3 New Hatchlings

[Levi the Leopard]

This Saturday I picked up 3 siblings of my current hatchling Elmo. The lady who had them reported to the breeder that they stopped eating and went soft. She returned them to the breeder and now they will be in my care to see if I can bring them back to health.

When I picked them up, 2 had their eyes closed and 1 is super soft with an almost clear plastron. I named the worst of the 3 Tiny Tim.

My plan with these 3 is to keep them in a humid chamber full time. They will only get an hour outside for UV every few days because I want them as hydrated as possible. They get 3 soaks a day, unlimited supply of good foods and some powder supplements.

After the first soak they opened their eyes. And their eyes have stayed open since. They are all eating great for me. Mazuri, weeds and good greens.
They are active and I'm very hopeful that 2 will be just fine. I'm not so sure about Tiny Tim. Even though his eyes are open and he is active and eating, at 22grams he is soft. No really, I mean very soft!

I took these guys in knowing that they might not make it. But the breeder and I knew my humid chamber was their best chance. If they don't make it with me, they probably wouldn't have made it at all. If they do bounce back, then great! They'll have a wonderful life ahead of them

Here are some photos of them. The largest with dark growth is my Elmo. The split scute is Flower, the light blonde one is Butters and of course Tiny Tim. (My 4 year old named them..lol)

Any other tips?

 

[Zamric]

They are in the best care possible! Kudos to you for taking them on in their condition!

Good Luck TT!

 

[Sh3wulf]

Oh I so hope Tiny makes it. I'm glad you could take the time and investment to help them. Will be following your progress with them.

 

[DevilsLettuce]

Probably too late now but it's best to keep the 3 possible sick ones away from your others.
Good luck!

 

[diamondbp]

Best of luck! I'm pulling for you

 

[wellington]

Good for you Heather. I sure hope they do good and your hearts not broken again. Fingers crossed and best thoughts flowing your way for great improvements. Keep us posted.

 

[Levi the Leopard]

Thanks guys. I'm prepared for either way. It's either too late or it's not. Time will tell.

I am keeping them with their sibling. I think they are suffering from dehydration and insufficient UV exposure. Neither are contagious.

The 3 larger ones have a different chamber and are kept separate. Mostly because of size.

 

[kathyth]

I'm so glad they are now in your care, Heather!
Nice save! I will be thinking of them. Especially, Tiny Tim! [PERSON WITH FOLDED HANDS]

 

[BeeBee*BeeLeaves]

No one better. If Tiny Tim has a chance, it's going to be under your care. Best wishes with all three babies Heather! : )

 

[N2TORTS]

Sweeeetttt..!

 

[Jacqui]

Pleaselet your four year old know, I for one love the names! You may already be doing this, but when I have a soft one, I like to add some liquid calcium to the soak water.

Good luck with them!!

 

[theresal]

I am sure they have a good home now. Awesome job of taking them in under the circumstances. Keep us updated of their progress.

 

[wellington]

Heather, any update you can give? Do they seem to be doing good and how about the soft one?

 

[kathyth]

Yup! Patiently waiting for an update [SMILING FACE WITH SMILING EYES]

 

[JHoward]

I was wondering the same. Would extra calcium possibly help?

 

[Levi the Leopard]

I haven't added liquid calcium to their soaks. Just powdered supplements to their greens and some calcium rich foods. One of the babies (Flower) ate off the cuttlebone, too. Would the liquid in the soaks be an over kill or should I add that?

Right now they are still eating and their eyes are staying open. Yesterday, to bury 2 bones in 1 dig (better than killing birds with stones lol) they had a 30 min sunning session while soaking in warm water. I really want to keep them hydrated!

Butters and Flower don't seem as soft to me. It's only been 4 days so it could be my imagination. Tiny Tim is still really soft. Watching him eat and drink (he sticks his whole face under the water and takes it in through his nostrils, too) makes me hopeful. BUT remember, I lost one already who was doing really well then dramatically went down hill.

It's too early to call..... but they sure are cute.

As we speak (type) they are eating some mazuri and green leaf lettuce after their last warm soak. I'll take some pictures

---

Here is Tiny Tim next to Mazuri for size comparison


Here is Butters. I already see new light spots


Here is split scute, Flower


Here is Elmo

 

[Sh3wulf]

Awe they are just so tiny and adorable! That comparison to the mazuri really puts their tiny size in perspective.
They have lovely shape to the shell. I really hope you succeed in rehabilitating them

 

[ulkal]

AW: 3 New Hatchlings

So adorable. Fingers crossed they recover. They are getting the best care possible.

 

[Levi the Leopard]

They had another good day today Active and eating.

 

[diamondbp]

So beautiful. I really hope things continue to go well. I'm still nursing my little pardalis right now and she seems to slowly be getting better.