HELP I JUST RESCUED!!

paigefaneller

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hey guys:)
I already own 2 tortoises & today I stumbled upon someone who couldn't take care of this Sulcata anymore, no picture was shown. I receive this new tortoise. It looks to be not in the best condition. Never seen a heat lamp ever & it's never had a hide..... I'm currently giving it a bath so it warms up and hydrates a little bit... what's next guys??? HELP!!
ImageUploadedByTortoise Forum1502577895.051180.jpgImageUploadedByTortoise Forum1502577918.622986.jpgImageUploadedByTortoise Forum1502577935.901494.jpg

(I took pictures of what I thought seemed unhealthy)
 

Taylor T.

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Thank you for saving that tortoise. It looks like he was kept very dry and without UVB. Definitely give him daily soaks in lukewarm water. Can you post photos of his enclosure? Temperatures should be 95-100 degrees in his basking spot, 85-90 on the warm end, and 80 degrees on the cool end of his enclosure. Humidity should be over 80% at all times.

Here are some things to read:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/how-to-raise-a-healthy-sulcata-or-leopard-version-2-0.79895/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/for-those-who-have-a-young-sulcata.76744/
 

wellington

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All you can do now is give him the best diet, hydration some calcium and as much natural sun as possible.
 

Maitaimommy

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Glad you found him and are trying to help. I agree with the other comments on this thread. Keep doing what you're doing:)
 

Stuart S.

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This tortoise is extremely lucky to have you, I'm not being cruel but the former owner said they couldn't take care of it anymore; this poor tortoise has never been cared for...the best thing you can do is follow the care sheets above, get this baby on a proper diet with daily soaks and proper heat and humidity. It needs a good UV strip light and supervised time outdoors to stop the MBD from getting worse. Unfortunately the damage has already been done, but with time and proper care this baby can have a long happy life. Good luck with your baby and keep everything documented on here, the folks here really know what they're talking about.
 

paigefaneller

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Thank you guys so much for the feedback!! currently this Tort has gotten more lively as he/she has been with me for a few hours. the only issue is I haven't gotten it to eat!!!!! any tips?? He/She did pee on me while I was handling it for a second so that gives me a decent sign but nothing has been digested!
 

Maitaimommy

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It make take awhile for him to eat. Please try not to worry. Promise he won't starve.
 

paigefaneller

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Should I be worried no feces was found in his old enclosure & none when I soaked him?
 

paigefaneller

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& I have come to notice, this tortoise doesn't really stand up tall when he/she tries to walk. It more scoots then walks & barely uses left-front arm.
 

Maitaimommy

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My russian hobbles or glides when he walks. No need to worry. Everything will be ok:)
I understand your concern but it will be ok:tort:
 

Big Charlie

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& I have come to notice, this tortoise doesn't really stand up tall when he/she tries to walk. It more scoots then walks & barely uses left-front arm.
The MBD might be the reason. Someone on the forum rescued a tort with very bad MBD and I believe she soaked in fairly deep warm water so the tort would be encouraged to move his limbs for exercise. Sort of a hydrotherapy program.
 

paigefaneller

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The MBD might be the reason. Someone on the forum rescued a tort with very bad MBD and I believe she soaked in fairly deep warm water so the tort would be encouraged to move his limbs for exercise. Sort of a hydrotherapy program.
I'll definitely keep natural sunlight & hydrotherpy in mind trying to get this little guy back to good health! Thank you!!!
 

Stuart S.

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Thank you guys so much for the feedback!! currently this Tort has gotten more lively as he/she has been with me for a few hours. the only issue is I haven't gotten it to eat!!!!! any tips?? He/She did pee on me while I was handling it for a second so that gives me a decent sign but nothing has been digested!

It will take him a little while to get used to his new home but once he's content and getting good care you'll have a little vacuum :)
 

mike taylor

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The good thing is he's got a lot of growing to do . If you set him up right and follow the forums care sheet by the time he grows up the pyramiding will be a thing of the past. Soak him feed him and give his the good ole sunshine.
 

paigefaneller

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We noticed another small issue. The bottom part of the shell seems soft..... is that again because no UVB was given???
 

paigefaneller

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this Tort definitely does sleep a lot.... is that a concern for its condition or just growing ???
 

Maitaimommy

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Daily natural sunlight trumps artifical UVB light anyday! My tort sleeps alot and he's very healthy:) Lots of good info on here:):tort:
 

mike taylor

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Yeah, that's from no uvb. That's why it needs sunshine and foods high in calcium . It will be a thing of the past . As long as you got him in time . But my leopard tortoise CLAY was the same way . I got him from Greg T. He was given to another person and was failing . So they gave it to Greg T. He saved it's life . Now I have it . Totally doing awesome. He's a slow grower but is still kicking . This is an older picture of him . He's a little bigger now .I think he's three or four now .
 

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BrianWI

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Outside time in the sun will be the best thing you can do for that tort. He is certainly suffering from MBD, which is reflected in how he is walking. But he will get better in time, although he will always show signs of his poor start. I am glad you have him now.
 
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