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ShermanDT

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Joined
Oct 26, 2021
Messages
7
Location (City and/or State)
SouthBay, CA
My 82 year old mother has had DT for about 20 years. She took over care when a neighbor, who had him for 40+ years, moved out of state. He has always lived outside. My mom broke her ankle, in surgery now, so I am now taking over care. He has never burrowed under ground but has a little dug in area in dirt under half a plastic carrier. Mom has always boxed him and put him in closet in back of house for winter. He has di not eat last week and very little week before. On Sunday, we had a very cold, very windy rain storm so he was brought inside. It is cloudy and 64 now, expecting to be down to 55 tonight. He is resting quietly in his box. My question is should I leave him alone and let him hibernate. Mom says it is the normal time for him to go down but normally he is brought in after he does not come out at all for a few days. He was soaked last week.

He was seen by vet in August for beak trim. He weighed 11.86# and measured 13 1/2 inch. Vet said he was very healthy.
 

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ShermanDT

New Member
Joined
Oct 26, 2021
Messages
7
Location (City and/or State)
SouthBay, CA
Thank you! I know they are pretty tough little guys. His story is he was found walking down the street near an elementary school. He became "class pet" since owner was never found. At the end of the school year, our neighbor brought him home and he has lived outdoors since then.
 

Yvonne G

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Jan 23, 2008
Messages
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Location (City and/or State)
Clovis, CA
I would like to see his plastron, please.

I believe you said he hasn't eaten in a while? If that's the case go ahead and box him up. Do you have a cold closet like at your mom's?
 

ShermanDT

New Member
Joined
Oct 26, 2021
Messages
7
Location (City and/or State)
SouthBay, CA
Yes, he has a closet in the back room of the house that she uses. Going on the 3rd week of not eating.
 

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ShermanDT

New Member
Joined
Oct 26, 2021
Messages
7
Location (City and/or State)
SouthBay, CA
Thank you very much Yvonne!.

It's wonderful to have a place to get answers from experienced owners.

When I asked the vet about the missing nuchal scute, the reply was Oh, yeah CDTs don't have that.
 

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