You're in > TPG Members Forum > Tortoise General Questions > Does this shell look healthy?

Does this shell look healthy?
Posted: 14/04/2016 by AimerLeah

Hi I'm about to become a tortoise owner 😃 and desperately want to make sure that I pick a healthy tortoise. I'm am in communication with a Hermann tortoise breeder in Southampton and I'm looking at a 3 year old. Could anyone tell me if this little guys shell looks healthy? Thanks

I cant upload photos :(  keep getting the below message and ive tried resizing them over and over again lol - if anyone wouldnt mind looking at the photos on email id really appreciate it. Many thanks Aimee xx

Server.MapPath() error 'ASP 0173 : 80004005'

Invalid Path Character

/site/includes/forummanager.asp, line 59

An invalid character was specified in the Path parameter for the MapPath method

Re: Does this shell look healthy?
Posted: 14/04/2016 by Tom

Hello,


Yes I'll look, tomtortoise@tovevalley.net

Tom

Re: Does this shell look healthy?
Posted: 15/04/2016 by Tom

Thanks for the pics Aimee,

It's shell is quite bumpy, & growth is somewhat erratic. 
What other info have you had from the seller ?

Have you seen a copy of the A10 Certificate ? & is it microchipped ?

Tom

Re: Does this shell look healthy?
Posted: 15/04/2016 by Tom


Re: Does this shell look healthy?
Posted: 17/04/2016 by AimerLeah

Thanks for having a look Tom :) I did think it didn't quite look like the other photos ive seen. I havnt seen the Certificate but the breeder says he has these and that hes been breeding for over 30 years. He has welcomed me  to go to his home to view them and the set up. This is the only 3 year old that he has, but he does have babies available. I'm thinking I might give this one a miss then as I really do what to make sure that I get a healthy tort and it has the best start ect. I'm finding it quite difficult to find breeders in my area. I have contacted a few of the breeders on here but only a couple have come back to me. I didn't want to get a baby, I quite liked the idea of a slightly older one but I think a baby may be the best option now. Many thanks Tom :)

Re: Does this shell look healthy?
Posted: 17/04/2016 by Tom

I thought  it best to check as breeders don't normally keep them for more than a year, but you've checked so that's fine.

The babies he has were presumably hatched last summer - they would be no more difficult than a 3 year old - a delight to keep, in fact.
Given the above, I'm not suggesting the 3yr old is unhealthy. At 3yrs it must be 'chipped & no doubt it is.

Best wishes,
Tom

 

web designer: www.beework.net