Help..I have a rescue.....

[MaryRains75]

I have a rescue and he's been with me for about two weeks now. I've noticed he isn't walking on his back legs..Since he has been with me he stays in a heat regulated Aquarium, and has vitamins and calcium every other day .... what can I do to help him ?

 

[TaylorTortoise]

hello! And greetings.
Can we see enclosure set up? When you push on his back legs do they retract can he resist you when you push?

 

[MaryRains75]

hello! And greetings.
Can we see enclosure set up? When you push on his back legs do they retract can he resist you when you push?

 

[MaryRains75]

If you touch his legs he jerks them up into his shell

 

[MaryRains75]

hello! And greetings.
Can we see enclosure set up? When you push on his back legs do they retract can he resist you when you push?

Yes he does. This is his temporary little enclosure, I just got him wasn't really prepared but I'm learning as I go . He's much better off than where he was

 

[wellington]

You will need to make a lot of improvements.
First he needs a much larger enclosure or his walking will not get better.
He also needs better substrate.
Please read this and made improvements asap.
Thread 'The Best Way To Raise A Sulcata, Leopard, Or Star Tortoise' https://www.tortoiseforum.org/threa...se-a-sulcata-leopard-or-star-tortoise.181497/

 

[MaryRains75]

THANK YOU so much .... I will will whatever I need to do to help him ...

 

[Maggie3fan]

Don't give him so much calcium...2 pinches will work...it may look like he's not using his legs because he can't get traction in that aquarium. Than you for taking him...he really needs hekp and you were good to take a reptile like that to help. Wellington gave you a link that will explain his most immediate...food, humodity, heat and all the othert stuff. But don't feel overwhelmed...just on thing at a time...

 

[MaryRains75]

You will need to make a lot of improvements.
First he needs a much larger enclosure or his walking will not get better.
He also needs better substrate.
Please read this and made improvements asap.
Thread 'The Best Way To Raise A Sulcata, Leopard, Or Star Tortoise' https://www.tortoiseforum.org/threa...se-a-sulcata-leopard-or-star-tortoise.181497/

 

[MaryRains75]

After looking b over your instructions I'm doing things all wrong .... I really appreciate you not judging me, and for giving me the instructions to better his life.. I'll send you a pic of his upgrade

 

[wellington]

After looking b over your instructions I'm doing things all wrong .... I really appreciate you not judging me, and for giving me the instructions to better his life.. I'll send you a pic of his upgrade

A lot of us started out all wrong, including me. I'm here to keep learning and to help others learn too.

 

[wellington]

After you get things improved, if the walking don't get better, you might try water therapy. I rescued a leopard that was raised for about 3 years in a small aquarium. Like yours couldn't walk properly. Mine was all four legs. He was also way under size for his age.
I would float him in my tub, in warm water, and make him swim. I did this daily, sometimes twice a day, never leaving him alone though. The swimming built up the strength he needed to be able to walk properly. At first I would hold his front end above the water a bit.
It worked great and since he got better, this was a few years ago, he loves walking and is very fast. He also caught up in his size.

 

[MaryRains75]

After you get things improved, if the walking don't get better, you might try water therapy. I rescued a leopard that was raised for about 3 years in a small aquarium. Like yours couldn't walk properly. Mine was all four legs. He was also way under size for his age.
I would float him in my tub, in warm water, and make him swim. I did this daily, sometimes twice a day, never leaving him alone though. The swimming built up the strength he needed to be able to walk properly. At first I would hold his front end above the water a bit.
It worked great and since he got better, this was a few years ago, he loves walking and is very fast. He also caught up in his size.

 

[TaylorTortoise]

I started out wrong, winded up on here… the advice was overwhelming because I wanted to snap my finger to fix things for my little guy. But after reading threads, articles and youtube videos I have learned how to better the life of my first tortoise!

we’re here with any other questions you have. Do not feel like you can’t ask us any because we love to help and give feedback.

 

[MaryRains75]

That's encouraging to hear, I feel so sad for him, and can't wait to see him improve. I never thought I would get attached to him but I have and I want him to have the best life.

 

[TaylorTortoise]

That's encouraging to hear, I feel so sad for him, and can't wait to see him improve. I never thought I would get attached to him but I have and I want him to have the best life.

You’re off to a good start