Reptile & Amphibian Forums

We just purchased 3 box turtles from a lady in WV, We where not told that one had a crack in the shell. We where sent pictures of these turtles. In which this crack was not shown as we only got to see the front of the turtles. We where also told they where in good health.

What should I do?

-Boxxie

Image

The picture didn't post for me so I can't see it.
Is it a bad crack that will require vet care? Or is it an old crack that has healed and is just a cosmetic blemish? Either way the seller is negligent for not telling you, but if it is a healed crack the turtle will be fine and you'll have a turtle with character. However, if the crack is bad and the turtle will require vet care, if it was me I would contact the seller and tell her I want my money back. Good luck with the turtles!
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Tess
Kingsnake.com Forum Host

Probably caused by either a lawnmower blade or a machete blade. (if the latter, probably unintentional). It looks very fresh so will need treatment. How were these turtles shipped?

well it was quite upsetting to say the least the breeder never told us about it.. and it is healed up. But the turtles where shipped in plastic containers with holes punched into them. Then placed in a cardboard box. No insulation, No cold pack or anything of the sorts.

When I asked about it to the breeder, She got very rude, told me I was not knowlegable enough to have turtles since I didn't know breeding turtles would have wounds like this..
She told us we could send the female back to her at our expense. and she would ship another one at our expense.. Which would mean we would be out 3 shipping charges.. and I don't want to send this poor turtle back to that lady at all.

-Boxxie

"She got very rude, told me I was not knowlegable enough to have turtles since I didn't know breeding turtles would have wounds like this."

Damn! You gotta be kidding! She's trying to say that turtles gash holes through the SHELL during mating -?!?!?! You need to contact someone about this. I'd send the photos and emails to whatever website you found her advertisement for starters. Besides the absurdity of such a claim, the shipping method -especially for this time of year- is inexcusable.

I agree...
Mating turtles can cause some damage, but THAT wound would not be what I would consider typical. The fact remains that the seller did not disclose to you that the turtle was injured, and in fact lied to you about its condition.
Sounds like the seller is someone to be avoided, and others would benefit from being told of your experience. By all means, spread the word.
When you think of the transaction in simpler terms, the seller deserves 'negative feedback': merchandise not in condition advertised, not shipped in manner specified, and, seller refused to replace defective merchandise at seller's expense.
Stephanie

Make a post on the B O I

I've got two clutches of eggs right now; one laid 2 days ago and the other about 2 weeks ago. I have 3 hatchlings that hatched out in late OCTOBER of last year so presumably could have been laid around late JULY-early AUG last year. Of course, down south, it'll easily stay warm through OCT.

Speaking of which, the hatchlings (yearlings now, actually) are munching down on snails at this moment.