Well, "Burnie" (one of a group of box turtles rescued from a bad 'pet shop' a month ago) is making vast improvements. He began eating crickets last week but then developed Pneumonia. He had mucus bubbles out his nose, eyes swollen shut again with large pus excretions. You could actually hear him rattling and wheezing when he breathed. We started him on an antibiotic injection twice a day (10 day course) a week ago and two days ago he began eating again. His eyes are a little puffy but today he literally tried to climb the enclosure for some nightcrawlers I picked up after a rain. He knows my wife is the bearer of sharp needles but that I bring crickets and worms.
On the pet shop...well, they are probably going to slip by on the illegal sale of box turtles charge mainly because the clerk at the time of the sale was a minor and the owner who lives in another city claimed he didn't know what the kid was doing. But they've been served notice that they are under scrutiny, no doubt about it.
Plus, I also found out from a third party that the pet shop is no longer even accepting litters of stray kittens and puppies. The store had pretty much turned into a dumping ground for unwanted litters. Needless to say, it was also a Parvo and Distemper cesspool.
I went in this morning to look around and they seem to be focusing on fish and birds. The birds didn't look well but I guess I only have enough swords for one crusade right now.
I also received permission from the DNR to keep Burnie and the others after his recovery. I think he's probably always going to be a fragile animal now after his ordeal especially since he's had pneumonia and was a burn victim at one time.
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Here's the other part: There are two other box turtles (both males) in need of a home. We all know that returning them to the wild is both dangerous to them and to the wild population. However, I have all the turtles I can take care of and don't want to add any more. My others have been with me a long time (over 30 years). These other two were rescued at the same time as Burnie. All have been in quarantine since then (separated singly) and the other two show no signs of illness and are eating well. Are there any responsible box turtle afficionados who would like to give one or both a home? I live in south Alabama but travel to GA, MS, north FL, TN and KY quite often so we could probably set up a transfer time within the next 30 days or so.
Needless to say, ONLY experienced keepers or those willing to learn fast (see following)! If anyone contacts me wanting to adopt them, I will probably post his/her name/user ID here and basically run it through the forum for 'general approval'. I'm new here and don't really know anyone but I think you guys who are long-timers probably know who is adept. NO NEWBIES unless you're going to come to MY HOUSE and get a turtle care lesson and send me photos BEFOREHAND of the enclosure(s) you plan on keeping the turtles in.
Let's be plain about one thing, though:
There is NO COST, NO CHARGE, NO TRADE, NO BARTER being asked for or accepted in this situation! (It is ILLEGAL in the State of Alabama to engage in any sort of COMMERCE in native species of Box Turtles). They are absolutely FREE to a responsible person who will give them a good home. Email me at chipolaman@yahoo.com if interested.
Thanks
Charles
