Species ID?

[Ashley Baradell]

Hello all,

Some of the following is very sad so be prepared! My mother is in law enforcement and contacted me about a tortoise she encountered on a call at someone's house. They mentioned not wanting it anymore and that it was a year and a half old. They claimed it was a red foot. My mom knew I have a red foot and have for nearly 4 years so she called and asked if I wanted it. Of course I did! Well...... When this baby arrived I have to say, it was sad. "He" (?) was covered in spider webs!!!!!! And definitely NOT a red foot. I need help with ID and advice. All he has ever eaten is some grassland tortoise pellets.... Advice?

 

[russian/sulcata/tortoise]

can you post some pics? make sure there is no contact between your tortoise and the new one.

 

[G-stars]

You have yourself a sulcata. Not bad looking either for the conditions it probably was kept in.

 

[wellington]

That is a Sulcata. Tomsmthreads below for raisng hatchlings might give you some help, even though this one is not a hatchling. I would give him a nice warm soak for 20-30 minutes every day, as he probably has never had one. Heck, he may not have hardly had any water at all. He doesn't really look to be in too bad of shape though. Get him on some dirt or coconut coir and at least a humid 80% warm 80 degree hide. If you can set him outside for the summer, that would be great for the fella. Good luck with him. Be sure not to put him in the same enclosure as your RF

 

[russian/sulcata/tortoise]

i cant see the pictures

 

[tortdad]

i cant see the pictures

Yep. Sulcata for sure

 

[Ashley Baradell]

Thank you, I figured sulcata but never assume with living things I am unfamiliar with. The box he came in was also full of spider webs and nothing but incredibly dry dirt and torn up newspaper. I did give him a soak already and just placed him in my indoor enclosure with aspen shavings as I had no clue what he was and didn't want to put him in my red foots large, outdoor enclosure and hurt him. He's very scared of me

 

[Ashley Baradell]

Also, do you all think he should see a doc? Or should I wait for signs of needing a doc?

 

[G-stars]

Also, do you all think he should see a doc? Or should I wait for signs of needing a doc?

Really no need to take tortoises into the vet unless something is wrong, and even then unless (it's a tortoise/reptile specialist) it may do more harm than good.

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

You have a lovely looking tortoise there all things considered.
Now it's time to read all the care sheets for this species on the forum and slowly make his life better.
He is liable to be very nervous to begin, so time and patience and giving him some space in between soaks will be necessary.
And, as has been said already, keep him apart from the other tortoise.
You've done a great thing by taking the poor little chap in.
Thanks.