George!

George is our Eastern Hermanns Tortoise, that we took on after he was found in somebody's garden a few years back.  After much trying to find his owners, we were unable to, but I don't think he was at all well cared for in his previous home, as his shell is awfully pyramided.  He also had been attacked by a dog or a fox, and had holes on top of and under his shell.  The vet had us scrub iodine into the holes everyday incase of infection.  He seems very happy here, and has run of our front garden in the warmer months.  He happily munches his dandelions in the sun bless him!  xxx


Millie meeting George when she was a pup!

Poor thing! I wish people wouldn't just jump in and buy reptiles with no prior knowledge. They're not that easy to take care of if you don't know what sort of nutrition/supplements they need.

I know, far too many people just buy a cute baby Tortoise on impulse, then go off them when they grow. George is very small, about 420g. He eats like a lil piggy though. I know the males are smaller though, but the vet still thinks he's smaller that he should be, but think it's due to his dodgy upbringing. xxx

Could be! They need such careful supplementation, especially in early life. Young tortoises are cute, but as you said, they grow.

Looks like he's healthy and happy in your pics though! Well done for rescuing him!

I like tortoises!

Amber wrote:I don't think he was at all well cared for in his previous home, as his shell is awfully pyramided.  

Is that how you can tell? I didn't know that.

It's sadly quite common and is something most responsible tortoise owners dread. It generally means that the bones are weak, the keratin in the shell doesn't form properly and too much strain is put on the scutes. Metabolic Bone Disease is common in reptiles who don't receive enough Calcium and Vitamin D (it's what Little Dude has). Tortoises have a huge bone mass, so they need a lot of the stuff.

I took him to a local Tortoise expert, and he picked him up, and said "well he's had a s**t start in life!" Poor lil boy. He was happy enough eating my Pansies today!!! xxx

So, is he ok now, or does he still have health problems?

He seems fine in himself, but once their shell is damaged, it stays like that. All I can do now is just give him the best diet and care that I can. xxx

Well, at least he won't get worse, anyway!

He's lucky to have a caring owner now! And I daresay he's completely forgotten about his bad start in life.

How is he with your dogs?

Thank you. George isn't bothered by my dogs or cats. He usually ignores them and carries on munching! Millie sometimes gets too close, and he pops his head in! xxx

Can't say I blame him!

Bless him!

Well she did once pick him up in her mouth when she was younger!!! I was horrified! She wouldn't dare now lol! xxx

Aww!

I'd love to have a tortoise someday. They have a surprising amount of character!

I love tortoises.

When I was 4 we were on holiday in the Kruger National Park and I decided that I wanted one. For some reason there were loads of small/baby tortoises out and about and I would throw a tantrum everytime we drove past one.
In the end my dad stopped and picked one up for me and it shat all over everything in the car. Luckily my sister was still a baby and most things were covered by blankets and diapers.

Woops!

Shisa wrote:I love tortoises.

When I was 4 we were on holiday in the Kruger National Park and I decided that I wanted one. For some reason there were loads of small/baby tortoises out and about and I would throw a tantrum everytime we drove past one.
In the end my dad stopped and picked one up for me and it shat all over everything in the car. Luckily my sister was still a baby and most things were covered by blankets and diapers.

  

George is gorgeous   I love the pics of Millie with him. Cheeky girl picking him up lol x

Gorgeous george!   hes beautiful.
Did the vet repair his shell with Fibre glass after he healed to stop any future issues?

Aww thats so cute lol