I got a baby Herman's on Wednesday...it hasnt eaten much since I collected it...despite trying numerous things. And it is now rubbing at its eyes alot. I had a closer look this morning and it seems that there is a white substance in the corner of her eyes....not much just a little. Is this likely to be an infection or just part of her eylid???

Now that I have actually given her a chance to wake up properly...seems that the white stuff is no longer there...guess Im a little paranoid about my new baby!! But she does still rub at her eyes and stays in her hide a lot...is this ok??

If you just got the wee guy on Wed. Id think its likely still adjusting to its environment

was it Shipped to you? or did you pick it up from its previous owner?

shipping stresses the animal a bit more in the end and could make it take some extra time to "come out of its shell" so to speak.

charlieparki, what types and size bulbs are you using and what distance are they from the substrate?

I have a 18watt heat bulb and a reptile UVB bulb which is 12 inches from the substrate....

I collected it but still a bit of a drive to get home and her new living quarters are somewhat larger than the old ones so I guess it will take some getting used to...

Sounds like the bulbs are far enough away. The reason I asked is some of the newer bulbs have been causing eye problems
Here is a Post with some sites listed
http://tortoiseforum.org/lighting-and-he...-2053.html

what substrate do you have him in?
if you can, post some pics of your enclosure.

I am using beech chips...its what the guy I got him from was using??

I have been watching closely and it seems she only does it when she first wakes up...

I have no idea what beech chip are, but you probably want to make sure they're tort-safe.

Best substrates are:

a) soil\sand mix
b) just soil
c) just Aspen.

Take a look on the enclosure section for ideas & reference. dusty substrates can harm the eyes and\or the lungs.

also, be sure to soak the tort on lukewarm water every 2 or 3 days and keep a shallow dish with water inside the enclosure. babies can easily dehydrate which can be fatal.