Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just got a golden greek tortoise from a local petstore. I have researched them some, but am still looking for as much info as possible. I dont know how old it is but its shell is about 5-6 inches long (just an estimation, havent measured him yet.) I found a comaprison of a male and female on the net and believe it is a male. At the store he didnt seem to have anything wrong with him and they said he was always very active and a good eater. Once I got him home I noticed he has a slight clear discharge from his nose. Not a lot, just a little. He sounds "stuffed up" too. I currently have him on hay for bedding. I was wondering if it could be the hay that's making his nose "run". What does everyone else recommend for bedding? I also read that the discharge may be from previously being in too much humidity...which his very likely that he was. The petstore had him in a glass tank with a box turtle. There might have been too much mositure in the tank. Other than the runny nose he seems very active and alert. He doesnt hide or anything when I pick him up. Any other info anyone has would be great. I would love to hear stories or experiences anyone has with them personally. He is so cute and I want to do the best I can for him. Thanks.
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Heidi Kagarise
hjk@pennswoods.net

0.1.0 Ball Python
0.0.1 Albino ACF
1.0.0 Budgie
1.1.0 Spiny Mice
1.0.0 Dwarf Bunny
1.2.0 Barn Cats
0.1.0 Lab Mix Puppy

>>I just got a golden greek tortoise from a local petstore. I have researched them some, but am still looking for as much info as possible. I dont know how old it is but its shell is about 5-6 inches long (just an estimation, havent measured him yet.) I found a comaprison of a male and female on the net and believe it is a male. At the store he didnt seem to have anything wrong with him and they said he was always very active and a good eater. Once I got him home I noticed he has a slight clear discharge from his nose. Not a lot, just a little. He sounds "stuffed up" too. I currently have him on hay for bedding. I was wondering if it could be the hay that's making his nose "run". What does everyone else recommend for bedding? I also read that the discharge may be from previously being in too much humidity...which his very likely that he was. The petstore had him in a glass tank with a box turtle. There might have been too much mositure in the tank. Other than the runny nose he seems very active and alert. He doesnt hide or anything when I pick him up. Any other info anyone has would be great. I would love to hear stories or experiences anyone has with them personally. He is so cute and I want to do the best I can for him. Thanks.
>>-----
>>Heidi Kagarise
>>hjk@pennswoods.net

Heidi,
Based on my experience with my Golden Greeks, I'm pretty sure your tortoise is sick. He is surviving but not thriving. I recommend you find a good herp vet and have him checked out. Many of the golden greeks on the market come in sick. Don't wait until it gets worse. They really are fun once they get healthy.
Good luck,
John

>>>>I just got a golden greek tortoise from a local petstore. I have researched them some, but am still looking for as much info as possible. I dont know how old it is but its shell is about 5-6 inches long (just an estimation, havent measured him yet.) I found a comaprison of a male and female on the net and believe it is a male. At the store he didnt seem to have anything wrong with him and they said he was always very active and a good eater. Once I got him home I noticed he has a slight clear discharge from his nose. Not a lot, just a little. He sounds "stuffed up" too. I currently have him on hay for bedding. I was wondering if it could be the hay that's making his nose "run". What does everyone else recommend for bedding? I also read that the discharge may be from previously being in too much humidity...which his very likely that he was. The petstore had him in a glass tank with a box turtle. There might have been too much mositure in the tank. Other than the runny nose he seems very active and alert. He doesnt hide or anything when I pick him up. Any other info anyone has would be great. I would love to hear stories or experiences anyone has with them personally. He is so cute and I want to do the best I can for him. Thanks.
>>>>-----
>>>>Heidi Kagarise
>>>>hjk@pennswoods.net
>>
>>Heidi,
>>Based on my experience with my Golden Greeks, I'm pretty sure your tortoise is sick. He is surviving but not thriving. I recommend you find a good herp vet and have him checked out. Many of the golden greeks on the market come in sick. Don't wait until it gets worse. They really are fun once they get healthy.
>>Good luck,
>>John

I called the vet today and have him scheduled for tomorrow at 3:30pm. Thanks.
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Heidi Kagarise
hjk@pennswoods.net

0.1.0 Ball Python
1.0.0 Golden Greek Tortoise
1.0.0 Budgie
1.1.0 Spiny Mice
1.0.0 Dwarf Bunny
1.2.0 Barn Cats
0.1.0 Lab Mix Puppy

I suggest a sand substrate with a pile of hay for security. As long as you have it warm (80 to 100 F for a range) and dry they do fantastic for starters. A water dish should be provided.

I would highly recommend that you get it to a vet ASAP and describe the conditions the tortoise came from to the vet.
It sounds like it going to need some extra care to start with.
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Ed
Tortoise_Keepers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

>>I suggest a sand substrate with a pile of hay for security. As long as you have it warm (80 to 100 F for a range) and dry they do fantastic for starters. A water dish should be provided.
>>
>>I would highly recommend that you get it to a vet ASAP and describe the conditions the tortoise came from to the vet.
>>It sounds like it going to need some extra care to start with.
>>-----
>> Ed
>>Tortoise_Keepers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
>>Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

Hi. I took him to the vet today. She said it seemed like he had a slight RI. He got a shot of baytril. He has to go back for two more shots. She said he didnt seem to be too bad so it shouldnt be to hard to clear up the infection. She also was suprised at how active and alert and friendly he is. She didnt have to "pry" him out of the shell to give him the shot. He is always looking around and trying to run around. Very sweet turtle. thanks.
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Heidi Kagarise
hjk@pennswoods.net

0.1.0 BALL PYTHON (Mona Lisa)
1.0.0 GOLDEN GREEK TORTOISE (Scooby Doo)
1.0.0 BUDGIE (G)
1.1.0 SPINY MICE (Sugar & Spice)
1.0.0 NETHERLAND DWARF RABBIT (Bunny)
1.2.0 BARN CATS (Lilah & 2 no name kittens)
0.1.0 LAB MIX PUPPY (Tootise)

The vet may have said a 'slight' case, but it's really worth beating early. It took one of my golden greeks 6 months to overcome a bad infection after treatment. I think, the onset of winter compounds the problem.

Golden greeks really have super personalities, and once established they are just as hardy as most other types of tortoises.

Good to hear yours is doing so well.

John