Captive Bred Tortoises

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34KING18

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Do captive-bred tortoises need to go to the vet when you first get them?
 

wellington

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I have seen both replies. Some say yes, some say no, unless there is a problem. I have had my leopard since a year ago May. He has not seen a vet yet. Unless he has a problem, he never will see one. Just my opinion. Wait to see what others say.
 

JoesMum

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Wild caught torts are usually loaded with worms, so they need to go get worming treatment.

This shouldn't be a problem if you get a Captive Bred tort from a good breeder. However, it's probably still a good idea to take a fresh poop sample over to the vet and ask them to check it.
 

StudentoftheReptile

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This is my opinion. If I purchased a CB tortoise directly from a reputable breeder whom I knew took excellent care of their tortoises, I probably would not take it to the vet for a check-up right off...especially if my habitat was already set-up and ready to go, and I have a good idea how to continue caring for it properly.

However, a stool (poop) sample isn't a bad idea, but probably not a top priority. My main priority would be getting new tortoise settled in, and acclimated well into their new home....which may include taking LOTS of photos!
 

*Barracuda_50*

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StudentoftheReptile said:
This is my opinion. If I purchased a CB tortoise directly from a reputable breeder whom I knew took excellent care of their tortoises, I probably would not take it to the vet for a check-up right off.
However, a stool (poop) sample isn't a bad idea. My main priority would be getting new tortoise settled in, and acclimated well into their new home.

I agree, Also not only getting it settled in but to make sure it recives the proper foods, hydration and vitamin/cal sup. as well also to monitor it for the first few weeks for any signs of illness or other probs. Most the time if your not sure about the background of the animal and you have other reps/torts/herps you want to use a quarenteen area for a certain amount of time. I also dont like the fact that way to many vets are just out for a buck and are quick to miss diagnose illness or other symtoms let alone start poking it with needels and giving the wrong meds. To much of meds or the wrong treatment can be detramental to a already weakend system. I have seen way to many reptiles have bad reactions and or death caused by Baytril in all the many yrs we worked with reps.

Thats just my 2 cents worth.;)
 

Tortoise Hub

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The most I would do for a baby tortoise is maybe a stool sample if I was introducing him to a group of my babies. I wouldnt worry if he looks healthy and came from a reputable breeder. But if you want some peace of mind then you can take him/her to the vet.
 
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