I'm asking for a friend here, her tort escaped and got out and they didnt see her for 8 months, they thought they had lost her never to be seen again, but then about four days ago they saw her popping out she was covered in mud and looked in a real bad way, the most worrying thing was that her shell was soft!!!!! She isnt really eating or drinking properly yet, and we were wondering if you lot had any ideas of what has happened to her and what we can do to help her, she is about 2 years old .... They are very worried, any information would be great !!! thanks
Amy xx

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Please help???!!!

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Amazing - that's the second thread in a week on here about a tort disappearing last summer then emerging from the soil in the garden!

Soft shell is usually caused by lack of calcium and uvb - your friend needs to visit a vet who is a tort specialist to get it checked out on an urgent basis.

I don't have any experience of hibernation yet so can't give advise on post-hibernation but I'm sure someone will be along who can.

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Hi there,

Ok the tortoise has probably been hibernating deep underground over the winter months - I also have had the same thing happen with one of mine disappearing last August and only reappearing last week. Mine is now eating and drinking by himself. At this stage your friend needs to get him drinking so give him lots of baths. How are his eyes looking, sometimes if temps get too low during hibernation, eye damage can occur. If he really is in a bad way as you say then your friend should get him to a vets asap.

I would agree with Tina, your friend needs to get it checked out asap. Make sure she finds a good vet though and one who knows about reptiles.

Sorry cant help on post-hibernation either.

Im glad mine are going to be in a solid bottom enclosure.

Thanks for all your advise i'll pass the info on xxx

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