Two days ago I rescued a male Texas Tortoise from a very busy main street in our subdivision (San Antonio, Texas). There once was fields all around that have been reduced to a very small "green" area that is bordered now by homes on all sides. I have checked for signs/craigslist, etc just to make sure he wasn't "lost" but so far, nothing yet.
However, from his condition, if he was someone's pet, I don't think he was well-cared for. I have done pretty exhaustive research these past two days and I am confident he is a male. However, his shell has something strange going on. I hope everyone's (much more) experience and knowledge here can help identify what is going on and recommendations. I have placed pictures at the end of this post.
I am VERY leery to return him back to this "green" area as he might just end up back on this busy street or being harassed (or worse) by all the neighborhood boys who play in there. There is a large state park about 7 miles away that I can take him to for release (if you think that is best). I am taking all advice.
If you think his condition is bad, I can keep him and "nurse him". I have worked as zoo docent for over 7 years as well as lots of pets, just never a turtle/tortoise.
If I can release him back, I'm sure that would be best for any wild animal. However, I'm not sure what his health status is. When you see the pictures, you can maybe better ascertain.
Questions and info:
Condition & Care:
1. His shell has these very large discolored, almost "sun bleached" (?) areas. I don't know if this is an age thing, a disease or fungus, or some other effect.
2. His shell seems to be very rough, turned up on the rear areas (both left/right). I am not sure if this is normal. I did not see that (or at least turned up this much) from all the various pictures I could find.
3. I have put fresh water daily in a low dish that he can also sit in. I also have added fresh Kale, romaine lettuce, and chopped nopales (cactus). I can't tell if he has eaten anything. I would say "No", or if so, not very much. I don't know if this is normal (barely eating) or if he still is stressed from being picked up/confined, etc.
4. We have him in a large wagon with wood sides (about 4 feet long and 2ft wide). This keeps him up and away from the dogs for now. I have also filled the wagon with leaves/mulch/grass clippings for half of it. I read that Texas Tortoises like to small small pallets out of tree litter, etc. He does burrow slightly at night, or makes a small nest area. This is only temporary until we release him or move/make a permanent outdoor home. They are now a "threatened" species in Texas and I want to ensure he is properly released, turned to a good sanctuary, or I will care for him if no other viable/better options.
5. The wagon is outdoors on a covered porch, so he is not in the sun. However, I have let him out each day to get full sunlight and "stretch" his legs a bit and walk around the yard.
Identification:
1. He is a male from what I can see. His shell length is 7". I have read through this whole forum (North American section) and see that there are hybrids between CDT and Texas. I would say he is all Texas, however, there are a few things that don't quite match the pictures.
2. He seems to have a VERY long forked (gular scute). I don't know if this grows with age or his is just extra long.
3. Is there anyway to estimate his age?
I have been very impressed here with both everyone's knowledge and enthusiasm for these great reptiles. It's contagious. I want to do the best and right thing for this fellow. So, I appreciate any and all advice, information and/or insight.
Thanks!
However, from his condition, if he was someone's pet, I don't think he was well-cared for. I have done pretty exhaustive research these past two days and I am confident he is a male. However, his shell has something strange going on. I hope everyone's (much more) experience and knowledge here can help identify what is going on and recommendations. I have placed pictures at the end of this post.
I am VERY leery to return him back to this "green" area as he might just end up back on this busy street or being harassed (or worse) by all the neighborhood boys who play in there. There is a large state park about 7 miles away that I can take him to for release (if you think that is best). I am taking all advice.
If you think his condition is bad, I can keep him and "nurse him". I have worked as zoo docent for over 7 years as well as lots of pets, just never a turtle/tortoise.
If I can release him back, I'm sure that would be best for any wild animal. However, I'm not sure what his health status is. When you see the pictures, you can maybe better ascertain.
Questions and info:
Condition & Care:
1. His shell has these very large discolored, almost "sun bleached" (?) areas. I don't know if this is an age thing, a disease or fungus, or some other effect.
2. His shell seems to be very rough, turned up on the rear areas (both left/right). I am not sure if this is normal. I did not see that (or at least turned up this much) from all the various pictures I could find.
3. I have put fresh water daily in a low dish that he can also sit in. I also have added fresh Kale, romaine lettuce, and chopped nopales (cactus). I can't tell if he has eaten anything. I would say "No", or if so, not very much. I don't know if this is normal (barely eating) or if he still is stressed from being picked up/confined, etc.
4. We have him in a large wagon with wood sides (about 4 feet long and 2ft wide). This keeps him up and away from the dogs for now. I have also filled the wagon with leaves/mulch/grass clippings for half of it. I read that Texas Tortoises like to small small pallets out of tree litter, etc. He does burrow slightly at night, or makes a small nest area. This is only temporary until we release him or move/make a permanent outdoor home. They are now a "threatened" species in Texas and I want to ensure he is properly released, turned to a good sanctuary, or I will care for him if no other viable/better options.
5. The wagon is outdoors on a covered porch, so he is not in the sun. However, I have let him out each day to get full sunlight and "stretch" his legs a bit and walk around the yard.
Identification:
1. He is a male from what I can see. His shell length is 7". I have read through this whole forum (North American section) and see that there are hybrids between CDT and Texas. I would say he is all Texas, however, there are a few things that don't quite match the pictures.
2. He seems to have a VERY long forked (gular scute). I don't know if this grows with age or his is just extra long.
3. Is there anyway to estimate his age?
I have been very impressed here with both everyone's knowledge and enthusiasm for these great reptiles. It's contagious. I want to do the best and right thing for this fellow. So, I appreciate any and all advice, information and/or insight.
Thanks!