Introducing Burt The New Rescue Turt

[omgitsapibble]

My newest addition, this is Burt, who I took in yesterday. Burt was a "re-home", after being bought at a pet store last year on a whim and then the kids apparently lost interest. Burt had no proper setup, and was being housed with a freakin' ball python, which was apparently a baby, considering Burt is still alive. Idiots.

Burt's now happily in a huge 75 gallon tank, with lots of dirt to bury under, and a big watering pool to lounge in, with proper heat, and fresh food. His previous owner had only fed him dried tortoise pellets, so Burt is suffering from a vitamin deficiency as a result.

He absolutely was not taken care of. As soon as I picked him up, I had to rush him to the vet immediately. He's suffering from a upper respiratory infection, a possible vitamin A deficiency, dehydration, and a honkin' huge ear abcess. The abcess has since been drained and disinfected, and he's now on Baytril injections for the next 10 days, and then has to go back for a re-check.

Some pics of Burt...

This was Burt right after I got him...





Burt tonight... he's enjoying a nice long soak in his water pool. He's been sitting in it for over an hour, kicking around and apparently enjoying himself. :yup:

[chocolatepuppy]

Burt is adorable! Thank goodness you rescued him! I just hate it when someone has a pet they don't take care of properly!

[Karen]

He is gorgeous, and looks happy to have water to swim in! What kind of turtle is he? And thanks for rescuing him, people ought to have to pass a test before they can adopt a helpless creature.

[omgitsapibble]

I completely agree, people should have to pass a test before being allowed to adopt an animal. Because this is what happens when idiots get pets. Of course, sometimes people are inexperienced with a new pet, which is why they should research the animal they are getting. But in Burt's case, how do you not notice the turtle is wheezing, breathing with its mouth open, has swollen eyes, and a huge abcess on the side of its face? And who houses a turtle with a snake?

Burt is a 3-Toed box turtle.

[Suki Wingy]

He is really cute! We are getting turtles soon too but ours have been in the family since before I was born, we're just getting them back from my grandma. They are technically my mom's and have been since 1990.

[Casper]

Aww, I have such a soft spot for box turtles.
Thanks for helping this guy out... good vibes headed his way for a quick recovery!

[cassiesmom]

Hello, Burt! It is very nice to meet you! I don't know much about turtles so your mum's informative posts are teaching me all kinds of things. What an interesting turtle pattern you have! I'm a big fan of your turtle-brother Squirt the camera star . What do you like to eat? When you regain your health, will you be able to go outdoors for yard visits with mum, like Squirt does now? I am sorry that your previous owners let you get sick, and I hope you will have a very long, healthy, happy life now.

[snakemama]

Hello Burt! Looks like your luck has changed! What a lucky fellow!