Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello,

I just was given a 10" 4.8 pound, 5 year old leopard tort. I already have a 2 year old who is in great shape and doing well so I think I know how to take care of him. However, the new guy has some growth problems: overgrown nails and beak, concave plastron (is that the right name for belly?) and seems to be a little shaky when walking. He is very active, seems to be eating well.

What should be my immediate concerns? I have not other enclosure than the one for my other leopard - can I put them together right away. I know that is not ideal but I have not other way to keep him warm and provide the lighting, etc.

Can I trim nails myself? what about beak?

Any help would be great.

Thanks, Ben

Here of photos of the new guy

That's a good lookin' male leopard that does not seem to have any major morphological problems.

You do realize you are taking a big risk by putting them together right away if at all?

If you understand that risk you can minimize it by at least getting a vet check including a fecal. Make sure there are no obvious signs of protozoa or other parasites. Make sure there is no sign of other problems... runny nose, sunken eyes, watery eyes...

Also, Try and get as much background history as you can... Why was it dumped... was it in a breeding group... was it with WC animals... was it with other species... This should help you decide.

If your intent is to breed your pet you are going to have to eventually take that risk.

The choice is yours as long as you understand the enormous risk.
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Ed
Tortoise_Keepers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

Thanks for your comments, He does not have any outward signs of problems - no runny nose, sunken or watery eyes, I do not intend to breed them, but I would like to keep them together if at all possible, just because... it seems easier - less lights, heating, changing water..... I will try to get some more history however.

I do have an additional question about feeding them both. Do I have to worry about one of them eating all the food before the other if they are together? Right now I can control how much my tort eats, but if I put food enough for both, then one could eat all of it.

Ben

That is a distinct problem. That is also why you see different growth rates in groups of tortoises.
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Ed
Tortoise_Keepers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

This is a male trait of several different turtle/tortoise species. I know male box turtles have a concave plastron.
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So, this is normal? is it because it helps them get a little closer for a little "sumpm sumpm"?

-Ian