I recently adopted a a lost tortoise. It is a red footed tortoise, but it has a pyramid shell. What should I feed it.......any advice....I have no idea what to do!!!
2006-09-08 04:29:26 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Reptiles
This type of tortoise would not be able to survive in the wild where I live...It gets very, very cold. It was found by a family friend and obviously has not had the proper diet, since the shell is pyramid...I am trying to find out how I should help him so please only serious answers!!!!!!
2006-09-08 04:54:25 · update #1
Pyramiding is generally caused by too much protein in the diet... There's nothing you can do about it now, but if you get him on the proper diet and in the proper setup, there's no reason why he can't live a full and healthy life. This species is considered slightly omnivorous, so a little animal protein is necessary, but just make sure he's only getting as much as he needs... here's a few links for you... good luck!
http://www.tortoise.org/archives/carbonar.html
http://www.kingsnake.com/rockymountain/RMHPages/RMHredfoot.htm
http://www.chelonia.org/Articles/redfootcare.htm
http://www.anapsid.org/dietcons.html
2006-09-08 06:03:09 · answer #1 · answered by snake_girl85 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One serious answer, coming up. Don't know exactly what you mean by "pyramid shell", but, from About.com:
"Feeding: In the wild, red footed tortoises are omnivores and eat a wider range of foods than many other tortoises. Do not overfeed animal protein, though; one serving of low fat cat or dog food a week is plenty. Lean meat can also be fed. They also seem to do well on Mazuri tortoise food. A variety of fresh leafy greens, vegetables, and fruits should also be fed (they also tolerate fruit better than many other species). A calcium and vitamin D3 supplement should be used."
The link below has further information regarding housing (outdoors or indoors), lifespan (50 years -- uh oh!!) and links to other care sheets as well. Hope this helps. Since these are primarily meant as pets (they come from Brazil, I believe), you may also want to contact your local vet for further help, or just to have a checkup for the poor guy!!
Good luck!!
2006-09-08 05:56:18 · answer #2 · answered by Yahzmin ♥♥ 4ever 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is absolutely nothing you can do to reverse pyramiding. You can only prevent future pyramiding. I do not mean to be rude but,let me ask you this why did you adopt a tortoise with such poor health. A healthy tortoise is a huge responsibility much less one with a disease. I do not know much about tortoises but try this site there is a wealth of care sheets and forums to help you care for your new friend properly. www.repticzone.com.
I do know in turtles pyramiding is caused from too much protein that might be a start.
2006-09-08 08:54:06 · answer #3 · answered by CiCI 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Shouldn't this read:
"I recently kidnapped a tortoise"?
JUST KIDDING
I would recommend you take it to the nearest body of water from where you found it and set it free. Wild animals do not live long in captivity just as domesticated hamsters and gerbils who live in captivity wouldn't live long in the wild.
I would take it back as soon as possible... but if you want to feed it first it would be ok to give him/her some raw hamburger of flies if you can catch them.
Have a great day!!!
2006-09-08 04:46:35 · answer #4 · answered by Coo coo achoo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How do you know it was lost? Maybe he was on his way home.
2006-09-08 04:33:09 · answer #5 · answered by jlyn1980 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋