Closed Eyes?

[Kelli17]

This morning, we found our male hatchling, George, on his back. We flipped him back over but we don't know how long he was upside down. After that, he wasn't opening his right eye all the way and now he isn't opening either of his eyes. He is also sleeping more and is doing his weird thing where under his mouth fills with air kinda like a frog. He is still exploring, but with his eyes shut. His shell doesn't feel like it's getting softer. What could be wrong with him?

 

[dmmj]

The throat thing is normal. What kind of light are you using?

 

[Kelli17]

The throat thing is normal. What kind of light are you using?

They are my moms tortoises, so this isn't my fault.... But we don't have a light. But the spot they are kept is at 82 degrees. And also, why do they do the throat thing? He has opened one of his eyes and the other is starting to open. We just got back from Colorado. Our house sitter didn't keep everything from drying out. The moment I put him in the water, there was a night and day change.

 

[jaizei]

How long have y'all had them?

 

[Kelli17]

How long have y'all had them?

About two weeks

 

[lismar79]

He will need light or heat at some point. They need to be able to bask at 95 degrees to digest food properly.

 

[Kelli17]

He will need light or heat at some point. They need to be able to bask at 95 degrees to digest food properly.

What kind of light or heat do you recommend?

 

[leigti]

A mercury vapor bulb. Power son is good brand

 

[DawnH]

The throat thing is normal (breathing) and a soak should perk him up. You do need to read about proper set up though. You will need a couple things to make sure they live a good life and grow properly.

 

[Tom]

Please read these threads. That baby is not going to survive with out the proper set up. They must have heat, light and UV, as well as a proper enclosure.

http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/how-to-raise-a-healthy-sulcata-or-leopard-version-2-0.79895/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/for-those-who-have-a-young-sulcata.76744/

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

Do not use coil bulbs.
Mercury vapour or strip lights are better.

 

[lismar79]

What kind of light or heat do you recommend?

I also like power sun bulbs. Worth the extra money to get the all in one uv and heat.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Also, try to identify what he flipped over on. watch him crawl around and imagine what they could be and remove those items from the enclosure.
Tipping over can easily be deadly and is mostly avoidable.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Do not use coil bulbs.
Mercury vapour or strip lights are better.

Look at the pet store or ebay bulbs and avoid the coiled type. You'll see them.
what's your general location? maybe one of us can get you going...

 

[Kelli17]

Look at the pet store or ebay bulbs and avoid the coiled type. You'll see them.
what's your general location? maybe one of us can get you going...

My general location in central New Mexico, which is in the USA.