As no owner has come forward, this boy is now up for ADOPTION. He has obviously been in a tank with lids on and the condensation that causes has meant his scutes are flaking off in small bits instead of one whole scute. This will heal completely with the CORRECT tank/lighting environment and plenty of time in the sunshine. Please contact Donna at Turtle Rescue if you are wanting to adopt him or any of the other earthquake refugees needing new homes. He will only be rehomed to someone with an appropriate tank and accessories. You need a tank that is AT LEAST 4ft long (120cm), an external filter, heater with a guard, a UVB light AND a source of heat over a dry basking area. You DONT want a lid on the tank, unless its a mesh lid, as glass etc will cause many problems for the turtle. Small stones in a turtle tank are a big killer of turtles so a bare bottom tank is best. If it doesnt work out for any reason he must be returned to Turtle Rescue. He is NOT to be sold on TradeMe or any other auction site.
All support and information will be provided to ensure his welfare and care. See www.turtlerescue.co.nz or
'Turtle rescue and rehoming' FaceBook pg for more information on what you need to set up a turtle environment correctly. Donna will need to see proof that you have an appropriate tank etc before you can adopt him. For Information on where to purchase a suitable tank (for $260) and other necessary equipment, contact Donna on turtleinfo@paradise.net.nz , phone, or through the website.