Tortoise concerns.....

[Random_dude88]

Hi people, just looking for a bit of help. My friend has asked me to look after his tortoise for a couple of weeks and knowing nothing about them I've been reading up on them mainly in this forum. From what I can see the tank (if that is what it is called) is way too small and I am concerned it's beak is way too long. If I put up some pictures would you guys and girls be able to give me some info to pass on as I hate to see an animal suffering and I'm starting to want a tortoise myself seeing how amazing these guys are so, any general care tips will be appreciated. I have no idea what breed she is but from what I have seen on here I am guessing a Russian breed? Thankyou in advance people

 

[Razan]

Sure, post a picture and someone will probably let you know what type of tortoise it is, followed by some good advice.

Welcome to the tortoise forum !

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi, and welcome to the Forum!

Yes, please post some pictures.

 

[Random_dude88]

not the best of photos but hopefully enough to see my concerns with tank size and beak length. Thankyou for the welcome

 

[JoesMum]

Oh my goodness that beak is badly overgrown and needs urgent attention.

And you're right, a tort of that size needs an 8'x 4' enclosure minimum.

 

[Yvonne G]

Yup, that's a pretty overgrown beak. He needs someone who has the knowledge of beak trimming to do it right. And that habitat is way too small for a full grown Russian tortoise. Do you know if his owner has a yard? Any reason the tortoise can't live outside?

 

[Yvonne G]

If all the tortoise is fed are those "fruity pebbles," then that's the reason for the overgrown beak. Tortoises keep their beaks in order by biting off their food. They bite off stems and leaves, and graze and browse. Just pulling a few pebbles up into his mouth isn't allowing for the beak to be worn down.

 

[Random_dude88]

Thankyou for the reply. Sadly I thought that was the case. Wish I could take her off my friends hands as looks like he doesn't give her the love she deserves. I'll pass on any advice or comments and hopefully he will sort out out the issues. If you have any suggestions on what I can do to help whilst she is in my care they would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Rue]

Oh dear...that's very sad.

I hope you can make things better for the poor guy!

 

[JoesMum]

The first thing you could do is some homework on finding a herp vet.

Whereabouts do you live? We may be able to help. If you can say 'take it here and it will cost you X' that makes it less easy for your friend to avoid.

You can also point your friend to our Beginner Mistakes and Russian Care Sheets.

Why not go pick some dandelions for this poor soul? You may need to hand feed them with that beak overgrowth.

 

[Random_dude88]

From what I can tell the poor girl spends the majority of her time in that small tank. Might have to take her somewhere to get the beak trimmed. Yvonne was I right in assuming she is a Russian tortoise as I have no idea on what breed she is, I just guessed from looking at different breeds online

 

[TortoiseWarrior]

Hi and welcome to the forum. Thank you for showing concern for your friends tort. And to top it off you were right about the issues you present. My question is will you be able to pass some information on to your friend? If at all possible so that the owner and pet can benefit. This is a really good site with all kinds of info and people to help.
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/

 

[Random_dude88]

I will pass all information I can on as I want the best for the poor lil girl. Just had a quick read through that link at it's really informative so Thankyou. Just hope he will take the info in as it seems she has been neglected for some time. Think I might have to get that beak seen to whilst I have her. At least then I may have helped a little

 

[Rue]

Are you interested in keeping her? Always an option. If he's not interested, he might be relieved to find her a new home.

 

[Random_dude88]

I am definitely going to suggest it but not sure he will let her go. He has had her for a few years now, which makes me feel even worse knowing she has suffered this long like that as I believe she is in the same tank as when he got her and I assume her beak is that bad from years of not being looked after properly. I will definitely be expressing my concerns Tho, which is why have turned to you great people for advice as before now I had little knowledge on these amazing creatures.

 

[JoesMum]

Good luck and let us know what happens

 

[Rue]

Don't suggest it until he's back...and then maybe say you're having so much fun with her, you'd like to keep her with you a bit longer...etc. If you drag it out long enough...lol.

Just a strategy to consider...

 

[Random_dude88]

Fingers crossed she will remain with me as she is lovely even if she is a bit shy. But I assume she isn't handled much. Thankyou all as you have been a great help and very welcoming.

 

[Random_dude88]

Don't suggest it until he's back...and then maybe say you're having so much fun with her, you'd like to keep her with you a bit longer...etc. If you drag it out long enough...lol.

Just a strategy to consider...

Like your thinking Rue. Worth a shot I suppose lol

 

[Tom]

Are you feeding anything other than those pellets? Have you soaked her? Does she have a UV source?

These are all things you could do while your friend is away.