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Identification & Advice
Posted: 11/07/2017 by Packwoo80

Hi, we rehomed two tortoises from a lady who couldn't look after them anymore so the information/knowledge we have is limited.  She told us they were 'Sully's', they home was a 1m x 0.5 trap (approx. 20cm deep), they had a lamp heating their area, log tunnels and sand floor with a large dish filled with stones/water for them to bathe.  One tortoise is very active, it charges around over/under obstacles whilst the other is very still/slow.  As advised we feed them wet dandelion leaves sprinkled with white calcium rock dust, and/or grass & rose hips.  However we have had a visitor who thinks they may not be Sully's, and in which case, may not be caring for them appropriately. She also felt that their shells were looking a little too lumpy and should be smoother. Could anyone help identify them from the pictures so we can be a little clearer and research better? 

Re: Identification & Advice
Posted: 12/07/2017 by tomtortoise@tovevalley.net

Hello,

Sulcata, showing signs of early MBD., due to a lack of UVB. 

Whereabouts do you live ? 

Tom

Re: Identification & Advice
Posted: 12/07/2017 by Packwoo80

Hi, we live in Bedfordshire. Any recommendations with regards to whether the habitat they have is sufficient.. sounds as though we need to readdress the UV lamp that's in there. 

Re: Identification & Advice
Posted: 12/07/2017 by tomtortoise@tovevalley.net

I thought you may have been in the USA as you used the term 'sully'. Click "The Tortoise /" box & print a Caresheet.


This species has no place in the England. Unless you can give them a 0.1 acre 'field' & spend £10,000 + on a suitable house when they are older, then you will need to re-home them in a few years. They should not be allowed to roam round the house when bigger - though some idiots do.

Make a wood sided pen & get them outside in half decent weather. They do NOT need full sunshine.

Tom

 

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