Wire in Shell

[nelliejeangreen]

Our Sulcatta Tortise got into a box of wires and has one on his leg in his shell. I'm pretty sure it will come out when he stretches but he's not coming out of his shell. When I gently tried to get it out, he gripped harder. I dont know what to do

 

[Blackdog1714]

Photos please to get a better idea of how to remove

 

[nelliejeangreen]

Photos please to get a better idea of how to remove

 

[Blackdog1714]

Put him in a warm water soak to see if he will start *swimming* and you can grab the wire

 

[wellington]

Because it's in a hoop/U shape it's likely around her leg. I would try putting her on something that raises her up and she rest only her bottom shell on the item so her legs can dangle down. Like they do with bigger tortoises placed on an upside bucket. Then see if it will easily come out, pulling one end only.

 

[MenagerieGrl]

Fortunately it looks like a Stranded insulated wire, so the chance of it poking theough his skin, is low. But yes, give him a soak and see of it loosen's so you can pull it out gently

 

[nelliejeangreen]

Put him in a warm water soak to see if he will start *swimming* and you can grab the wire

How deep should the water be

 

[MenagerieGrl]

Probably up to the bottom edge of the top shell, possibly a lil more. "Play it by ear"
But make sure his head stays above water. I would think he needs to be somewhat buoyant so his her legs need to be extended to support it's weight in the water

 

[Yvonne G]

I like Barb's idea. Set him on a soup can or something larger. They always extend their legs when sitting on a can like that.

 

[Lyn W]

My tort will extend his head and legs if I hold him at an angle with his head down.

 

[mastershake]

touch / rub / tickle the back feet. usually they will put the front feet out when you do this then grab the front leg and hold it out to remove it. if that fails turn him on his side for a min usually they try to wave their legs around when you do that. be patient.

 

[Blackdog1714]

How deep should the water be

Just over the bottom edge of the scutes. Normal soaking depth

 

[MenagerieGrl]

So, @nelliejeangreen, have you had success with removing the wire?