We just rescued a tortoise -please help.

[Antoinette]

This morning we found a small tortoise in an open field next to it’s box with name and blanket. We assume it’s been abandoned & my boys want to take care of it.
We know little about tortoises and will appreciate any advise. Looking at images it looks like a box tortoise? (Image attached)

 

[Maggie3fan]

This morning we found a small tortoise in an open field next to it’s box with name and blanket. We assume it’s been abandoned & my boys want to take care of it.
We know little about tortoises and will appreciate any advise. Looking at images it looks like a box tortoise? (Image attached)

You rescued a 3-toed box turtle...T.C. triunguis...they are semi aquatic in nature and require a water source for soaking and swimming...and a land area for sleeping basking etc...look up box turtles here for their care...

 

[MichaelL]

Yeah it looks like it could be a three toed, or an eastern based on your location. The care was mentioned above, same for both.

 

[MichaelL]

Actually, I don't think there are three toeds in Georgia. Could be wrong...

 

[Antoinette]

You rescued a 3-toed box turtle...T.C. triunguis...they are semi aquatic in nature and require a water source for soaking and swimming...and a land area for sleeping basking etc...look up box turtles here for their care...

Thank you so much! This is very helpful. (We’re in Savannah, GA)

 

[Yvonne G]

What an awful thing to do. So glad you found him. It's not easy for a turtle that's been in captivity to fend for itself in the wild. I'm going with Maggie's assessment until we can see more pictures. At any rate it's quite young, probably last September's hatch. Please show us the underside and the back feet, and a picture of the top.

 

[MichaelL]

Actually, I don't think there are three toeds in Georgia. Could be wrong...

Actually yeah it's likely captive bred, so three toed seems right.

 

[Antoinette]

I was shocked that someone would abandon a turtle. His name was even written on the box in a child’s handwriting.

We would like to take care of it as best we can. I’m reading about moisture controle... adding a thermometer, the right substrate. A lot to learn!

I attach photos from the top/bottom. From what I’ve read it may be a female. (Flat bottom).

 

[MichaelL]

I was shocked that someone would abandon a turtle. His name was even written on the box in a child’s handwriting.

We would like to take care of it as best we can. I’m reading about moisture controle... adding a thermometer, the right substrate. A lot to learn!

I attach photos from the top/bottom. From what I’ve read it may be a female. (Flat bottom).

That's great that you're taking care of her, now she will have a good home. Also, these new pics now make me wonder again, maybe it is an Eastern. Usually the three toeds have much more brown, dull coloring. However, box turtles aren't my specialty so lets wait until someone more experienced sees the new pictures. ?That's a good looking box turtle, at least the previous owner cared for it well.

 

[Toddrickfl1]

If you live in GA unfortunately this turtle is illegal to own. You should probably call the DNR and ask them what you should do with it.

 

[Antoinette]

That's great that you're taking care of her, now she will have a good home. Also, these new pics now make me wonder again, maybe it is an Eastern. Usually the three toeds have much more brown, dull coloring. However, box turtles aren't my specialty so lets wait until someone more experienced sees the new pictures. ?That's a good looking box turtle, at least the previous owner cared for it well.

If you live in GA unfortunately this turtle is illegal to own. You should probably call the DNR and ask them what you should do with it.

Thank you for the info. I will contact the DNR to notify them.

 

[RaeLee]

Actually, I don't think there are three toeds in Georgia. Could be wrong...

You are knowledgeable I want to understand and learn as much as I can.

 

[MichaelL]

You are knowledgeable I want to understand and learn as much as I can.

Thank you! Haha

 

[Yvonne G]

Yes, it's an eastern. (Terrapene carolina carolina). It can't be released because it's obviously captive bred. I hope you're allowed to keep it.

 

[Toddrickfl1]

Yes, it's an eastern. (Terrapene carolina carolina). It can't be released because it's obviously captive bred. I hope you're allowed to keep it.

I've tried, believe me! GA is ridiculous. The only thing I've got an answer on is that you can keep an Ornate. As far as an Ornate/another box turtle intergrade, I've never been able to get a clear answer on that. I was trying to find a loophole lol.

 

[Antoinette]

Yes, it's an eastern. (Terrapene carolina carolina). It can't be released because it's obviously captive bred. I hope you're allowed to keep it.

So do my kids! ? The GA DNR replied asking for photos. Let’s see...

 

[ColleenT]

It is young, and you can't really tell gender yet, but i am leaning toward male, as the vent is past the shell. Good Luck!!

 

[Charlie's pal]

So do my kids! ? The GA DNR replied asking for photos. Let’s see...

Hi Antoinette,
Another place to consider if you live anywhere near Atlanta is the Chattahoochee Nature Center Wildlife Rehabilitation in Roswell (north of Atlanta). They take in reptiles and raptors. You could explain to them that it is an abandoned pet and therefore can't be returned to its home range. They might want to keep it for their educational programs. Or perhaps you could call them and ask them what to do. 770-992-2055 Ext. 4. They took in a common snapping turtle that I found injured on the road and after 103 days in rehab, released it!! A good organization.

 

[Antoinette]

Thank you, unfortunately I’m several hours away (near Savannah)

 

[Antoinette]

The GA DNR just came to pick up the young female box turtle. My kids are very disappointed but we’re glad that as they said “it will be used as an ambassador for public education”

Thanks for the help everyone!