachio in a guinea pig cage with lights that were clearly not strong enough to keep a warm environment or provide the right uvb. My concern began when I picked him up for the first time and felt his shell was rather squishy. I have been doing research since then and making adjustments. His shell is also concerning because it is flat (we’re not sure what kind of specie he is but he does not seem to be a pancake tortoise). So far, I have replaced his lights, started giving him tortoise grass pellets mixed with wheat grass (which may not be the perfect diet but it’s better than the ice berg lettuce he was being fed) and calcium supplements. On the days I do not have work I take him outside for a while. I have also begun to give him baths every other day. Right now, I am working on getting a wooden crate to replace the ridiculous rabit cage and talking to my cousin’s family about investing on a lacer thermometer. My concern right now is that he remains burrowed inside his hiding spot even when I take him outside. I am not sure if I should take away his hiding spot. He only comes out to eat. His eyes are lively and his nostrils are clear, but his back legs drag a little. He’s only been under my care for two weeks, but I have grown attached to this little guy and I want to do everything I can to make sure he lives a long happy life. So far I have not seen a notable change and I am starting to get worried. I just want to know if there is anything else I can do. Thank you.
 

Tidgy's Dad

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Hello, Kat, and a very warm welcome to Tortoise Forum. :)
Thanks for taking him on.
We will need photos of the tortoise and his enclosure to identify the species and give relevant advice.
I would recommend a visit to a recognized specialist herp vet to get him checked over. (normal vets can be worse than useless) .
And have a read of http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/ if you haven't already done so.
 

KatQuinn

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Jul 12, 2017
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Location (City and/or State)
Southern California
Do you have any substrate? Also, the sooner you can change his/her enclosure to a closed chamber to prevent further pyramiding the better :)
I was hoping he had not begun to pyramid. I was waiting until I got a wooden crate to put a substrate, but perhaps I should just do it regardless. Thank you for the advice.
 

AmberD

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I am by no means an expert, but looks like a redfoot from that pic? Thank you for taking the time to try to make things better for the little one.
 

Yvonne G

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It's hard to tell from the angle of the picture, but I'm thinking it's a desert tortoise, or maybe a sulcata. Can we see pictures of his underside and his front legs?

That cage is a pretty sad state of affairs. Here's what a baby enclosure should look like:

aquarium.jpg

. . . plenty of hiding places and shade from the hot light - substrate that you can moisten for humidity - a cover to keep the warm air inside.
 

Taylor T.

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The head looks like a Sulcata to me. More pictures would help give a definitive ID
 

Alaskamike

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Glad you came here for help. The folks here have helped me.

If you stay engaged here you will get lots of advice , don't let it overwhelm you. We only try to help.

Do what you can , when you can.
Know it takes time for damage to show from poor care - it also takes time for recovery , frequently many months. Be patient with us & the little tort
 

KatQuinn

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Joined
Jul 12, 2017
Messages
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Location (City and/or State)
Southern California
It's hard to tell from the angle of the picture, but I'm thinking it's a desert tortoise, or maybe a sulcata. Can we see pictures of his underside and his front legs?

That cage is a pretty sad state of affairs. Here's what a baby enclosure should look like:

View attachment 212612

. . . plenty of hiding places and shade from the hot light - substrate that you can moisten for humidity - a cover to keep the warm air inside.
Thank you for the picture. This is definitely what I am aiming for.
 

KatQuinn

New Member
Joined
Jul 12, 2017
Messages
8
Location (City and/or State)
Southern California
T
Glad you came here for help. The folks here have helped me.

If you stay engaged here you will get lots of advice , don't let it overwhelm you. We only try to help.

Do what you can , when you can.
Know it takes time for damage to show from poor care - it also takes time for recovery , frequently many months. Be patient with us & the little tort
Thank you, I really appreciate it.
 

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