Found tortoises

Tree3232

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My dog found a tortoises on my property next to my house and Im not sure what kind or how to help/take care of it. I think it was dumped on my land.
 
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CharSparda

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Could you please upload a picture in order to determine what’s best for it?

Perhaps it is an indigenous tortoise, but who knows
 

Tree3232

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Could you please upload a picture in order to determine what’s best for it?

Perhaps it is an indigenous tortoise, but who knows
I tried to wash it with water and the side of its face is bleeding a little. It's in the pictures
 

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Tom

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It's about 8 inc long
That is a CA desert tortoise. It is not native to your area, and it has been cared for very poorly.

Here is the correct care info while it is in your custody:
 

wellington

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I believe that is a desert tortoise but possibly a sulcata. It has been poorly cared for and has metabolic bone disease.
It needs a proper diet, uvb, hydration and room to roam also added calcium about 3 times a week.
For now give it a nice long warm water soak.
Check out our caresheet for sulcata as it would be the same care for either.
 

Ray--Opo

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I am glad your dog found him/her. Whoever was caring for the tortoise, did a poor job. I hope you are willing to give him/her a good home. If not hopefully you can find someone who will. This species I am not sure if you are allowed to have it. But to me that wouldn't matter. The poor thing needs some love and spoiling. 😁
 

Sarah2020

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Your on the right forum for advice if you have questions. As mentioned it needs correct care. It will probably be very scared so a warm shallow soak, will help to get some hydration in and then some fresh green veg in a warm place. It may not eat straight away due to change if env. Good luck.
 

ZEROPILOT

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Like Tom said, that's a desert tortoise - someone's escaped pet. He is suffering from metabolic bone disease, which is very painful.
It's unlikely that he escaped.
It's likely whomever the jerk was that nearly killed it. Lost interest and tossed him out to die.
 

Yvonne G

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He doesn't need vet care, he need the proper environment.
 

Rachels

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My dog found a tortoises on my property next to my house and Im not sure what kind or how to help/take care of it. I think it was dumped on my land.
Thank you for being a good kind person and inquiring how to care for it..A tortoise is a treasure..and good luck!!
 

Yvonne G

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his picture is in post #3 of this thread
 

Rachels

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If your around LaQuinta CA? Dr. Jefferies reptile vet, or Dr.Fenton at VCA..recommend.
Humidifer I bought at Drug store gave humidity to my redfoot..just a thought..Needs tortoise quarters in/out and be careful of birds etc. that can hurt him. We are so blessed to have this forum..
 

grizzclan

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I live in Colorado anyone recommend a vet or place to get care?
Hello I live in Colorado as well we took our 15 year old sulcata to Western Animal Clinic
5500 W 38th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80212 phone #303-421-5500
The doctor was very knowledgeable with reptiles everyone was super nice prices extremely reasonable! If you are deciding to keep please follow the care sheets shared here on this site!! If you don't want to keep him either let the vet know or you can message me back and we'll find someone who is interested in taking him!! Thank you for contacting the group ❤️ to get help for this little guy/girl!!
 

Avuwyy

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It’s good you found them and came to this forum in order to seek help. You’ve potentially saved this tortoise’s life.

As has been said above, check the care sheets for the species identified as a temporary solution for this tortoise, ensure the tortoise is receiving a decent amount of calcium in their diet, and receiving good quality UVB whilst in your care.

Obviously not everyone is going to have the space or time for tortoises, so a first step (Aside from food, soaks, and a temporary enclosure) if you don’t feel prepared to take care of this tortoise would be to look for any shelters, specifically shelters which have experience with tortoises. Some shelters will drive to you to pick up the animal. The they will get checked over at the facility, receive any treatment they are in need of, and rehabilitated for potential rehoming if their health improves.

Also an additional note just as your dog found this tortoise, try to keep your dog away from the tortoise whilst the tortoise is in your care. A large number of injury related deaths to tortoises are due to dogs mistaking tortoises for small toys and having a chew on them. Also, tortoises can carry parasites, and salmonella that can make your dog ill. As a precaution try your best to keep them away from each other if you aren’t already.

Many of this is based on the assumption you aren’t wanting to keep this tortoise, if you are, and you have any questions regarding the tortoise’s care which you don’t quite understand in the care sheets, feel free to ask in the forum. Obviously this was an unexpected thing without much time to research care, but you have done a good job picking this tortoise up.
 

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