How long can a 1.5 inch sulcata not eat?

aztortuga

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We are on day 8 of trying to rescue the little sulcata. Twice daily carrot baths for the last 6 days. Temps 80-85 degrees since day 3, plus over 70% humidity, fresh food available twice per day.Training to keep 80% humidity, but today we went to 90% nd now its 70%. Coco coir substrate. Opened its eyes two days ago, but just trying to scratch (blindness? itching?). BUT it has not eaten anything! How long can they not eat? Almost no movement. Occasionally, moves in a circle when we put it in its bath. Raises its head a little bit and then goes back to sleep. Literally touched a tiny piece of cactus pad to its mouth and nothing.

Any suggestions are welcome. My daughter just told me to just leave it alone. Might be the only thing we have not tried.
 

Tom

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80-85 is good for an ambient temp, but is there a place for the baby to warm up more? A basking area?

Is the coir damp?

Are you using a UV bulb? What type?
 

aztortuga

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We have a night black heat incandescent bulb (75 Watt) for night (porcelain black reflector dome - Zilla). For day a regular incandescent 100 watt bulb (clamp porcelain silver dome per recommendation on one of your posts, thanks).

Heat might then be an issue, as we have it under a wooden hide (also soaked), so it is probably colder under there. I do not know how I could measure the temperature under there. I got the ACURITE digital humidity monitor/thermometer that you recommended in a post (thanks). The first one I purchased is a vertical one and was not reading the humidity correctly. The temperature was pretty accurate, though.

I have the humidity now at 81%. Added another layer of coco coir today (after a good soak) and a middle layer of orchid bark. The flooring is about one inch deep.

I made it bask today, by placing her on a warm rock that I put out in the sun (I live in AZ and it was 80 degrees). This is when she moved around twice in a circle. Did this for less than an hour altogether. I brought the rock into the tank for a while and let it sit directly under the light. Today is the only time I have done that. It has taken a couple of gulps during her carrot or water soaks. I do have a fear of too much heat, and use the night bulb during the day most of the time.

Bottom line, it is rarely directly under any of the lights, as we keep it under the hide. I appreciate your suggestions.
 

Yvonne G

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While the baby is recovering it might be helpful if you keep it in a small tank, something like a 10 gallon aquarium (hospital tank), that you keep covered. It's easier to maintain a steady 80-85F degree temperature in a smaller enclosure.
 

aztortuga

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While the baby is recovering it might be helpful if you keep it in a small tank, something like a 10 gallon aquarium (hospital tank), that you keep covered. It's easier to maintain a steady 80-85F degree temperature in a smaller enclosure.
Exactly what we have, we call it the ICU! Just took it out to the sun for 20 minutes. The most I have seen it move! Sadly it just moved around and walked over the food to get under the shade then fell asleep with its butt in the sun. But is was pretty lively and actually appeared to squawk (it was definitely making a noise). I am not having trouble keeping the temperature up, it's the humidity that is a challenge now. Or since I got a better thermo/hygro meter... Keeping it covered might help with humidity. I have been using foil and a blanket, but have not gotten to 80% yet.

Do I need a UV bulb or is taking it out to the sun 20 minutes a day enough? I thought i would start with 20 minutes, but could also do longer. I am in Tucson and the high today is almost 80. What is a pig blanket? Google did not help much (Piglet and Pooh anyone?) thank you.
 

aztortuga

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PS We only took the tortoise out, no the whole tank. Had it in a large plate with moist coco coir and food plus partially shaded. Would taking out the tank be a better idea for a few hours?
 

Big Charlie

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PS We only took the tortoise out, no the whole tank. Had it in a large plate with moist coco coir and food plus partially shaded. Would taking out the tank be a better idea for a few hours?
No reason to take the tank outdoors. However, tiny tortoises are food for some birds so you need to be watching all the time outside unless you have some type of cover.

You don't need a pig blanket with a hatchling. That is something you can consider getting when your tortoise lives outdoors full time.

A noise isn't a good sign. Tortoises are generally quiet. A squawk could be the sign of a respiratory infection.
 

aztortuga

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Day 13, still alive, but has not eaten once. Took it out to sun today. It moved into the hide after a while. It's heartwrenching...
 

Reptilony

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Day 13, still alive, but has not eaten once. Took it out to sun today. It moved into the hide after a while. It's heartwrenching...

Oh no...I hope he starts eating soon...Have you tried soaking him in water mixed with baby carrot food?
 

aztortuga

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Day 14. Rollercoaster ride continues! I was sure it was dead yesterday and today it was quite lively (relatively speaking).

Gave it its morning carrot bath out in the sun and it was taking some gulps. As the bath got colder, I moved to a plain warm water bath (for a rinse). From there, I blended weeds and opuntia pad and warm water. It loved it! Took several huge gulps and opened its eyes more than ever. It actually appeared to be chewing after every gulp. Then in the afternoon sunning session, it actually pooped for the first time, since we have had it! It was orange colored, which makes total sense with the carrot baths, as that is the only thing it has ingested. Hopeful again. It still has not eaten anything other than "bath water." We also rubbed its shell with aloe (just a piece of the gelatinous part of the plant).

Bottom line, temperature indoors 80-85, trying mostly unsuccessfully to keep humidity at 80% but at least it never gets below 60%. Twice daily carrot baths and daily sunning for a minimum of 30 minutes. Today we did one hour, as the day was perfectly warm.
 

aztortuga

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And the good news continues. Moved out of its hide on its own and its eyes can always be seen now. Still has not eaten anything other than bath water. But I just made one with mallow, opuntia pad, aloe and other weeds.
 

Reptilony

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Good news! It’s definitely improving! Now it only need to eat something on it’s own and it’ll be good to go!
 

Yvonne G

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And the good news continues. Moved out of its hide on its own and its eyes can always be seen now. Still has not eaten anything other than bath water. But I just made one with mallow, opuntia pad, aloe and other weeds.
This is good news. Since he seems interested in eating the bath water, that's what I would try to feed him. Try mincing up the weeds and cactus in a blender and put a glob on the feeding tile
 
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