more of a snake person but... :)

[wikky]

Hello!
I'm joining the forum because I'm a temporary (although hoping to be permanent) tortoise caregiver. The story started this morning when my husband's co-worker found her dog nudging something in her backyard. Turned out to be a pretty scruffy tortoise - unexpected in our Northern Californian suburbs. Co-worker and family are heading out for summer plans so I'm shell-sitting. I believe the tortoise a released/escaped species; likely a red-legged. I plan to contact a local vet tomorrow but tonight I'm reading up. Wonderful forum!

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Welcome!
You mean Red Footed? My favorite.
Could you post a photo?

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

Hello, and a very warm welcome to Tortoise Forum to you and your redfoot.
Someone may have lost a beloved pet, so ask around, go to vets and animal sanctuaries and see if someone's missing him.
In the meantime, have fun caring for the little beastie.

 

[wellington]

Hello and Welcome. Like said above, please try to find if someone is missing their tortoise. They can be very good at escaping.

 

[Tom]

Hello and welcome. A pic would help us give you a positive ID on the species so you could adjust the care and diet as needed.

 

[Yvonne G]

I'll bet its a box turtle. Please post pictures. We love to play the guessing game.

Welcome to the Forum!

 

[wikky]

thanks for the warm welcome

I need to access my old photobucket account to get the pics up. Is there a thread on the forum or any advice on what to photograph for best id? shell? underside? face? feet? This morning is the first really good look I've gotten since we picked up after dark last night.

 

[wikky]

how many photos are too many?

Hi! I am a tortoise
I am big but not too big
My underside seems very smooth and I seem to have had a rough time but I am a survivor

thanks for your time !

EDIT: apparently I've forgotten formatting too - apologies
Also- co-worker put up flyers and mailbox notices but they are gone for the next ten days

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Any photos of the tortoise in general would work. These guys are GOOD.

 

[wikky]

I guess my linking isnt working let me....

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Box turtle

 

[Yvonne G]

It looks like a male three toe box turtle to me (Terrapene carolina triunguis).

 

[wikky]

thanks for the fast response! I will read up on the care and diet

 

[Grandpa Turtle 144]

Hello and welcome to the TFO from AZ. As usual Yvonne is right . Give the box some worms ! Have a great day !

 

[pam]

Welcome

 

[wikky]

UPDATE
The owner has been located! As much as I've enjoyed our little visitor he's going back to his pen.
Now I can do more research and choose a shelled friend thats best for our house

thanks to all for the warm welcomes and the identification help!

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

Glad he's gone back home.
But thanks very much for caring for him in the interim.
Now you're hooked!

 

[wikky]

UPDATE:
I've adopted a male Russian tortoise from a local rescuer.
Thanks for all the advice and I'm looking forward to posting regarding one I get to keep.

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

Jolly good.
You've got the tortoise bug and now there's no escape.