AmandaKG
New Member
Hello! I got my girl, Marge, who's a Russian tortoise, in June. The seller didn't seem to know much, but assumed she's 2-3 years old. He told me she was bred in captivity, but I highly doubt that now, after doing research.
I really worry about her diet and the appearance of her shell. The seller said it was just wear and tear from being outside, but I think it's more than that.
She had a very beat up and dry shell, that also has some indents in it. Lately, I've noticed her skin has been very dry and flakey. So, I've been more consistent with a weekly bath that includes pedialyte. She absolutely hates baths, though. And I do warm the water just slightly, hoping itll feel better.
When I bought her, the pet store told me she was a picky eater and they had been feeding her zucchini. What an understatement. I have tried everything under the sun and found that she will only eat: Belgian endive, radicchio, red lettuce, zucchini, and occasionally romaine. If I add softened pellets, she stares at her food with rage in her eyes and a quiet vow to burn the world down... and wont touch any of it.
Part of my yard is filled with weeds, including lambs quarter, pursley, dandelion, clover. She wont even acknowledge them. I have a fig tree and mulberry tree and she wants nothing to do with the leaves. In her enclosure, I've planted violas, mexican heather, aloe, geranium, alyssum - not a nibble.
Shes been outside since I've gotten her. First she was in a large planter with a single hiding spot, shade and areas of sun. She seemed happy there. For the past month, she's been in a 24x8' enclosure, with a hiding spot and lots of plants. She hardly leaves her little burrow, although, it might be due to the recent cool weather.
If anyone can give me an opinion of her shell and diet and suggestions, I'd be grateful!
I really worry about her diet and the appearance of her shell. The seller said it was just wear and tear from being outside, but I think it's more than that.
She had a very beat up and dry shell, that also has some indents in it. Lately, I've noticed her skin has been very dry and flakey. So, I've been more consistent with a weekly bath that includes pedialyte. She absolutely hates baths, though. And I do warm the water just slightly, hoping itll feel better.
When I bought her, the pet store told me she was a picky eater and they had been feeding her zucchini. What an understatement. I have tried everything under the sun and found that she will only eat: Belgian endive, radicchio, red lettuce, zucchini, and occasionally romaine. If I add softened pellets, she stares at her food with rage in her eyes and a quiet vow to burn the world down... and wont touch any of it.
Part of my yard is filled with weeds, including lambs quarter, pursley, dandelion, clover. She wont even acknowledge them. I have a fig tree and mulberry tree and she wants nothing to do with the leaves. In her enclosure, I've planted violas, mexican heather, aloe, geranium, alyssum - not a nibble.
Shes been outside since I've gotten her. First she was in a large planter with a single hiding spot, shade and areas of sun. She seemed happy there. For the past month, she's been in a 24x8' enclosure, with a hiding spot and lots of plants. She hardly leaves her little burrow, although, it might be due to the recent cool weather.
If anyone can give me an opinion of her shell and diet and suggestions, I'd be grateful!