Is it possible?

[LParkey]

So I just picked up a Sully that someone didn't want anymore because of it's size ... this guy was BEYOND ignorant! We go into the back yard where they're keeping the turtle and I look down to see this poor baby who appears to have some collapsing issues. Bend over to pick the tort up and it's she'll is SOFT (like I'm talking hatching soft)!!! This guy tells us when he got the tort 6 years ago it was about the size of a baseball. I'm not sure on measurements yet cause I'm still in the car but it appears to be about a foot. Guy gives us vitamins and calcium powder that expired in 2007 and says ”I didn't use it because he was doing just fine without it” (OBVIOUSLY NOT) and I tell him we have 3 Sulcata babies that are softball size and under to which he replies ”Oh, is that what kind of tortoise he is? He isn't a rare tortoise?” ... IGNORANT!!!

So my question is, can he come back from shell collapse? I know with enough work his shell will eventually harden up, but will it ever grow to be normal?

 

[wellington]

Post pics when you can. I would have to say probably not. But pics would help. Good for you for saving the poor thing. Some people are to ignorant to be taking up space.

 

[dmmj]

The sunken shell most likely MBD, won't ever really change.

 

[dmarcus]

Nope won't change but it should harden up.

 

[LParkey]

Bottom shell measures 9” x 6.25” Top shell measures 13” x 13” and I don't know weight yet.

 

[dmmj]

Yes that looks like a pretty severe case of MBD. The shell may smooth out a little as he grows, but he will always show the signs of it.

 

[dmarcus]

Definitely MBD but the shell is not horrible

 

[LParkey]

It looks horrible! So is there anything extra I can do to help his shell? Calcium w/d3, lots of natural sun rays should I use vita shell?

 

[dmmj]

Vita shell won't help basically just calcium and sunshine is the best option for now.

 

[pugsandkids]

Poor guy, I'm glad someone who cares has him now.

 

[LParkey]

Any idea how long it will take to harden up? He is just SO delicate it scares me. Idk how the rest of him is because he still hasn't come out of his shell (it's been almost 2 hours). The guy had him outside in the back yard getting sunshine, so why isn't that working? Is it lack of d3? My understanding is he only had florescent lighting on him his whole life.

 

[dmmj]

Sunshine and calcium, one or the other won't work it has to be both.

 

[dmarcus]

It may take months before it completely hardens... Calcium and lots of sun will do him a ton of good...

 

[LParkey]

Thanks for all the info everyone! I sure hope I can do right by him! Does it sound like he is good size for his age?

 

[l0velesly]

Poor thing. I'm surprised the guy kept him for 6 years. He looks more like 2-3 years old. He definitely has MBD by the way his shell slants down but surprisingly, he isn't pyramiding that badly. If he's getting sun, then something must have been wrong with his diet. What was the owner feeding him?

 

[Tom]

Sunshine, calcium, the right temps, hydration, and a good diet.

Some people disgust me, while others give me hope for the human race... I see both types in this thread...

 

[LParkey]

All he would tell me was a $2 bag of lettuce from Sams Club, he couldn't tell me what kind or what was in it. He did say it had carrots tho, but that he went thru 4 bags a week.