what type of tortoise is this?

[turtlesitter]

Hi, im dog and house sitting and the guy has a turtle too... they said just to feed it lettuce but I used to have a classroom pet tortoise that liked fruit and flowers... I was wondering what type of turtle this was so I know if I could feed it something besides lettuce, I feel a little bad for it

 

[Lyn W]

I've no idea but it looks very dry in there. Does it have a big plant saucer to self soak in?
www.thetortoisetable.org.uk will give you some ideas for tort safe plants

 

[dwright27]

I'm not sure either. But you're right, he needs more than lettuce! The tortoise table site is great. I would avoid fruit until you know the species.

 

[Lyn W]

I've no idea but it looks very dry in there. Does it have a big plant saucer to self soak in?
www.thetortoisetable.org.uk will give you some ideas for tort safe plants

Just make sure any you feed are not treated with chemical sprays or fertilisers e.g. shop bought plants in pots etc.

 

[wellington]

It looks like a very poorly kept sulcata, that's in too small of an enclosure and needs a much better diet then just lettuce. Quite sad that they didn't think enough about him to let you know ahead of time they had it, or maybe I misunderstood. It does need water 24/7 and a UVB light. Depending on where you are located and how cold the house is, it does need heat too. Would be great if you could better his life while your house sitting and then maybe you could get the owners to further better the poor guys life.
More pics from front, head and legs would help to confirm species
Btw, thanks for caring enough to do some research for him and joining us. Pass this forum on to his owners too please. Maybe you could talk them into letting you have the tort? I think you would give it a good home.

 

[Yvonne G]

Poor tortoise. Yes, it's a sulcata, and by the looks of him he hasn't had the best care/diet/conditions. We have a very good care sheet for Sulcata tortoises pinned at the top of our sulcata section.

Start by setting him in a shallow tub of warm water and just leave him there for about a half hour. The water should come up to the middle of his sides.

Print out the care sheet so you can give it to the tortoise's owner when they come to get him. He needs some big changes in his life.

 

[Tippiethetortoise]

I feel so bad for this little guy It's obvious he hasn't had that good of care. Maybe you could show them pictures of healthy sulcatas and they will realize how poor of shape theirs is in.

 

[dwright27]

Wow.. I couldn't even recognize him as a sully. I'm such a n00b lol.

Best of luck, I hope something can be done for him

 

[bouaboua]

Poor tortoise. I really hope his/her days are getting better from today on.

 

[Tom]

Here is a care sheet:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/how-to-raise-a-healthy-sulcata-or-leopard-version-2-0.79895/

Here is what to feed them:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/for-those-who-have-a-young-sulcata.76744/

What not to do:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/


Good luck. I hope you can improve this guys life.

 

[turtlesitter]

Thanks everyone that helps, he has a water dish and light and lives in southern California so pretty sure it stays hot enough. Ill read through the tips and try to find something to cheer him up

 

[RayRay]

also check the light bulb. I can't really see a reflection good but is it a swiggly one? Those are bad.

 

[turtlesitter]

I gave mr tortoise a bath he came out and started looking around

 

[Lyn W]

View attachment 156343 I gave mr tortoise a bath he came out and started looking around

He looks as if he is enjoying that. Mine loves to stretch out all four legs in his luke warm bath - he loves it.

 

[turtlesitter]

Like this haha

 

[Lyn W]

Yup just like that!!

 

[turtlesitter]

Oops sorry for the double picture it didn't show up in the preview

 

[Lyn W]

No probs - twice as nice.
Just a quick tip in case you've not spotted it anywhere - if that's a people bath tub make sure soap or cleaning products etc are cleaned away before popping him in as torts will absorb water while they are in it as well as drink it, and don't be surprised if he wees or poops in it!! He really does look relaxed there!

 

[turtlesitter]

I tried to get him to follow a lettuce trail to get some exercise.... he thought the lettuce was a trap and went the opposite direction

 

[Lyn W]

I tried to get him to follow a lettuce trail to get some exercise.... he thought the lettuce was a trap and went the opposite direction

He could be nervous if he's not used to being out of his tank - its a big scary world out there and the floor will be much colder!
Keep your eye out for anything he could swallow - they will eat anything - socks, pins plastic - anything!!