Can tortious get colds?????

[Cewnoks]

Hello
My 8year old Herman tortious has been having breathing problems. It started around Christmas and I ignored it for about but I didn’t go away. He constantly had substances running out of his nose.

I though he wasn’t warm enough so I started measuring his basking spot (its is about 26 degrees C)

however it didn’t get better. Since he came for the Greece and a hot climate I have started treating the heat lamp as the sun. So turning it off and on when the sun sets and rises (instead of leaving it on all day and night)

none of this has helped so when I bath him make the water hot but not burning hot in any way but nice to stick your hands in. Still no difference and now I can hear him breathing.

He sounds very wheezy and it is easy to hear. He also seems to struggle when breathing. He lifts his hole head up and his arms.

What does this mean????

 

[Yossarian]

Yes, they are very susceptible to respiratory infection if the correct temps are not maintained. It is not simply the basking spot, the temps and humidity in their sleeping hide is important and the ambient room temps are important. The basking spot should be around 30 degrees, while the ambient temps should be around 25 at lowest during daytime, at night they can drop to low 20s or even high teens safely.

The first thing to do is increase his ambient temps for the time being, keep him warm day and night around 26c. If it persists you may need to see a herp vet.

I have posted the care sheet for this species below, pls read it carefully and use it for your torts sake. We are happy to explain and justify it if you have questions.

The Best Way To Raise Any Temperate Species Of Tortoise | Tortoise Forum

 

[Cewnoks]

Thank you so much this is so helpful and interesting. I am so grateful for all the tips!!!!

 

[Tom]

Thank you so much this is so helpful and interesting. I am so grateful for all the tips!!!!

Basking area directly under the bulb should be 36-37C. Ambient temps in the enclosure during the day should be 26ish. When they are sick, or fighting illness, its best to keep them warmer with day and night. I wouldn't let night temps drop below 22-23 for at least two weeks after symptoms disappear. Ordinarily, cooler night temps are fine, but not when they are already sick. Your tortoise needs summer-like temps day and night right now.

Also, what substrate are you using? The pet shops tend to sell the wrong ones. Same with UV bulbs.

 

[Yossarian]

Basking area directly under the bulb should be 36-37C. Ambient temps in the enclosure during the day should be 26ish. When they are sick, or fighting illness, its best to keep them warmer with day and night. I wouldn't let night temps drop below 22-23 for at least two weeks after symptoms disappear. Ordinarily, cooler night temps are fine, but not when they are already sick. Your tortoise needs summer-like temps day and night right now.

Also, what substrate are you using? The pet shops tend to sell the wrong ones. Same with UV bulbs.

Thanks for the correction on basking temps.

 

[wellington]

You need to not only get the temps fixed you need to not ignore when something seems wrong.
You also need to take him to a good reptile vet as this has gone on too long already, way too long!
Add night heat that is not a light bulb. They should have it dark at night but still correct temps.
Like Tom said he needs warmer then normal temps for now until after he is better if it's not already too late.