KatQuinn
New Member
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.