Recent content by James9811

Hi everyone Our Russian has been given antibiotics for a RI. He’s currently opening his mouth and extending his neck every minute or so, unless he’s resting and it slows to every 4/5 minutes. Sometimes he lets out a little squeak too. What is this action? Is he gasping for air? It stops when...

Just returned from the vets for a same day emergency appointment because I found Sully with his neck extended, mouth open and sort of squeaking. I’m no good with animals being in pain so I fell to bits, I’m not going to lie. She checked he wasn’t choking which he wasn’t, and after a test said...

Hi everyone I’m really worried about my 1 year old horsefield. He hasn’t eaten in roughly 3 days and he just constantly wants to sleep. To the point where he’s actually going to sleep in his daily soak baths. Usually he loves them and doesn’t stop pacing back and forwards and dunking his head...

Hi everyone. I’ve read a few horror stories about stunted growth caused by what can be multiple factors and im really concerned about our Russian. He’s just coming up to a year old. He’s 5.5cm in length and weighs 44grams. Just wanted some of your guys takes on this and whether is sounds like...

So I’ve just been changing my Russians food when I noticed small white bugs crawling all over the slate (about 10 of them, super hard to see). Checked under his water bowl and there’s quite a few there too. What could these be? Can’t see them in pictures as I’ve tried but I’m really concerned.

@Tom phew, tom to the rescue again! Thank goodness you replied as I’m just getting it set up. Will the coco coir be okay in the rain and not mould or deteriorate? I’m planning on purchasing it in bricks that I just need to water down if that’s something you think would be okay?

Hi all! Part of the outdoor enclosure for my horsefield will have topsoil, is this stuff any good? This is literally all that is written (image attached) Thanks!

Hi all! So I’m purchasing a bigger version of the attached picture and doing a bit of landscaping where it’s gonna go. Only concern is I live on the coast, do you think seagulls or other birds will spot the tortoise and be able to get through this wire? I’d hate to think he was in any sort of...

Hi all! So we have a back yard with no grass (and live near the sea so lots of gulls) so letting the tortoise have the whole yard just isn’t on the cards. I’ve found a few online, but I’m really unsure on what to fill it with. I was thinking of growing actual grass within the enclosure...

Good idea! He gets a little bit every now and then but I’m in Northern England so sunshine is rather rare, we should be good to go next month! I feel so rubbish. I can’t believe I didn’t spot the little bald patches on his legs, they seem so obvious now 😞

@Yvonne G would I be able to get your thoughts on this? The patches with no skin have been brought to my attention and I’m worried sick now. Like I say we soak him for 10/15 mins a day and spray his enclosure down multiple times a day. I followed the care sheet on here too during setup for...

Also, when you say “very dry” is that in relation to skin on the legs?

Hi He is bathed for 10/15 mins every day without fail, but I did always wonder why he had little bald sort of patches on his legs. Could it be down to anything else?

Hi all My tortoise fully extended his neck to have a smell around the garden and I noticed this red patch on the top of his head, is this normal?

Thank you so much for you reply Tom, you’ve made me feel a hell of a lot better. I will absolutely take more care in future and using a tub to transport sounds perfect. I’ll monitor him over the next week and keep a close eye, he seems like his usual self right now, so hopefully nothing...