Barnet tortoise found behind car wheel still homeless

Shelley Littman has been caring for the unnamed animal, who she fears is an unwanted pet, since her friend's brother found him enjoying a road trip in Mays Lane, Barnet.

Shelley, who lives in Potters Bar, behind Oakmere Park, said that immediately after finding him they knocked on all the houses, went to pet shops, but nobody knew where he came from. She also went on Facebook groups tortoise pages for Potters Bar, Barnet and the surrounding area, to no avail.

After putting flyers up, a man from Manor Road came to see the tortoise saying he’d lost his own but confirmed this one was not his but said he’d take him if no one comes forward. His own tortoise Micky is still missing.

The tortoise enjoying a 'reptoboost' soak

Shelley said: “I’m thinking about giving the tortoise to him this week, he needs a more permanent home because he’s ready to hibernate and this man already has a good set up – the tortoise needs to settle down. If someone does come forward, he’ll give him back.”

The photo shows the tortoise having a ‘reptoboost’ soak which Shelley says is really important for them as they can get very dehydrated – “He really loves his soaks, he goes to sleep during them - one of the only times he’s still.”

She added: “He’s lively, a very adventurous little guy.

“As I take often take in animals in need and have quite a few animals myself, I had spare heat lamps and UVB lights for him and a spare table, although he prefers to be outside, when the weather permits. Tortoises desperately need uvb and heat in order to grow healthy.

The Barnet tortoise

“He loves his weeds and I also sprinkle his weeds with vitamins and calcium. Vitamins are not necessary if a tortoise gets a good balanced diet but as I don’t know where he has come from, a little boost should hopefully do him good.

“Calcium should be given regularly to all tortoises but without UVB they can’t absorb their calcium.”