They make wonderful pets and are easy to care for.

 Turtle Talk Rescue primarily adopts out Box Turtles,  Russian Tortoises and the occasional water turtle.  We do not adopt out the African Spurred Tortoises to the public.  Just like the Idaho Herpetological Society, Turtle Talk Rescue has a $35 re-homing fee for the animals in our care.  We also require adopters to have both an indoor and outdoor enclosure completed at the time of adoption. 

Adopters must provide the basic essentials for their new animals.  We believe that all life needs food, water, shelter, fresh air and sunlight to grow healthy and strong.   Many pet owners provide the food, shelter and water, but neglect to provide their animals with sunlight and fresh air.  If we were to stay confined to our home for any length of time, we would become pale and sickly.  Animals are no different.  Provide them with a safe and secure outdoor enclosure during the summer months.  An outdoor garden box with grass, tunnels and water is a perfect haven for Turtles/Tortoises during the day.  Be sure to attach a "lip" around the external walls of the enclosure.  These little guys are surprising climbers.  To be safe, you can attach a screen over the garden box for protection from predators.  A 40 gallon critter tank works great for an indoor enclosure. Prepare the tank using Cypress Mulch with moss, proper lighting, fresh water and a hide box.  Remember, your turtle/tortoise needs to be indoors when temperatures drop below 60 degrees. 

   If you would like to get on the adoption list, please e-mail us at: turtletalkrescue@msn.com

We will be in contact.

Thanks for caring about the animals in our community.

Turtle Talk Rescue, Inc.

 For a healthy, happy Turtle/Tortoise, let’s talk about the following:

 All life needs food, water, shelter, fresh air and sunlight to stay healthy and happy.  Many pet owners provide the food, shelter and water, but neglect to provide their animals with sunlight and fresh air.  If we were to stay confined to our home for any length of time, we would become pale and sickly.  Animals are no different.  Provide them with a safe and secure outdoor enclosure during the summer months.  An outdoor garden box with grass, tunnels and water is a perfect haven for Turtles/Tortoises during the day.  Be sure to attach a "lip" around the external walls of the enclosure.  These little guys are surprising climbers.  To be safe, you can attach a screen over the garden box for protection from predators.  An indoor tank with Cypress Mulch with moss for the substrate, proper lighting, fresh water and hide box is required when temperatures drop below 60 degrees. 

 Escapes occasionally happen, even to the conscientious pet owner.  If your animal becomes lost inside your house, have a game plan for finding him.  If your animal becomes lost outdoors, be sure to call your local Humane Shelter and submit a lost report.  This is generally the first place that a “finder” will take the animal.  Hanging a “LOST” poster in the area is also very effective.  Turtles generally do not go far, however they are expert hiders.  Warn your neighbors to watch for your turtle.

 Prepare yourself by researching how to care for your Turtle/Tortoise. Through your research, you should find out what the biggest  challenge will be in caring for your particular animal?  How do you anticipate dealing with the challenge of keeping this animal?  A surprisingly large number of calls that come into the Rescue are from owners of the “Sulcata” or “African Spurred Tortoise”.  These animals are the third largest tortoise in the world weighing over 150 - 200 lbs when fully grown.  They grow very quickly, and soon require a much larger indoor and outdoor enclosure.  These animals do not hibernate, so in the winter, they are lively…and very bored.  This is primarily the reason why the “African Spurred Tortoise” ends up at the rescue.  Individuals are purchasing these animals over the internet as small silver dollar size hatchlings.  A few years later, they have a large tortoise that requires much more room and attention than they are prepared to provide.  These animals can not be released into the wild and basically have no place to go. The “African Spurred Tortoise”, can also live to be over 100 years old.  Prepare “your” toddler… to prepare “his” son… to care for the animal after you are gone.

 Set up a realistic yearly budget to provide appropriate food, veterinary care, and supplies.  Not all Veterinarians care for Turtles/Tortoises.  Make sure you have a Veterinarian that cares for reptiles in your area.

 Find out some of the main health problems that this animal might experience? What sort of things might you look for as indications that your pet is becoming ill?  This is also very helpful in choosing a turtle/tortoise.  Check your animal often.  Swollen eyelids, peeling skin, bubbles from the nose and/or mouth, swollen lumps on the neck, an open wound, shell damage, or mouth rot are just a few indicators that your animal needs medical attention. 

 Find out the proper diet for your animal.  We recommend the World Chelonian Trust for any questions about turtles/tortoises.  You can find their website at:  www.chelonia.org

 What will you do with this animal when you go on vacation?  Be sure to set up a good plan for vacations.  Take the time to type up a care sheet on your turtle/tortoise.  Keep him in his usual routine.  Once you have a care sheet, then your next vacation preparation will be a snap.  Simply print the sheet again.

 What things in your pet’s environment will you monitor to insure that he or she remains healthy?  Do your dogs think that you just brought home a new chew toy?  Be sure to keep everyone safe.  Monitor at all times. 

 Many snakes and lizards can live 15-20 years.  Many turtles, tortoises and crocodilians can live 50-100 years or more.  Are you prepared to keep the animal this long?  What provisions will you make for an animal that might possibly outlive you?  What a wonderful constant in your life.  Take care of your turtle, and he will always be there for you.  Not many people or other animals can say that.  Be sure to “Will” your pet to a friend, family, Rescue or Herpetological Society.

 We at Turtle Talk Rescue understand that "life can change in a heartbeat".  There are times when a rescue is all you have, and we are glad to be there for you and the animals. 

 Turtle Talk Rescue recommends Box Turtles and Russian Tortoises for first time caretakers. They make wonderful pets and are fairly easy to care for.

 Just like the Idaho Herpetological Society, Turtle Talk Rescue has a $35 re-homing fee for the animals in our care.  We also require adopters to have both an indoor and outdoor enclosure completed at the time of adoption.  Adopters must provide the basic essentials for their new animals.  We believe that all life needs food, water, shelter, fresh air and sunlight to grow healthy and strong. 

If you would like to get on the adoption list with Turtle Talk Rescue, please e-mail us at: turtletalkrescue@msn.com

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Vern finds a new home with a brave young boy!

 

"Vern", who is now called "Kevin" went home this week with Komil and his family!  The two became fast friends and they will enjoy years of fun together!

Huge Thanks to the whole family!

Some of our first residents and their stories...

Zoe came to us when an employee from a small pet store called and said that he had a turtle that was very sick.  She had severe lower respiratory infection, and would need at least 10 days of anti-biotic injections.  Their store policy was to euthanize the sick animals because the veterinary care was too expensive.  He hated doing that, so he obtained permission from the manager to begin releasing the sick turtles into our care.  We gladly accepted.  I am very thankful for caring people. 

Zoe is a healthy happy girl, and our pride & joy! 

HARLEY - "African Spurred Tortoise" or "Sulcata"

Harley came to us in June of 2006 and left this world in April 2007.  His shell was as soft as Styrofoam, and could no longer hold up his skeletal structure. This was most likely a result of poor nutrition.  Since he could not raise himself up to walk,  he would scoot along the ground moving no more than 8 feet a day.  But... WHAT A SWEET SPIRIT...  You just wanted to hang out with Harley because he radiated the most wonderful positive energy.  He always seemed to have a smile on his face.  He taught us more in 10 months....  He appreciated sunshine, a warm breeze, the company of friends, and a good meal. 

If more of us were like Harley, what a place this would be.

Thanks Harley...you will be missed. 

HENRY TORTUGA - "African Spurred Tortoise" or "Sulcata"

 Henry is too much!!  He is such a character and absolutely loves new experiences. He follows you around the yard like a loyal puppy dog, and even comes when you call him.  We take Henry to the schools, expos and other animal venues, because he is such a people watcher.  We get the feeling that he is studying us.  Henry...our life at the rescue will never be the same.

BABY SAVANNAH - "African Spurred Tortoise" or "Sulcata"

Baby Savannah was 1 year old when she came to the rescue, and these pictures were taken.  She was ordered off the internet by a nice lady that thought she was the cutest thing she had ever seen.  When the box  arrived,  it was crushed on one side, left on her doorstep in the middle of a NORTHERN WINTER, and not even marked "LIVE ANIMAL".  She was devastated, and scared to open the box for fear of what she would find.  Inside was a hatchling...a baby African Spurred Tortoise the size of a Silver Dollar.  Generally, the babies do not make it passed the first year, but with her owners care, this little one did well.  When she stopped eating and drinking, her owner called us and asked us to take her.  Baby Savannah is doing great!  She is another year older and twice as big.  She will live over 100 years, and when full grown, she will weigh over 200 lbs, as the third largest tortoise in the world.   Way to go little one!

SAMPSON & DELILAH - "African Spurred Tortoise" or "Sulcata"

 As you probably guessed...Sampson and Delilah came in to the Rescue together.  Their owners had this brother and sister duo since they were hatchlings, so we know that they were born in the year 2000.  Sampson, however is twice the size of Delilah.  They are absolute characters and a huge hit with the children.  Sampson can be seen cruising the halls at the Pet Expos.

We love these two! They definitely have a home with us for the next 93+ years of their lives.

 Note:  Their shells are pyramiding due to poor nutrition for the first 5 years of their lives.   Sampson even shows a collapse on his left side.  To see what their shells should look like, scroll back to the previous Sulcata, "Baby Savannah". 

LILLY - "Soft-shelled Turtle"

Lilly was the first soft-shelled turtle to arrive at the rescue.  She was an exceptionally nice girl that loved to have her nose rubbed.  These little ones get absolutely huge, and are very hard to place.  Lilly beat the odds and found a wonderful home with Pam & Brett.  She is growing rapidly, and living the "Life of Riley" in her enormous tank, enjoying her daily swim and nose rub.

BOGART - "African Spurred Tortoise" or "Sulcata"

 Bogart is the largest "Sulcata" at the Rescue, weighing in at 24 lbs. He is also the mellowest and most easy-going of any of our animals.   Sulcata's will grow to over 200 lbs when fully grown.  They will also live over 100 years. 

Hey Bogart, we look forward to many wonderful years with you...big guy.

ANAKIN - "Three-toed Box Turtle"

Anakin came to us from our local animal shelter.  He was found wondering the streets, and apparently during his travels, came in contact with a dog or coyote, before finally making it to our rescue.  But Anakin has a good attitude and is thankful for anything you do for him.  He was adopted by a Veterinarian from Oregon.

NEMO - "African Spurred Tortoise" or "Sulcata"

This is Nemo and our pride and joy.  He was found wondering the streets and turned in to our local animal shelter.  It is hard to say if he was an escapee or simply released to care of himself.  The problem is that the harsh Idaho winters would be unmerciful to the  African Spurred Tortoise, and he would probably never make it till spring.

HARSH REALITY...When people buy these sweet little guy's from the internet, many do not seem to realize that the Sulcata  or African Spurred Tortoise will become several hundred pounds, and are at least a two generation commitment living over 100 years. So after the novelty wears off, and they have a large tortoise that requires much more room and attention than they are prepared to provide, these poor guys are found abandoned at the local animal shelter or released to care for themselves.

JASPER - "Three-toed Box Turtle"

Jasper was bought by the Rescue through a small local seller.  He said that he was too sick to sell.  Knowing that Jasper would become a "casualty of the business", we convinced the seller to sell him to us anyway.  Jasper spent the next three weeks under special care and anti-biotic injections, but he is a happy healthy young boy now. 

In 2008, Jade & Jasper were adopted together by a wonder couple who spoil them rotten.  After such a rough start in life, they have finally come home.  Thanks to Richard and CK, Jade & Jasper are living the good life.

JADE - "Three-toed Box Turtle"

Jade came to the Rescue with Jasper.  Although he is a bit shy with people, and just a baby, he is a healthy happy boy.

In 2007, Jade started showing beautiful orange on his neck and head... they grow up so fast!

In 2008, Jade & Jasper were adopted together by a wonder caring couple.  After such a rough start in life, they have finally come home.  Thanks to Richard and CK, Jade & Jasper are living the good life.

MERLIN - "Three-toed Box Turtle"

Merlin came from our local shelter, when a good citizen found him wondering the streets.  When we named him Merlin, we did not realize just how true the name fit.  Three times now he has been found visiting other turtles in their outdoor enclosures. How?...we're not sure, but I began to question my sanity.  OK Merlin...as he plots his next scheme. 

Merlin was adopted by Natalie and her family, and he still continues to amaze us.

BORIS - "Russian Tortoise"

"SUNNING ON A ROCK"

Boris was brought to the Rescue by a young College Student who realized that she could no longer care for him.  It was so refreshing to meet her, and find a wonderfully responsible pet owner.  Boris has become a big part of our Rescue Family, and we enjoy taking him to meet the children.

Sometimes our Journey will take a turn in which we can no longer care for the animals in our charge.  

Please take responsibility and find them a home where they can thrive...be a "responsible pet owner".

CONAN - "Three-toed Box Turtle"

Conan is our little Barbarian.  He will take on anyone...just bring it on.  Adopted by a Veterinary Technician

DONATELLO - "Three-toed Box Turtle"

Easy-going Donatello takes things in stride.  "Conan...yeah whatever tough guy".  Ransom's favorite buddy!

GABRIEL - "Three-toed Box Turtle"

Gabriel came to the Rescue with Zena.  At the time he was young and light yellow.  So we called the duo "Zena" and "Gabrielle".  As s/he matured this beautiful orange head began to appear...Gabrielle was a Gabriel.  Young three toed box turtles are born a pale yellow color for camouflage.  The female will remain yellow, but the males will soon begin to show their "true colors". 

He was adopted by a Veterinarian from Oregon.

ZENA - "Three-toed Box Turtle"

Zena was one of our first arrivals.  She came to us healthy, happy and without a back foot.  Possibly missing from birth or from an accident or animal bite many years ago.  It is hard to tell the age of a box turtle, but Zena's shell is very smooth, which is an indicator that she has been around for some time. 

THOR - "Three- toed Box Turtle"

Thor - We gave this cautious guy a very strong, "Noble Name" to help build his confidence. 

He asks for nothing and appreciates everything.

Thor was adopted by a wonderful boy named Kenyon.  The two are best buddies.

NELLIE - "Three-toed Box Turtle"

Nellie is another old girl with a very smooth shell, and a "can't be bothered" attitude.

ZEKE - "Ornate Box Turtle"

Zeke has a beautiful pistachio colored head, and a shell that has grown square from being smashed by a car.  He has gorgeous, penetrating eyes that seem to look right through you.  Someday, Zeke is going to tell me the wisdom of the world. 

NICHOLAS & ALEXANDRA - "Russian Tortoises"

  Nicholas & Alexandra chose there new family.  When the family came to meet another tortoise, we noticed that Nicholas and Alexandra never left their side.  They stayed right by the family and even tried to climb up a pant leg.  This shy duo surprised all of us, and soon left for their new home. They were adopted together by a wonderful family.