Newbie to the Forum! Red footed tortoise owner

Joni Rhoades

New Member
Joined
Nov 19, 2017
Messages
3
Location (City and/or State)
Haughton, LA
14956444_10154967394063268_302415574311380753_n.jpg 14956444_10154967394063268_302415574311380753_n.jpg 14963225_10154967394253268_5800756836269134090_n.jpg Hello, HELLO!! I have had my red footed tortoise for a year. Long story, short... A friend of mine found her on the highway in a city. She rescued her from traffic. She asked me if I wanted her since she knew I owned a few other turtles. I had no idea what kind of turtle/tortoise she was, all I knew was that she wasn't native to Arkansas. After LOTS and LOTS of research, I found out that she is a red footed tortoise. I researched and studied on how to care for her and what to feed her. I quickly figured out that she LOVES to eat. Her favorites are watermelon, cantaloupe, strawberry, prickly pears, black berries, black berries, and dandelion leaves. She is by far the coolest animal I've ever acquired. People would call me crazy when I said that she loved me and would knows me from other people. She would seek me out if she heard my voice. She wanted to be right next to me. One could mistake her actions as affectionate. (that's what I tell myself too..just let me have this one lol)
I recently moved to Haughton, Louisiana and left her behind with my dad while I got everything settled. I went back to get her on Friday and was immediately concerned with her looks and the way she was acting. Her eyes looked as if they were swollen shut and she was sluggish.
When I got her home, I put her in a warm water soak and offered her favorite foods to her. She drank a little while she was soaking but not much and she refused to eat anything, I feared that she was dehydrated. I have put her in several soaks but her eyes still didn't open. I was worried sick! I searched the posts on this site for 2 days looking for advice, I was doing everything that was already being said to do, except the pureed carrot soak. Everything I found said that it was beneficial to babies but she isn't a baby. She probably weighs about 3.5 pounds. I have no idea how old she is, as I don't know the original owner (I did try to find the original owner when I first got her. However, she is absolutely mine after having her for a year now) Anyways, I decided to become a member of the forum so I could ask specific questions and while I was waiting for approval, I said "what the hell..." and offered her some banana. SHE ATE LIKE A PIG! Peel and all... I was so happy to see her eating! AND her eyes are open a little bit..not much though.
Now, that being said, I have no clue if bananas or banana peels are good for her, as they aren't on any of the lists of "do/don't" lists that I have found. I still have her favorite foods in front of her just in case she decides she wants them. She turns her head towards me when I talk to her now, and she stretches her head wayyyyyyy out so I can rub her chin and neck (she has always liked to have it rubbed). Her eyes are still puffy looking and a little bit watery. They do not look as if they are infected at all.
Has anyone else had similar situations happen with their tortoises? Would a carrot puree soak be beneficial to her since she isn't a 'baby'?
Any help and advice would be great! And just for the record, this site is one of the best that I have found. The members aren't rude or condescending, you guys are helpful and kind!
**The pictures are from the day I got her a year ago. She no longer has the paint on her shell but she is still as beautiful as she was that day**

14956444_10154967394063268_302415574311380753_n.jpg 14956444_10154967394063268_302415574311380753_n.jpg 14963225_10154967394253268_5800756836269134090_n.jpg
 

Maro2Bear

Well-Known Member
5 Year Member
Joined
May 29, 2014
Messages
14,712
Location (City and/or State)
Glenn Dale, Maryland, USA
Greetings greetings greetings and WELCOME to the Forum. Lots of good info coupled with grewt people who want to help! How long were you away from ur tort when setting up ur new place? We know torts don't like change.... I'm sure that you have checked all your temps and are in range based on care pages?

Upload some pix of your enclosure, lighting, etc. good warm water soaks, increased temps, plenty of food as long as he's eating... Not sure if the carrot soaks are warranted or will help.

Welcome.
 

Joni Rhoades

New Member
Joined
Nov 19, 2017
Messages
3
Location (City and/or State)
Haughton, LA
About 5 hours away. But she was in this condition when I went back to get her. She is showing some improvement now that I have her with me. I haven't increased any temps, should I? The temp reads at 100.7 under the light that is in her enclosure. and 94.2 everywhere that isn't under the light. I haven't actually measured the temp on her soaks, I just use my fingers, its not hot but warm. I don't put anything in the soak other than water (and worry and love...if that counts). I thought about getting unflavored pedialyte to add to the soaks, but again, I don't know if it will benefit her.
 

Joni Rhoades

New Member
Joined
Nov 19, 2017
Messages
3
Location (City and/or State)
Haughton, LA
I misread your question......I'm sorry. I was away from her for 4 months. I gave strict instructions for her care. As far as I could see when I got there, she was being taken care of as far as her diet and habitat go. Dad isn't loving and affectionate to her like I am...he didn't do the extra stuff...neck rubs, free roam time, flower petals treats, etc...
 

Maro2Bear

Well-Known Member
5 Year Member
Joined
May 29, 2014
Messages
14,712
Location (City and/or State)
Glenn Dale, Maryland, USA
Yes...4 months away, under other care....just not the same. Torts don't like change..in food, hide, weather...or their keeper/care. Lets hope she comes around now that you're back in charge. Good luck. I'll let other Redfoot keepers chime in as well with their thoughts.
 

ZEROPILOT

REDFOOT WRANGLER
Moderator
Tortoise Club
5 Year Member
Platinum Tortoise Club
Joined
Jul 16, 2014
Messages
28,938
Location (City and/or State)
South Eastern Florida (U.S.A.)/Rock Hill S.C.
Welcome!
I need to interject quickly here.
Anything over 90 degrees is WAY TOO HOT for a Redfoot and they can quickly overheat.
You want an all over, ambient temp of about 84. With anything from 80 to 89 being Ok for a daytime temp.
This is a shade loving species and they get stressed by too bright, too hot or no shelter to get out of the light or heat. Also "free roam time" should not be offered. If you mean roaming inside your house. There are just too many bad things that can and will eventually happen.
They also need high humidity. Constantly. Though your little friend really doesn't look too bad off. Thankfully.
How will you be housing him/her? We can certainly assist you with everything that you'll need.
 

TammyJ

Well-Known Member
5 Year Member
Joined
Jun 21, 2016
Messages
7,119
Location (City and/or State)
Jamaica
Hi and welcome! You will get great help and advice here for your lovely little tortoise to thrive and be happy.
Absolutely agree with Zeropilot that the temperatures are way too hot!!!
Stick around and you will be rewarded when you see the progress that comes from improvements to your husbandry.
 

New Posts

Top