Hello, I am new to the forum
I have joined to ask about other people's tortoises not mine. I recently moved in with them and have noticed some things about their tortoises that concern me - I don't know anything about tortoises or looking after them but I've read around on the forums so have a little idea but looking for more solid advice.
They are both Sulcatas 5 - 6ish years old. They had previous owner/s and that might have contributed to the problems below but I know these people have been their owners for a 3-4ish years now.
1) The female. She is less than half the size of the male. EVERY single day she spends literally the whole day half under the radiator. It must be horrible for her because she walks into it and bangs her shell against it (she can't fit completely underneath) pretty much all day which seems so distressing and she's clearly not getting exercise or anything, just in one spot. The house is very large she has loads of room but doesn't use it (they don't have an indoor container). I've wrapped a band material around her shell to protect it as it had some wear marks from this. I've tried putting her in other warm hidden areas around the house - she always immediately goes back to the same spot and walks into the radiator. Is the only reason that she is not warm enough? Outside of the winter they live in a big shed with heating lamps but during the winter they've kept them inside without these lamps. The house is normally always heated (I don't know what temperature I never wear a jumper) - has anyone got any ideas what I should tell their owners to do/ what I can do for her? Here's a photo with her temporary protection I put on:
2) The male is the size of a small dog. My question is - is his shell pyramiding? I think yes... apparently it was like this when he was taken on from the previous owners. Is the answer more calcium and hydration? I read they should be fed loads of grass - 80%+ - and I know they are fed mainly leafy groceries... so - new diet & daily soaking/ baths or..?!?
I feel so bad for these tortoises they're not even my pets!!! And I'm worried if I come at their owners with a list of like "Here are 270 things you need to now do and buy for your tortoises" they'll do nothing - - so all and any advice HUGELY appreciated. I'll probably start with the essential changes and work at it from there. Thank you so much.
They are both Sulcatas 5 - 6ish years old. They had previous owner/s and that might have contributed to the problems below but I know these people have been their owners for a 3-4ish years now.
1) The female. She is less than half the size of the male. EVERY single day she spends literally the whole day half under the radiator. It must be horrible for her because she walks into it and bangs her shell against it (she can't fit completely underneath) pretty much all day which seems so distressing and she's clearly not getting exercise or anything, just in one spot. The house is very large she has loads of room but doesn't use it (they don't have an indoor container). I've wrapped a band material around her shell to protect it as it had some wear marks from this. I've tried putting her in other warm hidden areas around the house - she always immediately goes back to the same spot and walks into the radiator. Is the only reason that she is not warm enough? Outside of the winter they live in a big shed with heating lamps but during the winter they've kept them inside without these lamps. The house is normally always heated (I don't know what temperature I never wear a jumper) - has anyone got any ideas what I should tell their owners to do/ what I can do for her? Here's a photo with her temporary protection I put on:
2) The male is the size of a small dog. My question is - is his shell pyramiding? I think yes... apparently it was like this when he was taken on from the previous owners. Is the answer more calcium and hydration? I read they should be fed loads of grass - 80%+ - and I know they are fed mainly leafy groceries... so - new diet & daily soaking/ baths or..?!?
I feel so bad for these tortoises they're not even my pets!!! And I'm worried if I come at their owners with a list of like "Here are 270 things you need to now do and buy for your tortoises" they'll do nothing - - so all and any advice HUGELY appreciated. I'll probably start with the essential changes and work at it from there. Thank you so much.