Sulcata Socializing and Pyramiding

[JaymeB]

I just purchased 5 year old Sulcata from craigslist. The person who had this tortoise clearly didn't take good care of it (pretty bad pyramiding) and I believe it was abused. I noticed some puncture marks that could be from a dog perhaps? He is very very shy and scared- is there a way to re-socialize him and minimize his pyramiding as he grows?

 

[wellington]

Wow, not sure you can really help the pyramiding. However, to me looks like it has MBD. Lots of good food, sunlight and some calcium and vitamins should help him out alot. As for socializing, yes you should be able to work through that, maybe. Some are just not social, some are. Sit with him, come to him from the front and not from over him and give him some time. With the proper care he will probably come around when he realizes he now has it good.

 

[AZtortMom]

Poor thing! I'm glad he's with you now!


Life is good

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi Jayme, and welcome to the Forum!

 

[JaymeB]

Thanks everyone! Hope I can nurse him back!

 

[luvpetz27]

Bless his heart......he needs alot of love!!
I am so glad you saved him!!

 

[Jacqui]

Sadly it does look like he has MBD along with the pyramiding. Those issues will never fully go away, but with the proper care from this point forward it can get better. With time the pyramiding will give the visual impression that is it less, even though that's just the new growth creating the illusion.

He reminds me of my little guy named Dude. Often with tortoises in this kind of shape they have other issues, such as difficulty with being able to graze properly or their rear ends tend to be malformed causing issues with passing eggs or even eliminating wastes, so be sure to check those things out. I look forward to comparing how he does for you with how Dude does. Glad you have him!

 

[JaymeB]

Is there a specific diet I should focus on with this condition? Or extra vitamins (besides calcium)?

 

[wiccan_chicken]

Poor boy. Looks like he needs a lot of TLC. Which I'm glad you are able to provide. Give him lots of lovin, and work with him slowly. Most animals like this take a while to come around. As for the puncture wounds, I used a Betadine/honey/water solution to clean wounds of my animals when they're hurt. That's just what I myself use, but above all keep them clean, which I'm sure you know

Good luck with this soul.

 

[Laura]

welcome..
I hope you didn't pay much for him.... calcium, sunshine, good food and exercise..... he can get better, but he will never be 'normal'.

 

[EllieN]

He reminded me of Dude, too. Poor thing, being afraid all the time. I'm so glad you have him and you're here finding out how to care for him properly!

 

[JaymeB]

Just wanted to update everyone! Bowser def. Seems to be doing better! Eating and pooping normally- seems stronger and much more active. He ate from my hand for the first time today so trust is in the works!