Hi all,
Ok long story short. We found a leopard tortoise in the road in front of our house. To save him from dogs and cars, we put him in our back yard where he is safe. They are native here (South Africa). We do not intend to keep it captive but just want to kind of make sure the little guy is ok. He weighs about 75g and is 7.5cm long, which as far as I understand means he is about 1 year old?
Now I've read almost everything I can find on these guys but now after hes been here for about a week, I have some concerns /questions :
1. I dont ever see him eating. I've on occasion given him lettuce which he chomps immediately, but he hardly seems interested in the more suitable foods such as grass mix, cuttle fish or softened rabbit pellets. Perhaps he is eating the lawn and weeds when I don't see. Any advice?
2. I've also never seen him drink water. He has water available but honestly I'm not sure hes clever enough to remember where the water is? I've put him in luke warm water but he will either immediately or after a minute or 2 get out without drinking or pooping. I'm worried he is dehydrating?
3. Damn hes lazy. Maybe its just nerves as its a new space? Its only like 50m from where he was found. He will only move for brief periods, otherwise napping under some kind of cover in the garden. Its summer here so days are 25-35C and nights 16-22C. It has been rainy the last few days. Should I be worried?
Just hoping for some feedback whether I should just let him be, try something different or maybe even take him to a vet?
Would appreciate any advice!
Cheers
Ok long story short. We found a leopard tortoise in the road in front of our house. To save him from dogs and cars, we put him in our back yard where he is safe. They are native here (South Africa). We do not intend to keep it captive but just want to kind of make sure the little guy is ok. He weighs about 75g and is 7.5cm long, which as far as I understand means he is about 1 year old?
Now I've read almost everything I can find on these guys but now after hes been here for about a week, I have some concerns /questions :
1. I dont ever see him eating. I've on occasion given him lettuce which he chomps immediately, but he hardly seems interested in the more suitable foods such as grass mix, cuttle fish or softened rabbit pellets. Perhaps he is eating the lawn and weeds when I don't see. Any advice?
2. I've also never seen him drink water. He has water available but honestly I'm not sure hes clever enough to remember where the water is? I've put him in luke warm water but he will either immediately or after a minute or 2 get out without drinking or pooping. I'm worried he is dehydrating?
3. Damn hes lazy. Maybe its just nerves as its a new space? Its only like 50m from where he was found. He will only move for brief periods, otherwise napping under some kind of cover in the garden. Its summer here so days are 25-35C and nights 16-22C. It has been rainy the last few days. Should I be worried?
Just hoping for some feedback whether I should just let him be, try something different or maybe even take him to a vet?
Would appreciate any advice!
Cheers