I visited a distant relative this past weekend and when I saw how they had their red footed tortoise housed...well, I wan't leaving with out it (I thin it's a she). I didn't actually know what kind of tortoise she was until lots of internet research and then I came upon this forum!
What I know is that she has been housed in a 10 gallon aquarium for the past 3 years and lived with someone else before that for 2 years so they "said" she is 5. She has been attacked by their dog on numerous occasions and has some damage to her shell (see pics).
I had a neighbor help me build an enclosure for her on Monday to get her out of that acquarium. I think she really needs to go to someone who can properly care for her and that lives in a more humid environment. I travel for work two weeks out of each month so keeping her doesn't seem like a good idea. I have hired a pet sitter for the next business trip I am taking so she will have the care that she needs.
I started her on fresh veggies, fruit and the Mazuri tortoise diet right away. She's eating so much, it's like she hasn't eaten in days! Her shell is approximately 6" x 5.5".
Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. I am willing to transport her just about anywhere as needed and also cover any veterinarian costs if she needs to be seen for her shell damage.
What I know is that she has been housed in a 10 gallon aquarium for the past 3 years and lived with someone else before that for 2 years so they "said" she is 5. She has been attacked by their dog on numerous occasions and has some damage to her shell (see pics).
I had a neighbor help me build an enclosure for her on Monday to get her out of that acquarium. I think she really needs to go to someone who can properly care for her and that lives in a more humid environment. I travel for work two weeks out of each month so keeping her doesn't seem like a good idea. I have hired a pet sitter for the next business trip I am taking so she will have the care that she needs.
I started her on fresh veggies, fruit and the Mazuri tortoise diet right away. She's eating so much, it's like she hasn't eaten in days! Her shell is approximately 6" x 5.5".
Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. I am willing to transport her just about anywhere as needed and also cover any veterinarian costs if she needs to be seen for her shell damage.