Close call for Curtis (another case of reanimation)

Tom

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As a former Texan..what a thoughtless way to love a Tort..I live in Idaho..its cold and snows here..I bring mine in during those cold days..I dont want to loose him, or see him suffer..just like a child. He has inside quarters..heated..water..and since hes a red toed tort..himidifier. As a Texan..you plan ahead..and are detailed. Im so happy hes ok..You are given a second chance to be a Tortie Dad..so shape up..
I know you mean well here, but you are off base. Technocheese is a young lady and a fine tortoise keeper. She does a much better job of tortoise care than 99% of people. Her tortoise has a properly built, properly heated tortoise house. There is no need to bring the tortoise inside, and that would be stressful and unsuitable. Its too cold in the house without the proper night box and heating elements.

The circuit breaker kicked during a cold spell, and she failed to notice. That could happen to any of us. I have a dozen such heated boxes at my ranch. I have thermometers that record the high and low each day, and they are checked each day. There have been many times when I'm busy with work in winter time, and don't check each and every thermometer. I've been lucky on those days and things have all worked as they are supposed to, but nobody can sit and watch a thermometer 24/7. I can guarantee that Technocheese won't let this happen to her again for the rest of her life.
 

Mrs.Jennifer

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As a former Texan..what a thoughtless way to love a Tort..I live in Idaho..its cold and snows here..I bring mine in during those cold days..I dont want to loose him, or see him suffer..just like a child. He has inside quarters..heated..water..and since hes a red toed tort..himidifier. As a Texan..you plan ahead..and are detailed. Im so happy hes ok..You are given a second chance to be a Tortie Dad..so shape up..
Shaming someone without all the details is neither helpful nor kind…
 

Len B

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I use 2 low wattage light bulbs on the outside of of Walkers house that I can see from the kitchen. The reason for 2 is if one isn't lit its most likely is just a burned out bulb but if both are out it's an electrical problem. I have wireless indoor outdoor thermometers in each house to keep track of their inside temps without having to go outside to do it. I have 8 digital readers setting on a table in the kitchen receiving temps from 10 sending units. They help reduce stress (for me) when housing tortoises outside in a cold climate area. Glad your tortoise is doing fine.
 

KarenSoCal

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@TechnoCheese
I have had frostbitten finger tips in the past...they were frozen enough to sound crunchy when pushed on. 🥶
As they defrost, they are very painful, but once warmed up, most of my pain went away.

However, about 2-3 weeks after the freezing, all of the skin on the fingertips started sloughing off, leaving very tender new skin underneath. It looked like I had severely burned the pads of my fingers.

I think it's possible Curtis could have the same thing happen if the skin actually froze solid. Just keep an eye out for it. You may need to bring him in again if this happens to protect his new skin from tearing.


I have no treatment to offer you. If the damage is done it will run its course.
 

TechnoCheese

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@TechnoCheese
I have had frostbitten finger tips in the past...they were frozen enough to sound crunchy when pushed on. 🥶
As they defrost, they are very painful, but once warmed up, most of my pain went away.

However, about 2-3 weeks after the freezing, all of the skin on the fingertips started sloughing off, leaving very tender new skin underneath. It looked like I had severely burned the pads of my fingers.

I think it's possible Curtis could have the same thing happen if the skin actually froze solid. Just keep an eye out for it. You may need to bring him in again if this happens to protect his new skin from tearing.


I have no treatment to offer you. If the damage is done it will run its course.
Thanks for the info!
 

TechnoCheese

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I use 2 low wattage light bulbs on the outside of of Walkers house that I can see from the kitchen. The reason for 2 is if one isn't lit its most likely is just a burned out bulb but if both are out it's an electrical problem. I have wireless indoor outdoor thermometers in each house to keep track of their inside temps without having to go outside to do it. I have 8 digital readers setting on a table in the kitchen receiving temps from 10 sending units. They help reduce stress (for me) when housing tortoises outside in a cold climate area. Glad your tortoise is doing fine.
Two bulbs is a great idea, I’ll have to do that
 

Jan A

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Curtis is officially back outside! His back feet are looking fine, and he is readily eating. I suppose if any tortoise were going to nearly freeze to death and come out fine, it would be Curtis.
Thank you for the life lesson reminder. Just when you start thinking you have everything handled, something falls out. It always does. So sorry about your frog. So glad Curtis is on the mend. The best reminder of all--never give up.!
 

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