I think putting her on papertowels and keeping her off substrate was a wise move. I am sure your vet will work you in. Poor Sparkles. Good luck to you both. Keep us informed.

This post was last modified: 01-29-2008 08:21 AM by Crazy1.

Ok, sorry it took so long for an update. I couldn't get in to the vet until 6:00. Anyway, the vet said her nose will be fine. He gave me some triple antibiotic to put on her nose for the next 20 days. He said its probably just from her rubbing her nose against the enclosure.

Other problem was, she's lost weight!!! Last time weighed was November she was .79 grams. This time she was .71 grams. I'm not sure how she lost weight. She eats great and she eats twice a day.
He said to nix the coconut fiber substrate. He said it causes impaction. So, I need to come up with another substrate I guess. He said to use Alfalfa pellets but I'm not so sure about that. I was thinking of using the some of the Orchard grass I bought. Would that be ok? Is it possible for that to catch fire from the heat lamp? Can it hold humidity at all? Although she is a Sulcata, the babies need more humidity don't they? He said I need to up her temps to get her to eat more.

I am glad that Sparkles will be okay. Do not use alfalfa pellets because they mold. I have experienced this when I first started with my torts. I have used sand/soil mix but I am changing this to shredded aspen bedding. Danny uses this with all of his torts and I trust his opinion so I am giving it a shot. He also gave a great suggestion for a humid hide. He said to take a plastic flower pot and cut it in half from top to bottom. Glue a sponge in the pot and keep moist. I think this is a brilliant idea, as many others did also, and intend on also using this for my leo babies.

Thanks, I'm glad she will be ok too.

ah yes!! I remember reading about the sponge trick, thanks for reminding me.

Is the Aspen bedding digestable?

Danny said that it passes right through. He uses it for all of his at all ages.

I use aspen for my russians and my sulcata when they are inside.. I also put some orchard or timothy at one end because mine like to hide under the hay instead of the hide logs. I found my sulcata did much better when I switched him to aspen (per Danny ). As far as the nose keep an eye on it, my three toed has one large nostril in the shape of a heart do to a sinus infection that was not treated before I received him. But it was great that you could get him in so fast!!

For right now I'm going to use the Orchard grass. I already have it so I might as well use it up.
I'll tell you, I get more and more confused on how to care for her each day that passes!!

Dude! I hear you!!! It seems like the more we learn, the harder it is to care for these critters!!!! Isn't it supposed to get easy with knowledge?!? LOL! I guess it's with "time and experience" that it starts to get easier. I hope so, anyway!

I think I have 2 red ears
I do use Aspen on all my tortoises that don't need high humidity. I've never had a problem with them passing any aspen they have eaten. I do feed on paper plates to lessen the chance of them eating to much.
It never molds and is easy to spot clean. It's also fun to dig in.
I'm glad Sparkles is going to be fine. We are trying not to confuse you Liz

Danny

I hope so too Kelly!!!!!

Oh no Danny you have been very helpful!! It was the vet that actually confused me. Breeder said to use the coconut. Vet says Alfalfa, others say no to Alfalfa. Oi!!!!
In your opinion Danny would the Orchard grass be ok for now?

Oh and I guess since I'm calling you all by your first names I should tell you mine, its Melissa.

This post was last modified: 01-29-2008 07:10 PM by Coldliz.