Abandoned box turtle

This poor old man (estimate 50 to 70 years old) was dumped in a cardboard box in front of my work. He got sick/hurt and so his people decided that the humane society was the best place for him... but didn't want to actually pay a surrender fee or give us any information or anything. So there we were, with a box turtle when my facility deals exclusively with mammals. And it's not just an ancient, wild-caught box turtle... it's one with a severely jacked up leg (current thought is likely due to a kidney tumor). I elected to take him after his stray hold period was over to see if I could rehab him. I've got him newly set up in a 54 gallon plastic tote outside and he seems to be a much happier turtle than he's been for the past 5 days. Still hasn't eaten yet, but I'll throw some stuff at him after sunset and maybe he'll nom overnight.

His name is Beret (because the cardboard box had the word 'HAT' written on it).

The day he came in. We were so unprepared and he had to spend the 1st day in a 10 gallon tank, then the next 4 days in a 36qt plastic bin.

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Radiographs:

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And his new digs:

This is as much sunlight as he gets, so that he doesn't get overheated.

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Hidey log large enough that he can turn around and not get stuck (which happened with a smaller log at work) because that right leg doesn't bend well.

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"Hiding" under a tiny portion of maiden hair fern. You're right, Beret. I totally can't see you there.

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*Death glare*

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His leg is starting to look better, probably because he got an injection of an anti-inflammatory.

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Poor fellow! Hope he gets to feeling better. Some people are such jerks!

Thanks for taking him in and sharing his story.

Looks like a three-toed box turtle to me. I'm pretty sure they aren't wild in your state. Someone probably bought him (CB or LTC) there are several major breeders in the west that work with them.

Try some earthworms to get him eating. I have yet to encounter a box turtle that could pass up a wiggling worm. After that you can make up a finely chopped vegetable/fruit/fungi blend and ball it up with some worms inside. Their crawling out should get his attention and eating a more balanced diet. Best of luck, they're tough little tanks!

Beware of pesticides and ferts...

Glad to see an old man in good hands!

Wow, to bad there was no camera footage of who dropped him off there in the cardboard box. And then that doesn't mean they are the people responsible for the condition he's in. Sad, very sad. Thanks for being a step up to the plate person and going the extra mile for a disabled creature. It does mean a lot to him and to all of us here. At least he has a chance to thrive and enjoy the rest of his life with people that care about his physical and psychological well being. Peace.:gj:

Beret ate some cantaloupe overnight! FINALLY! :D :carrot: