Laurie, it's pretty possible because he hadn't eaten in a while and that's where he gets his water.. but he ate afterwards, not sure if it changed his eyes any though. I'll go turn the lamp on and see if he'll eat then do a soak now!
LuckysGirl007 said:Sounds like it! I think you had said the patio is all shaded? Perhaps he didn't eat outside because the concrete was cold? Good news he peed outside and not in his enclosure!
kanalomele said:I have no idea why some people get nervous about the water their torts soak in. They are going to poop in it, then you have to change it anyway. I use warm tap water.
srkarpen said:Just out of curiosity what is keeping you from making a larger outdoor home for him on your patio? It may be getting too cold and I don't know the area but you said it doesn't get too cold. Even a larger kiddie pool enclosure which a strong hardware mesh covering during the day when it's presumably warmer would be good for him. He'll still get the UV he needs even in the shade. As long as its warm enough is this feasible?
I'm glad you're doing everything you can for him now but I do think if you think outside the box a bit it will not be impossible to make things even better for him. Like you (basically) said, just because its good enough doesn't mean it's best.
I'm also in college. I'm in grad school living in an apartment and years of loans has put me on a tight budget so i know its hard but it's still possible to give him the absolute best.
Maybe someone already referred to this but russiantortoise.net has very easy simple and straight forward instructions/explanations and is quite helpful. That and taking the advice of the experts (which certainly doesn't include me) here will absolutely get your tortoise all the best.
Good luck with the move and school!