The ponds have all been partially frozen for most of winter except for the hole that the submergible heaters keep in them.  Hard to see the turtles but have caught a glimse of a few over the course of the past few months when weather allowed a brief walk outside and there was no snow blocking the views. Of late there has been a Cooter up baskig on the warmer of the days and by warmer I mean above 40° and sunny. We’ve only had a couple of days in the near 60’s that we were able to bring out some of the Sulcata tortoises that we’ve been over wintering awaiting adoption. They were as thrilled as we were to get them outside for some sun and grazing. Too bad it was so short lived, but with spring only weeks away they’ll have a chance to be outside soon enough for longer days. And before long will be able to be shipped to their new homes in the southern parts of the country. Lucky them!

Of course we’ve taken in the usual Red ear sliders over the winter. One that Steve brought back from the expo at White Plains that he just couln’t stand to leave there. This thing looked like Dizzy Gillespie with an abscess so bad his face looked like two. With lancing and some antibiotics and much time to heal along with good care she is now all healed up. Another that came in with eye problems likely from one of those coiled lamps causing eye swelling. Fine now as well. And what would the winter be without a few hatchling RES, seems we never get through a winter without these. I did manage to find a great home for two of them though so only two left here now.

The Diamondback terrapins that were brought in for rehab are doing great and will be released come spring and weather permitting. Amazing how great they heal up when given a chance. And those little tiny Snapping turtles that were the size of quarters, well they could swallow a quarter now if you let them. Wow did they grow. I guess their first couple of months of poor care caught up with them once they got onto a good diet and had a good environment because they have really gotten very big and only on eating mostly snails, fish, superworms, shrimp, smelts, mussels and only some pellets and krill. I’m amazed at how fast they grew. I’m used to RES and tortoises that grow slowly.

 I was real happy to get word from someone that had dropped off a box turtle in the fall to us. She was not sure of the location that her sister had found the turtle, but this box turtle was in excellent shape and no reason for it to be kept except that we cannot release them unless we know where they came from. I set him up outside to hibernate figuring he would have to be rehomed come spring. Well she finally got out of her sister exactly where the turtle came from and I’m happy that it’s not far from our home and we can release him come spring! Woohoo! Love it when they can go home. One less turtle stuck in captivity.

We got a Diamondback terrapin in last month that was found in the vines around St. Patrick’s Cathedral in NYC. What the heck the turtle was doing there is beyond me. The person that brought the turtle in said she was told there were two spotted there but she could only find one. Likely someone had either bought them at the fish markets and released them or forgot them or something. Only in NY! One can only begin to guess. I’m still waiting to hear from DEC on what we can do with that one. Would love to be able to release him too.

This is the time of year when we start to get requests for placements of all sorts of tortoises and turtles. Mostly Red ear sliders and  Sulcata tortoises then  Russian tortoises, Cooters and quite a few other species but not as many of those as the above. If you’re looking to adopt, please submit an adoption application along with photos of your enclosure. Please note that applications are not processed if photos are not submitted. Even if you send photos of your yard where you plan to build the enclosure it’s better than sending nothing, your application will at least get seen. Without any it gets filed awaiting photos. You can find the application here: http://www.turtlerescues.org/forms/adoption.htm

I hope everyone is having a safe winter and is looking forward to spring as much as we are!

As stated in the blog last entry, the RES are still a big problem with placing. I have had offers from several people out of state to release them in ponds where they are native so this is an option, but some people just don’t like that option. So for those I just keep a waiting list and place as I can in the few homes we do get for sliders.

Back in January I had a Redfoot tortoise come in here for placement. I swear this had to be the driest tortoise I have ever seen in my life. I named him Dusty because the dust was so thick on him it took literally weeks of soaking and brushing to get the dust off that poor guys shell. It was actually imbedded it was so bad. Kept in a tank with a heat mat AND a 160 watt uv/heat lamp. That poor tort was cooking in there. Amazing what they endure and still survive. He didn’t know what to do with a good meal when he got here but after weaning him off those awful colorful tortoise pellets I’m happy to say he left here eating nutritious greens, fruits, bugs, worms and shrimp like a Redfoot should and is now residing in a great home with a great tort keeper.

I had a few Sulcata residents for the winter. It’s always fun cleaning up poop like that of a horse (NOT). And having that hay makes the basement smell like a barn to go with that poop, so some may walk in and think we’re living in a barn, although it is in our basement. But fortunately the bigger of the Sulcata got a ride down to Florida In February so that only left a smaller twenty pounder and a another smaller one.

I got in a cute little Russian tortoise from one of the local nature centers in November, which was found at a beach here on Long Island. His tail was totally mutilated from the cloaca to the tip. The vet could not do anything for it because there was nothing to work with. So I took him home and did the best I could with keeping the wound clean and keeping him as comfy as I could. The little guy survived. My grandson named him Booboo tail, and he has been called Booboo since. He was supposed to go to an adopter upstate NY. They had built a great tort table for him, got all his supplies, bought the RT seed mix from www.carolinapetsupply.com and got it growing. All was set and the family was going to get the tortoise at the reptile expo in April. Then a tragedy. Fire ripped through their home while they weren’t home destroying everything, so Booboo could no longer be adopted by them. I felt awful for the family, but glad nobody got hurt. I adopted Booboo to another family but after about a month or so he was back with us because he wasn’t eating well and wasn’t acting like his normal self. So Booboo is still with me. Now living with my group of tortoises. He’s just the cutest little thing and really thrives here so I’m really hoping that the original family will one day be able to adopt him again.

Then in February came another Sulcata. One that could break your heart just looking at him he was in such awful shape. Remember Toby? This one is worse. There’s a short video clip of this one here: http://www.turtlerescues.org/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=4903
One of the worst cases of poor diet, poor habitat , lack of uvb, lack of humidity just lack of good care. The owner had brought him to a vet where they began treating him for MBD (metabolic bone disease) by giving injections of calcium and vitamin A. Luckily there were only four of these injections given before the owner got in touch with me and got the turtle out of there. The vet wanted to continue this for two weeks.Two weeks of vitamin A shots surely would have had this tortoises skin sloughing off his bones. His diet was spring mix and carrots according to the previous owner. If the vet had bothered to ask he would have known there was no vitamin A deficiency. After about a month of having the tortoise here and him not eating and having a terrible time trying to walk a lightbulb went off and I began to wonder if he could possibly have a blockage, rather than his not pooping being from not eating, and his difficulty of walking being from the MBD. If the vet had done an xray upon seeing this tortoise he would have seen the blockage that my vet saw when I brought him in. There is was, plain as day, intestinal blockage. All that time wasted with not trying to treat the blockage. I tried everything to get this tortoise to poop, and back to the vet two more times for xrays at three week intervals with not much progress. Four months later, finally, a little bit of poop has finally begun to leak out. Nothing like it should, but we are making progress and I am now a bit more hopeful that this amazing tortoise is on the mend and will survive. He is even now eating a bit of grass, on his own!

In February, Newsday featured a photo of one of the Leopard tortoises that had come through the rescue in their paper. I submitted the picture for the heck of it and was real surprised when they picked it. They ran a short bit about the rescue. It was nice.

We’ve already had several other Sulcata come and go. But we also have had some other beautiful tortoises. A gentleman whom I felt terrible for had to give up six of his very long term captive tortoises. One absolutely beautiful Burmese black mountain tortoise seen here: http://www.turtlerescues.org/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=5247 The owner had her for over 35 years. He also had to give up his Redfoot that he also had for that long and I’ve never seen a more beautiful, perfectly smooth Redfoot tortoise. His other tortoises were two 20+ year old Sulcata tortoises and 20+ year old Leopard tortoises. It sure was a sad day for him but made me glad I do what I do and was able to find great homes for all of his tortoises. I’m sure our DHL driver is glad the big guys are few and far between. Those were some real heavy totes I shipped.

The usual barage of box turtles have been coming in. Mostly with ear abscesses and most are being released fortunately. Have one Eastern box turtle here now who’s eye was popped out. That was a first for me and not an easy one to deal with but the turtle and I got through it and she is on the mend and will get released with her one good eye. She’s an old girl and I’m sure will be happy to be back in the wild where she belongs. You can see photo’s of her before and after here: http://www.turtlerescues.org/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=1135&g2_page=5&g2_navId=xb859bd52
I’m happy to report that she was released on 7/19/08 where she was found. Also released back to the area where it was found was the little chewed up boxie that came in last fall. That little turtle healed up really well and was eating like there was no tomorrow. I’m sure that one will be a long time survivor.

I have another one here now that was presumably hit by a car. This one had to be wired up because of so many bad cracks so I sure hope he makes it. Pictures can be seen on page 19 and 20 of the Rescues/Rehabs album:
http://www.turtlerescues.org/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=1272&g2_page=19

I finally got all those that dropped off injured box turtles last fall to pick up the healed box turtles to return them to their place of origin. Except one, and that one we are releasing tomorrow because I found out where it was found and it’s close to a safe place that’s good for release. One turtle was here for eight months! I finally had to threaten to adopt the turtle out to get the people to come and get her. People don’t realize that I don’t get paid for this job. I do this on my own time with my own resources and space is limited. It’s so frustrating for me to take in these turtles and not know where to release them, so from now on unless the person can tell me where they came from, they will not be contacted for release, they are surrendered to us and that’s it. Our funds are very limited and for someone to assume it’s okay for me to keep a turtle for eight months and care for it until they are ready to take it back is a bit too much. That won’t happen again. I’m sure they are clueless as to how rescues work, but it’s no excuse.

Now I’d like to give a great applaud to the staff of Petco for really going above and beyond for one very itty bitty teeny tiny little turtle. A hatchling Diamondback terrapin that someone found on a beach on Long Island, brought back to New Jersey, thought it was a sea turtle and brought it to a Petco where they left it. In New Jersey it is against the law to sell turtles so Petco could not keep this turtle in the store, but they were more concerned with getting it back to where it belonged, Long Island. I was contacted by one of the store managers, Jennifer, asking if I could help. Of course we (as in hubby) would be sure to get that little hatchling back to the brackish waters of Long Island where it belongs. Trying to get it back to Long Island was the tricky part, but Petco’s regional manager, Scott Coleman of Rhode Island really went above and beyond for this little turtle. He drove all the way from Rhode Island to New Jersey and then to Long Island and I met him at the Selden Petco where I picked up this little hatchling. I’ve got him here getting him acclimated to some brackish water and likely tomorrow he’ll be on his way to living in the wild again where he should be. All too often I get contacted by people that find these little hatchlings and they hold onto them thinking they are doing the right thing, but I’ve got several that I can show you that will prove taking them from the wild is the worst thing you can do. One I’m trying to help now is likely not going to make it. Suffering from MBD and what appears to be renal failure. So sad to see them suffer like this all because someone thought they could keep a wild turtle as a pet. If you find a turtle, let it go.
As for Petco, kudos to Scott Coleman and Jennifer for getting this little hatchling to us so we can get it back to where it belongs so it can live the life it should live. Thank You! You did a great thing. You can see a photo of this little hatchling here: http://www.turtlerescues.org/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=5289&g2_navId=xd610d1a8

Our TRLI BBQ will be held at Steve’s house this year. Anyone looking to join us just email for directions and RSVP by July 12th. Looking forward to another great day with good friends and good company.

Hope everyone is off to a great start for summer. Enjoy and I’ll try to post again before winter gets here, but if I know me it will be Christmas before I get in here again. Our fall fundraiser will be held in November, and for a peek at our grand prize look here, it’s such a tease:
http://www.turtlerescues.org/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=5033 Another beautiful quilt being donated by Sue Hodge. I can’t wait to see it up close. Sue is an absolutely fantastic quilter.

Have a great summer everyone!

Julie

It was a real busy season for all kinds of turtles and tortoises, and fortunately homes were found for all adoptable turtles/torts. I think my last count was something like 36 Sulcata that were placed. I’m sure there were more than those and once I get through all my paperwork I’ll have a more accurate number. We had several Sulcata that were dumped at the local ecology site. One in the greenhouse which was probably the worst place for dumping since they use chemicals on their plants; the other was dumped in the field on a cold Friday night after all the staff had left. Luckily security spotted him and called one of them back and they brought the tort here. If he had found his way into the woods surrounding the place he surely never would have survived the winter.
Please, if you have a tortoise or turtle that you can no longer keep, seek help, don’t dump it.

Unfortunately as of July 1st new regulation went into effect in Florida and no more Red ear slider turtles are permitted to be shipped into the state as pets. We had one person there with a huge pond that was accepting all that we couldn’t find homes for. Now that we can’t ship to her any longer, we are forced to turn away many, many RES. If you or someone you know has a large secure pond and can accept even one RES it would be a great thing to do. I hate turning them away as I’m sure many are being dumped, but I just don’t have the space here to house any more than I’ve already taken in. Of course I still take emergency cases like abandoned or hit by car, etc., but no longer can take them from everyone like we used to. I currently have two needing homes, so if interested let me know. A young female approx. 4″ and a teeny tiny hatchling.

Box turtles came in regularly this year. Many were missing limbs or need to have limbs amputated. Very sad. Some came in just needed treatment and were released again. My favorites, but those with no back legs, or loss of habitat, etc needed to be placed. I’ve got several here for the winter, some of which can be released in the spring. One a cute little fella that was chewed on by something on both carapace and plastron. A truly holy turtle, but he’s healing well and looks like release will be possible with him. Lots of turtles with ear abscesses too. Another I have here now with swollen shut eyes and respiratory, but again, should be releasable come spring.

We got in a really nasty looking Russian tortoise. Poor thing was kept in a ten gallon tank for at least ten years. Poor diet, no uvb, no water. How he survived is beyond me. He had a leg so swollen it protruded over the rear of his carapace. He also had a lump on his chin. By the good treatment of our vet Dr. Greco of Centereach, the surgery he performed to remove the cysts (three in all) was very successful and he was able to save the leg. The tort recovered really well, regaining use of his leg and has been adopted to a great home.

We had the TRLI BBQ on July 14th, and I think a great time was had by all that attended. I think there was something like 35 people here. Guests came from all over including Colorado, New Jersey, Ma and of course New York. You can see some photos here: http://www.turtlerescues.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=3763

Our Fall Raffle Fundraiser was a great success thanks to all that donated not only prizes for our raffle, but bought tickets to help support the work done here. Thank you to everyone that did donate, it is greatly appreciated. I’ve even been getting contacted by some wonderful people to donate for next years raffle. It never ceases to amaze me how wonderful you people are and how supportive you have been. I feel blessed to have such a wonderful supportive group of tort/turtle lovers.

To see some of the rescues your donations have helped, go here:
http://www.turtlerescues.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=1272

And to see the winners of our raffle items, go here:
http://www.turtlerescues.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=4047

I’ll try to be a little more diligent with my postings, but in the meantime stick with the Yahoo group to keep up to date on happenings.

Thanks again to everyone who supported us through our fundraiser.
Julie and the gang at TRLI

Animal House

November 8, 2007

Julie Maguire is looking for a few good ponds.

Feral kitties and Labrador retrievers and all those other usual suspects are not the only ones who need rescuing in these precincts. Abandoned and unwanted turtles and tortoises are more common than you might think, which is what prompted Maguire, of Lake Ronkonkoma, to found Turtle Rescue of Long Island (turtlerescues.org - don’t forget the “s”) in 2004.

Maguire can find good homes for just about any carapaced creature that inches its way across her threshold, with one glaring exception:

The red-eared slider.

Formally known as Trachemys scripta elegans, the semi-aquatic turtle with the red slashes on either side of its head originated in the Southern United States, but its popularity has made it a world traveler. Residing in ponds, lakes and creeks - anywhere the water is fresh and calm - sliders love to bask on rocks or logs, sometimes even atop each other. Their nickname comes from their quick skittering off their basking spot when approached.

Federal law prohibits the sale of tortoises and turtles of less than 4 inches in diameter. (This theoretically is the size at which the animals cannot be placed in a child’s mouth, reducing the risk of salmonella transmission, which is always a concern with reptiles.) Still, red-eared sliders are widely available as hatchlings, sold in tourist areas and ethnic neighborhoods such as the metro area’s many Chinatowns.

Impossibly cute, sliders grow to be up to a foot long and require lots of room - a 55-gallon tank at minimum. Because they sleep, eat and defecate in their tank water, conditions can get rather, er, ripe, unless owners are assiduous about filtration and cleaning.

Maguire figures she gets three to four calls a week from slider owners looking to relinquish their once-cute charges. The best she can do is put them on a waiting list.

“We are so overwhelmed, we can’t take red-eared sliders anymore,” says Maguire, who used to ship rescued sliders to Florida - until that state made them illegal earlier this year.

That leaves private local ponds that are securely fenced: Pushy predators, sliders can easily edge out the native terrapin population. The pond also has to be deep enough for the turtles to overwinter.

Adopters are scarce, to say the least. “If I get two people locally per year, I’m lucky,” Maguire says, sighing. “I get two or three out-of-state requests, but that’s not enough to meet the demand.”

While it is illegal to release a captive turtle in the wild, Maguire suspects desperate slider owners are doing just that.

On the subject of difficult-to-place turtles, the sulcata tortoise runs a somewhat close second to the red-eared slider in terms of the numbers that are coming into rescue and the difficulty in placing them.

Native to northern Africa, sulcatas are large grazing turtles that can easily reach 90 pounds and the proportions of a television set. Unable to survive our winters, they must be sheltered indoors roughly half of the year, and their take-no-prisoners approach to home decor has prompted some to eat through drywall.

“They can’t be kept in a tank - they need a room,” says Maguire, who sends her sulcata rescues to more Southern climes, where they can live outdoors year round.

Whether a sulcata or a slider, most owners had little idea that their saucer-size critter would grow into such a big problem.

“If you’re going to buy a tortoise or a turtle, it’s a lifetime commitment,” Maguire concludes. “They can live 50 to 100 years or more.”

Copyright © 2007, Newsday Inc.

Box turtles, box turtles, and more box turtles keep coming in. I cannot express enough that if a box turtle is found and is not injured, put it into the woods as close to where you found it as you can and DO NOT take it out of the wild. I know there is loss of habitat and people are afraid they will get hit by cars, but trust me, a life in the wild taking risks is so much better than the life of a turtle in captivity. It’s not fair to the animal to take it from it’s home thinking you are ‘rescuing’ or ‘adopting’ it. Leave them there. If the turtle is injured by all means get it, take it to a rehabber or vet, but write down exactly where it was found so it can be released when it’s healed up. NYS law makes it so difficult to home these turtles because you must have a License to Posess one here, so please leave them where they should be. We just released five back to the wild because we knew where they came from, but still have five more that cannot be released because they were kept too long, or we don’t know where they came from, or people saved them from the wild and then couldn’t care for them any longer. Sad for the turtles that they can no longer live freely.

The Diamondback terrapin that had the surgery for the three legs that were chewed off did not make it. The front leg opened up again and the infection spread fast. It was probably for the best as her life would have been so different than it was prior.

Red ear sliders, as always have been coming in like crazy. The only home I had to send them to was a home in Florida with a huge pond. Since the new regulation for Florida takes place as of July 1st, 2007, preventing any new RES from being taken as pets in the state we will no longer be able to take them in. I hate to turn away any turtle at all, but we just don’t have anyplace to put them. I’ve contacted DEC asking what they suggest but they have no answer. I fear that between this and the Senators of Louisiana pushing for a ban on the 4″ law we are going to see all of our native turtles destined for the protection lists in each and every state because people will end up releasing them as they do now, but to a larger extent and our native turtles are going to suffer because of it. Wish I had a solution, but I don’t.

I have a Painted turtle that came in hit by a car. The front corner of her carapace was completely sheared and barely attached. I have wired her up and put her on antibiotics and hoping for the best. She began eating really well so I think she’s going to make it. You can see her here:
http://www.turtlerescues.org/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=3589 Once she’s healed up she will be able to go back to the wild if all is well with her. Her front legs seem very weak, but that may improve over time.
There are also photos there of an Eastern box turtle that came in with an abcess and a Red ear slider that someone scooped out of the Atlantic Ocean on Fire Island. That was actually a first for me. I’ve gotten them from some weird place before, but never out of the ocean.

As a reminder, we have the TRLI BBQ coming up. July 14th at 3p.m. at my home. For anyone that wants to come, send me a private message at maguire1@optonline.net to let me know you’re coming and for directions. It should be a lot of fun. We have about 30 people coming, some travelling quite far to get here, so it better be good.

Two very large Yellow belly sliders came in that belonged to a young boy who had to be admitted to the hospital and the family was moving closer to the hospital to be with him and they couldn’t keep them. These turtles are huge. I told them I would keep those turtles here and I hope that some day I’ll here back from them asking about them and maybe he’ll be able to take them back. My heart goes out to that boy and his family.
On April 3rd someone found a Diamondback terrapin on a beach near their home that had three legs chewed off. I didn’t have a real lot of hope for this turtle, but when my husband returned from picking it up I had a change of heart. Although all but the front left leg were completely chewed off, her head and that one leg were not even scratched, nor was the shell, so I thought she should be given a chance to live. My vet took her and removed all the excess chewed bone and skin and sutured her up. I gave her about ten days of just short warm soaks to eat and rehydrate and would hand feed her to get her to eat. Then I moved her into a shallow 70 gallon aquarium. She has finally begun to eat on her own. I think she will even be able to live in our Diamondback pond. Although she only has that one good arm, her tiny stub on the other front leg does move just enough to keep her from swimming in circles, so I’ll give her a try one day to see how she manages. If she can be out there I’m sure she’ll be much happier. If not she’ll be set up in a shallow area of the pond until winter and then be brought in. You can see pictures of her here: http://www.turtlerescues.org/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=1272&g2_page=11&g2_navId=x908289ea
A Giant Wood turtle also came in, which you can also see on the above page in the Photo Gallery. This turtle is in awful shape. The owner knew it was not getting the best care and that’s why she gave it up. It was her daughters pet, but they just didn’t have the proper set up and/or diet for the poor thing. The shell is terribly deformed. We are looking for a good home where this turtle can live outside. We had a few people interested, but so far no real takers.
The Reptile Expo held at Sports Plus arena in Lake Grove here on Long Island was a good show. Although there was an ice storm the night before and driving was horrendous, there was a pretty good turn out. Many venders and reptile lovers came despite the road conditions. My daughter brought my grandson and he had a wonderful time. Pictures can be seen here:
http://www.turtlerescues.org/gallery2/main.php?g2_page=5&g2_navId=x908289ea
Of course there were some awful sights to be seen with mixing of species and torts not looking very good, but there were also many nice looking torts. It was nice to meet a couple of our TRLI members from the group there.
We are planning a BBQ for July 14th for those that would like to join us for a day of some turtle talk. Just let me know you’ll be there so I have a head count for food.
I think that’s about it. Just real busy taking in turtles/torts and shipping them out. Looks like it’s going to be another busy year! I am very happy, as I’m sure you all are too, that spring has finally arrived!

On this list of other turtles/torts that came in, we have another small Red ear slider that still needs a home, and those two that came in last month are healed up well and looking for a new home as well. They are big girls, 8″ or so. The larger Eastern Painted has a home to go to in a few weeks. A Southern Painted is awaiting adoption and another small Eastern Painted was brought in this week that needs a home too.
I got two Russian tortoises from the local reptile store, which came to them from the distributor in awful shape. Both severely dehydrated and malnourished. Eyes sunken and they felt like empty shells. Both were loaded with parasites. One is doing great and is like an eating machine. He’s gaining weight steadily. The other is not doing as well. This one was really pretty beat up, but I’ll keep trying to bring it around.
So if you notice I’ve not been on the lists as often as usual, it’s because I’ve been really busy tubing turtles/torts that won’t eat, cleaning substrates, water changes in three aquariums and an indoor pond plus cleaning those nasty filters, and still taking time every morning to hand feed the HBC Wood turtle that seems to think that’s the way things should be done. However, I’m very happy to report that as of two days ago that Wood turtle has realized it can eat on it’s own. She ate several mealworms all by herself and today ate several superworms. So we are on the way to having one less mouth to feed by hand. I’m feeding some 50 or so turtles/torts, as well as cleaning tort water dishes daily to keep the Midge flies from laying their eggs in their dishes. Some think bloodworms are a good thing; to me they are a pain in the neck. Not what I want in my reptile room. Bad enough I have fungus gnats to contend with, and springtails, but these little buggers are even more annoying.

Lucky the HBC box turtle continues to do well, and the Itty bitty box turtle that will be released in the spring is doing great. Has really grown over winter by eating all those bugs that are living in his enclosure. Gonna miss that little fella, but he will love living in the wild where he belongs.

We have several requests for more Sulcata to be surrendered so if you live in a warm climate and want to adopt, please fill out and submit an adoption application at our website. It looks like it’s going to be another busy season for Sulcata, as well as Red ear sliders, so if you have room for either think about adopting.

I think that’s it for now. Counting the days until spring when we can get everyone outside, including me!

This month, January, has also brought in some new boarders. First a very young Eastern box turtle. Had been chewed on by an animal and was found in someones back yard almost a year ago. They kept it in a tank and fed it greens. Shell healed well with vet care, but diet was not so good. Luckily the shell isn’t too deformed but the plastron isn’t looking too good, nor are the legs and feet at this point. Hopefully on a good diet with proper habitat we can get this turtle to grow into a healthy turtle that can live a good life.

We also got in two adult Eastern box turtles. Both were kept by an elderly gentleman for, according the neighbor, anywhere from 10 - 20 years. In August the gentleman passed away leaving these turtles with nobody to care for them. They both look good except for the bottom mandible which is excessivly shorter than the top which makes it difficult for them to hold certain foods, especially live wiggly ones. They try so hard but need help with things like superworms, crickets, butterworms, etc.

Our other additions are two large female Red eared sliders. Both appear to have respiratory infection. One has lesions which appear to be bite marks but it’s hard to tell. There are actually chunks of skin hanging off of this turtle. Most dead skin that I was able to cut away. I’ll treat them and adopt them out if they make it. Since they are a hardy species they should survive. Hopefully they will and can enjoy the life in sunny Florida.

A large female Russian tortoise came in as well. This one I have not decided what to do with yet. She was kept with a Sulcata tortoise for about six years. Fed romaine lettuce. Free roam of an apartment with said Sulcata. A week prior to being surrendered the Sulcata died for no apparent reason. Isolation for this tortoise and I haven’t decided if I’ll have testing done or not, but I do strongly suspect cross contamination in this case. This is why species should not be mixed. This one I may keep here.

As an update on previous rehabs, Lily, the box turtle that came in only eating tuna and tomato was adopted out but ended up coming back to us with a small lump by her tail and a red mark on her plastron. It was superficial and was gone within a few days being in her habitat here. I think the lump that was seen was just part of her anatomy. No treatment other than being left alone to be a turtle. She eats anything and everything that is put in front of her. I have yet to see her turn her nose up at any food given to her. I swear I think this turtle would eat spagetti if given the chance. LOL She sees me and comes running. Such a nice turtle. I’ll be looking for another home for her in the spring.

The NA Wood turtle that came in after being found HBC (hit by a car) is still here. Moving her legs, but not walking on them. Only ate on her own once, a strawberry, that I saw so each day she is fed by hand to be sure she’s eating. I wonder if she’s conning me.

The Eastern box turtle that lost the front of his carapace from being HBC is doing great. He’s adapted well and has healed up nicely. Still not sure what I’ll do with his shell yet. Thought about creating a prosthetic shell, but not sure if it will be necessary now.

The itty bitty Eastern box turtle is also doing great. That little bugger cracks me up. So secretive those box turtles, especially as hatchlings. I have a camera on that one so I can see him out and about, but I never see him out when I’m downstairs in the basement where all the set ups are. He’s always hiding when I’m down there. I’ll have to post new photos of him next to a butterworm so you can see how much he’s grown. He will definitely be released come spring.

Phil the Ornate has grown so much over the past couple of years and is the most ornery turtle around. If there’s such a thing as a turtle being a bully, he would be it. If he sees another turtle eating a bug or worm he wants, he has no qualms about grabbing it right from their mouth. Fiesty little fellow he is.

Scooter of course is as arrogant as ever. Holds her head up high and has no idea how mis-shapen her shell is. She struts her stuff as if she’s the most beautiful turtle in the world, and to me she is. Skeeter has grown a little this past year. Not much, but enough to make me feel there’s hope for her to live a good life. She even uses her back legs much more than she used to. Not all the time, but much more often, so one of these days maybe we’ll see her using them regularly.

Photos of most of these turtles/torts can be seen in our Photo Gallery in the Rescue Album: http://www.turtlerescues.org/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=1272
http://www.turtlerescues.org/