newbie from Alberta, Canada

enad1999

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Jul 7, 2014
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Hi, I am from Alberta, Canada and have a Russian Tortoise named Bubbles. We have had her(?) since March 2008, and her story is this: A couple that we were friends with were separating and the mom decided to get the daughter a tortoise. Needless to say, it didn't work out and she asked me if I knew anyone who wanted her.... I went to have a look, just so that I would know how to describe her, and was not happy. Apparently their dog thought it was a toy at some point and picked it up, so she has 2 scars on her shell :( and she was left in an empty room with some water, a lamp, a head of iceberg lettuce and half a banana! She was very pale and didn't move much.... I ran home got my hubby, went back with the vehicle, packed up all her belongings and took her home. She was named Bubbles by the young girl, so I kept the name. After a long week of trying to figure her out, she liked apples, lettuce, bok choy, and being outside! Everyone in the neighborhood knows her and visits when she is out on the front lawn, and her color got way better. ( There is more to tell, but I will get to my point for now..) The problem is that now she is not eating well, it seems like she wants to, but she can't seem to open her mouth to bite as well as before... I have been soaking her a few times a week for the past month, taking her outside, and trying different foods, but .... and she seems like she only spins herself instead of walking... not sure what to do.... there are no reptile vets around my area, so I was wondering if anyone knew of a good one around the Edmonton area?? thanks
 

wellington

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Can you post a pic of her? Is she not eating good and not walking good or just one? She may need a beak trim, but a pic would help.
Hello and Welcome:) Glad you took her in.
 

StaceyJ

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Yes, hello and welcome! My neighbors visit my tort when outside as well. Who can resist such a cool pet ;) Sounds like you are doing your very best to get the care she needs.
 

vanisle09

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I live in Calgary and also have a Russian Tortoise. There is a vet in Dewinton just outside of Okotoks that is really good. The vet owns a tortoise as well and has a lot of experience with reptiles. I know it is t near Edmonton but it is an option.

Dewinton Pet Hospital

Eva is the vets name
 

pam

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Welcome can you post a picture
 

bouaboua

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Hello and Welcome.
 

Yvonne G

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Welcome to the Forum!

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enad1999

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Thank you all for your replies :) .. here are some pics of Bubbles... any help would be appreciated!
 

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Lady Thompson

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Hi there :) I'm from Canada too. Welcome! Sorry I don't have any advice I'm really new at this too.
Oh can I ask what type of substrate do you use? I'm having the hardest time finding any topsoil without fertilizers or perlite in it. Thanks!
 

enad1999

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Hi there :) I'm from Canada too. Welcome! Sorry I don't have any advice I'm really new at this too.
Oh can I ask what type of substrate do you use? I'm having the hardest time finding any topsoil without fertilizers or perlite in it. Thanks!
 

enad1999

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I use play sand mixed with "bed a beast" .... not sure if I am doing this right either.... she still loves to be handled, but won't walk, so I need to move her from her warm spot to her substrate at night.... I have a tile that she sits on under her light, but it is not in the pics... was cleaning it...
 

enad1999

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Well, my Bubbles is severely calcium deficient :( I have been doing a lot wrong, and now, I don't know if I can undo the damage. She is on calcium drops and I am feeding her a critical care slurry every day. She has a new UVB light, plus a heat lamp. I set up a humid hide in her terrarium and have a thermometer and hydrometer. She has a soak everyday for now as she is dehydrated and she goes outside whenever possible for natural light. I feel like such a failure. Any new owners reading this, please read and listen to the experienced owners on here. I wish I would have found this site sooner instead of taking for granted that I knew what I was doing... :(. She will be seeing the vet again in about 6wks, sooner if there are issues.
 

Lady Thompson

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Oh I'm so sorry about Bubbles. :( But please don't blame yourself and feel guilty. All you can is move forward and you obviously care greatly. They are confusing little creatures for me too and I'm still learning. My little guy already had eyes problems and had to have antibiotic drops. It was most likely from the coil UVB I was using. I felt so awful about it too. But all we can do is learn as much as possible and do all we can to keep them healthy moving forward. It sounds like you are really trying.

Ormond's eyes seem to be fine now and he is eating and active. I hope your little one heals up quickly. Keep us updated. Take care.
 

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