NLS
New Member
Hello - we adopted a 33yo desert tortoise last year. Had a successful brumation and came out great. Two weeks ago, he was less active (very active usually - roams all around the yard and his garden munching on grasses). Then he stopped eating. He had a runny nose so I gave him warm baths and made a doc appt. Doc said she thinks he is very healthy - skin, shell and mouth and isn't quite sure what is going on. She doesn't suspect RI. She gave him fluids and sent us home. His runny nose is better and he is wandering a bit more but he is not eating. He has a diet of the grasses in his garden, dandelion greens from the store and occasional apple and kale. The Doc suggested the pellets - which he hates but I have been able to trick him by spreading it on apple slices. He takes about 3 bites and is done. We live in So. Cal and he sleeps in an igloo at night. The substrate at the bottom of his house is Orchid Bark and his garden where he grazes was planted with organic peat moss. Should I just calm down and let him go at his pace? Do you think parasites are to blame? His was normal as of Monday. Any thoughts/insights/ideas would be greatly appreciated.