I am overwhelmed by everyone’s kind comments 🥺 To answer additional questions, the container had holes in it and I didn’t take it off immediately because I didn’t want to drop him while I was looking around and still kind of processing it. Until now, my turtle knowledge has been me growing up helping feed and learn about my neighbors turtle (the water kind). However, I HAVE DEEP DIVED into everything tortoises need as if it was a dog (and we all know how much I love my dogs). According to the exotic vet, it is a hybrid paldaris leopard tortoise. It may get bigger than most leopard tortoises. It’s a hatchling (little baby 🐢) so we have a lot of caring to do for it right now! It’s eating and drinking well and is healthy. In the video there was some confusion about us trying to to figure out why they would have done that. We were not justifying, just trying to figure out where the heck their head was at kind of like how we have to do at a shelter to figure out what our next steps with an animal might be. This tortoise could live up to 100 years and get 80 to 120 pounds. So yeah, we are putting this tortoise in our Living Will as we speak. The tortoise is getting humidity and sunlight/store bought lighting. Thank you for all of the good tips. My biggest regret is not looking harder for more. This is not a cheap tortoise and it was not sick so we are assuming they have one very sick employee.. Regardless we plan on giving this baby the life it deserves. Also it needs a name if anyone has suggestions. ❤️🩹
From personal experience caring for a Leopard Tortoise hatchling, I’ve learned that patience and detailed attention to their unique needs are crucial. These tortoises can live up to 100 years and grow to impressive sizes, sometimes weighing over 100 pounds, so planning for their long-term care is essential. Creating a proper habitat is the first step. Leopard tortoises require humidity to stay healthy because they originate from environments with some moisture. Providing a warm basking area with UVB lighting mimics sunlight and supports their shell and bone growth. If natural sunlight isn’t available, a quality UVB lamp is an effective substitute. Regularly monitoring their diet is another cornerstone of good care. These tortoises mostly eat grasses and leafy greens—avoid fruits and high-protein foods that may cause digestive issues. Fresh water should always be accessible for hydration and soaking. When I started, I deeply researched tortoise nutrition, understanding it as carefully as I would for a beloved dog. Additionally, the social and emotional welfare of a tortoise is sometimes overlooked. Although reptiles don’t bond like mammals, they respond to a stress-free environment. Handling should be gentle and infrequent at first to reduce stress. Rescuing a tortoise from neglect, especially when the original habitat had holes or unsafe conditions, requires extra love and rehabilitation. It’s heartbreaking but rewarding to see them thrive after such a start. Naming your tortoise can deepen your connection, so consider names that reflect their unique story or appearance. Joining community groups like #TortoiseRescue and #AnimalRescue offers valuable support and resources. Learning from seasoned tortoise owners and exotic vets can help prevent mistakes and give your tortoise the best chance for a long, healthy life.
