What is willie ?

[Willie79]

Hello, I’ve just been given a tortoise , I was told he was a Herman , I don’t believe he is. I’m a newbie and would like advice please ? He’s 14 , he’s lives in a viv , never hibernated etc and lived on kale. Now this little boys here, he needs spoiling so any help please much appreciated my new baby is going to have a great life from here on in !

 

[Ray--Opo]

Welcome, I am horrible on identifying tortoises. Someone will be by soon to help you.

 

[AmandaF]

Congratulations on your tortoise

someone here will be able to help you, and give You good advice.

Ernie 🐢 and Amanda

 

[wellington]

That is a Russian tortoise.

 

[wellington]

He needs a minimum of a 4x8 enclosure.
Basking bulb should be an incandescent flood bulb, Amazon has them, at least 65 watt.
A tube florescent uvb bulb
And possibly a ceramic heat emitter for added day heat and night heat if needed
Day temp should range from 75-80
Basking temp 95-100
Night temp 60's. 70 if he does not brumate for winter
Humidity 30-50%
Fine grade orchid bark for substrate
Clay saucer he can fit in for water.
Hide for sleeping.
Diet must consist of a whole lot more than just kale
Broad leafy weeds if possible this time of year, spring mix, cactus pads, ridicchio, mustard greens, romaine, dandelions, just to name a few.
Read the caresheet under the Mediterranean section

 

[SinLA]

Congrats on your Horsefield Tortoise (called a Russian Tortiose in the US). Here is a great place to start:

Info For New People. Please Read This First.

Hello and welcome to tortoiseforum.org! We are all glad you are here! There is no other forum like this anywhere. We have tens of thousands of members from all over the world ranging from kids with their first tortoise to people who have been breeding and keeping high end tortoises since the...

tortoiseforum.org

 

[zolasmum]

Hello, I’ve just been given a tortoise , I was told he was a Herman , I don’t believe he is. I’m a newbie and would like advice please ? He’s 14 , he’s lives in a viv , never hibernated etc and lived on kale. Now this little boys here, he needs spoiling so any help please much appreciated my new baby is going to have a great life from here on in !

Welcome from Devon. Thank you so much taking on this poor little chap and looking to give him a better life. You said he had never hibernated - it ocurred to me that you might think you should hibernate him this winter - if so, may I say that in my opinion, it would be better to give him a chance to improve his health and environment first, and then maybe hibernate him next winter, if you want to. Our Hermanns tortoise is 23, and has never been hibernated - he is very healthy and energetic - it isn't absolutely essential to do so.
I am sure he is going to enjoy his life with you, and it will be fun for you seeing him make progress. What is his name?
Best wishes from Angie

 

[Yvonne G]

Welcome!

 

[zolasmum]

Sorry - it's getting late, and I didn't pay enough attention to your post to register that his name is Willie .I'm so glad you found this forum - people here are very knowledgable and able to give you the proper advice - unlike many of those on other forums - and you will find them very kind and helpful.
It would be helpful to have a clearer photo of him, especially his face.
Angie

 

[TammyJ]

Welcome to the forum! Your little guy looks like he has had a hard life. Please follow all the great advice you have been given so far, but most importantly, he needs rehydration daily with soaks in warmish water with the level up to where his bottom and top shells meet, for at least one hour every day. Start now!

 

[Jennpaints]

He's a Russian tortoise and he's lucky to have found you!

 

[zolasmum]

Willie may be suspicious of new foods, especially after living on kale all the time - try chopping up new things, and offer just very small amounts,mixed in with the kale, to start with, maybe just one or two new items at a time.
Angie