:(

[TXRaunchy]

The plastic socket may melt if it gets too hot. It is recommended to use a ceramic socket with MVB's.

The best course of action would be to take him to a vet. There could be quite a few things going on, and without being able to physically observe the animal, that is really all I can suggest at this point as it sounds like he is in a critical state.

Do you know the average cost to visit the vet? I have never been to one and I hope there is one near my house. I would believe reptile vets are hard to come by.

 

[Neal]

There is a veterinarian list somewhere on the forum here, I'd start by looking there and finding one that is in your area.

Cost of service varies a lot. Of the few vets I've visited in my area, base fees for exotics range from $30 - $50 and go upwards from there depending on any services performed or medication administered or given.

 

[TXRaunchy]

There is a veterinarian list somewhere on the forum here, I'd start by looking there and finding one that is in your area.

Cost of service varies a lot. Of the few vets I've visited in my area, base fees for exotics range from $30 - $50 and go upwards from there depending on any services performed or medication administered or given.

Just got word that he may of just passed away. I assumed he didn't sleep last night bc this morning when I turned the light on he was awake. Could it be that he is still sleeping? My brother tried putting him in water. Didn't move. I am not at home so I can't really judge.

 

[Neal]

If he doesn't move when placed in water, he is likely dead.

 

[TXRaunchy]

So sad. This was the picture my brother sent me...He looks asleep. I expected his head and limbs to be dangling if he passed away.

 

[Neal]

Rigor mortis will set in real quick with small tortoises. His limbs will be stiff shortly after passing away, which it looks like he's not alive anymore as tortoises usually don't stay in the position yours is in with its arms extended for too long. I am sorry for your loss.

 

[TXRaunchy]

Well, I am still at work. I will take care of him when I get home in an hour dead or alive. It will be awhile before I think about taking care of another one. To clarify my skills as an owner, I've had a red eared slider before which I released back into the wild bc he got too big and another African sculta which I gave to a friend who a few tortoises already and a sizable back yard of her.

Any suggestions of enclosure upgrade before I get a new one? Hendrix is the first baby tortoise I have ever taken care of. The African (Paulina) was about 3 years old and the RES (Herbert) which was about 4 years old.

Thanks everyone of helping. I'll start being more active in the forum community.

My name is Ty.

 

[Neal]

It's good to hear that you are willing to take on another one. Based on your descriptions here, it sounds like the temperatures in your enclosure might have played a major roll. Maintaining the right temperatures is one of the most important aspects of tortoise keeping in my opinion. Here is the caresheet I wrote for leopards that you can refer to: http://www.tortoiseforum.org/thread-31227.html#axzz29akLFTIw

Tom's thread have other good ideas for housing sulcatas, which also apply to leopards.

Other than the temperatures and the plastic lamp socket, I would also recommend a humid hide made from a small plastic shoe box or something similar. Other than that, nothing jumps out at me as being necessary to correct for your next tortoise.

 

[dannel]

I'm sorry! Has it been confirmed yet?

 

[TXRaunchy]

Just got home. He has passed. His eyes look dried out for some reason, partially opened. He wasn't under the heat lamp when he passed...

Well this really blows. This time around I will do more research prior to taking in another one. I feel as if I let the community down...Sorry.

 

[dannel]

I'm sorry for your loss. You absolutely didn't let the community down. These things happen to everyone!

 

[TortoiseBoy1999]

I'm so sorry :-( there is nothing worse then losing a baby tort. I had one pass before. I would consider getting another. I got another one and love him to death

 

[jesst]

I am so sorry for your loss.

 

[aznwinx]

I am so sorry for your loss

 

[l0velesly]

So sorry he passed away. I can't imagine how hard it must be...

 

[Laura]

sorry.. next time, try to pick one out yourself.. talk to teh breeder, see how they were raised and housed before you got them. maybe get one that is older to start with as well..
and watch you temps.. if its too cold they wont eat, or if they do, they cant digest the food...

 

[tortoisefanatic]

We also bought a baby leo at that same show in Arlington. Ours died about a month ago. Same story as yours. Just never seemed to want to eat or do much of anything. I think I'm done with buying babies from shows like that. I'll stick with the folks on this forum!

 

[TXRaunchy]

I would buy one online but I dont know if shipping it would be safe for tortoises...I buried Hendrix in a spot on my lawn where he used to enjoy eating and then planted some "forget-me-not" seeds on top of it. When it blooms, Ill post a picture.

 

[TortoiseBoy1999]

I buried Hendrix in a spot on my lawn where he used to enjoy eating and then planted some "forget-me-not" seeds on top of it. When it blooms, Ill post a picture.

So...... Sweet! :')

 

[Tortus]

Sorry for your loss. Even in nature sometimes young animals die.

Maybe next time try a softer substrate like coconut coir as well as raising the temps? I know mine likes to nestle down into it as it sleeps. Not sure if they can do that in mulch.