Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello! My sister in law's parents have two 15 year old desert tortoises. They are not cared for properly. They are fed a diet of iceberg lettuce (that's it, just iceberg, never anything else) and are housed in a box that's about 2.5 feet by 5 feet. They are occasionally (like, once or twice a month) let out to roam for about 10 minutes. Recently her parents have begun to see courting behaivor and are concerned that the female could be pregnant. When they found out that there could be serious complications if she does not have a spot to lay her eggs they got worried, but are very hesitant about taking her to the vet (it's too expensive they say, after all, the lettuce is costing them close to $60 a month). So! My problem is that they know that I like reptiles so my sister gave them my number and they will be calling me to find out what they should do. I guess. I'm honestly not sure what they want because I was told very specifically that I am not allowed to mention that lettuce is a terrible diet or insult their care in any way, shape or form because her father is incredibly sensitive, and they really do like these turtles. So I've been looking up tortoise care and learning as much as possible, and I guess I just need to know what to tell them. The issue or getting rid of them may come up as well, does anyone know of any rescue organizations in CA? Thanks so much for any help you can give me, this is an incredibly frustrating situation that I really wish I had more control over.

Wow...this is awkward as can be, and I have to bite my tongue about the care (lack of=neglect) those wonderful animals are receiving. Contact the California Turtle & tortoise club and/or the San Diego Turtle and Tortoise Society, perhaps they can assist with an adoption to someone who has the passion and skills to give them what they deserve. This is heartbreaking to hear, they are really a nice breed and deserving of something better. If the onwners won't do the right thing, maybe you should get them one way or the other and do the right thing...good luck, Vic H.