Scooter the 3 Toed Box Turtle

[EppsDynasty]

Our newest and what a Heart Break this one is. Kept in a cage inside with a 'Heat Bulb' for 8 years. Advice welcome.

Everything happens for a reason my wife and I say. We were contacted on this one and were afraid he was to far to save, ... but after a Vet visit and another request we did agree to take in this poor thing.

 

[wellington]

OMG, the poor thing.
I have not seen a box turtle look normal any place outside this forum.
A bunch, about 5 or 6 that I played turtle taxi for years ago, bringing them from one rescue lady in Illinois, to another rescue lady up in Michigan we're all deformed too. It's so sad to see them so deformed.
Good luck, sure hope he can live a long happy life with you.

 

[Yvonne G]

I know I told you I thought 'female,' but after seeing his colorful head I'm switching to male.

If I were rehabbing this guy I would take a toe nail clipper and with the edge of the clipper starting on the side, I would just clip, clip, clip going around the edge taking a small bit off at a time, then smooth it out with a file or Dremel. It will take a while, don't be in a hurry to get it perfect the first few times.

He has a bright alert look.

 

[Sarah2020]

Thanks for taking him in. What a lovely clip to see scooter drinking water and having a paddle /soak. There is lots of welfare care however over time it will pay off. Please keep us posted on his progress.

 

[EppsDynasty]

His alertness and willingness to move and ... Live, keeps our hopes up.

I am a little hesitant to trim the beak as I have never seen one this bad.

 

[Yvonne G]

That's why I say to just take a little nip off the edge all the way around, every so often, like maybe once every couple weeks.

 

[EppsDynasty]

YOU are our expert and we trust what you have done and tell us to do. Just wanted to point out .... This is another Turtle being helped by you, what number is this? We are first going to get some food in him then start the process of trimming. Some Mazuri mixed with cat food will be what we're going to try. They previous rescue that had him fed only cat food, so we'll start there and slowly eliminate the cat food for Mazuri.
Thank You Our Dear Friend, another journey guided by you.