Tortoise out of hibernation, help!

[Sd2e10]

Hello all

I’m just messaging to get some advice about my 6 year old Russian Horsefield male called Arnie!

He is very active, eating well and generally seems happy but I can’t help but worry as I’ve never had a tortoise before so I don’t feel as confident in looking after him as I do dogs and cats!

I’ve got a vet appointment coming up next week for a general checkover but I wondered whether some of you on here might be able to advise if there’s anything I should be worried about? (some photos attached - I’ve done research shell growth and I think his is OK).

Last time he was at the vets he had an injection (a ‘vitamin’ one apparently) which in hindsight wasn’t the right thing to do but where I live we don’t seem to have a vet that specialises in reptiles so now I don’t always trust what they say!

Essentially I’d just like to get a bit more educated before going to the vets!

Thank you all!

Sam

 

[Cheryl Hills]

Hi, welcome to the forum. If he is not sick, there is no need to take him to the vet. More harm then good can be done.

 

[Sd2e10]

Hi, welcome to the forum. If he is not sick, there is no need to take him to the vet. More harm then good can be done.

Thank you! I’m just worried about his shell to be honest - do you think there’s anything obvious in the photos to be worried about? Thank you again!!

 

[LaLaP]

Hello and welcome! I think his shell looks fine. Pretty typical for a wild caught Russian tort to have a rough looking shell. I have 2 and they are the same way.
I agree with Cheryl.. no need to go to a vet.
You're not alone in stressing over your torts health. That's how most of us wound up on this forum! This is a super supportive and knowledgeable group and we can help ease your mind about your care and his health so consider posting here before going to a vet.

In fact if you post some pics of your setup we can see if everything is ok. Also check out these caresheets:

https://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/

https://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/

 

[Pastel Tortie]

I would normally summon @JoesMum, but it's still going to be a few weeks before she's back to her regular appearances on the Forum. She will be a great resource for you, though.

I found one of her threads on keeping a tortoise in the UK, which may be helpful. https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/outdoor-accommodation-in-a-colder-uk-climate.140866/

 

[JoesMum]

Very quickly popping in to wave from Kent. My daughter is just down the road from you in Eastleigh

Your tort looks absolutely fine. As long as eyes are bright, appetite is normal and activity recovers then there is little to worry about.

Do oak your tort daily for at least 30 minutes in warm water post hibernation. They can be very dehydrated. Do it first thing in the morning before he's warmed up properly for maximum chance of success. Your problem with a tortoise waking this early is that the weather is not suited for outside time and that your tort may become reluctant to eat and want to sleep constantly. Do gmake sure that temperatures don't drop below 15C at night. Do make sure your tortoise can bask at 35-37C for at least 14 hours a day. and do make the enclosure as bright as possible by day.

Stay away from vets without tortoise experience as they can do more harm than good. Definitely no vitamin A injection. If a vet wants to give a vitamin injection then pick up your tortoise and run!

Contact me by PM if you need me to come back to you on a thread. My trade show starts Wednesday and finishes Saturday, so I should be back in circulation properly next week.