diarrhea? stress?

[katies]

Hi all,
We have had our little redfoot, Louie, for about a week and a half now. Have been trying not to handle him often at all. In fact I just put him in his water dish when I change the water and put his food out...otherwise he may never leave his hide. He usually will wander out of his dish and eat a little (few bites of baby romaine one day, half a strawberry another). He has been getting more interactive with us, checking us out though the glass. I may have really blown it today by stressing him out today as I got him out of his enclosure for a little outing. Gave him a soak and let him explore on the ground a bit. He had one well formed BM followed by a series of really messy, watery ones. It was really a huge volume of poop for such a little guy. I will say that it has been since last Saturday since I have seen him poop at all. He is about 6inches long. My hunch is that this was a reaction to stress (which I feel horrible about), but I thought I would put it out to you all to get your thoughts. He seems healthy otherwise. Also, are you able to get any indication about parasites from the appearance of poop?

Thanks to all for your wonderful advice!

Katie

 

[Laura]

parasites can cause loose stools. take a sample of a fresh one to a vet to have it tested.
stress can cause it too, so can diet..
He can look healthy.. but be sick.. they hide it well...
Are your temps warm enough? he should be eating better/more.

 

[Madkins007]

It sounds like a perfectly normal reaction. You do want to look for evidence of parasites (bits of worms in the stool) just to be safe. There are a bunch of articles in the Tortoise Library in my sig that may help.

 

[katies]

parasites can cause loose stools. take a sample of a fresh one to a vet to have it tested.
stress can cause it too, so can diet..
He can look healthy.. but be sick.. they hide it well...
Are your temps warm enough? he should be eating better/more.

Thanks Laura,
Yes, I have been worried he hasn't been eating enough. He really could take our leave the greens and cucumbers it seems. He has eaten small amounts of strawberry, banana, tomato and peach pretty well but he never finishes what I give him and I feel it is a pretty small amount. I am just not sure what a normal amount is. Any thoughts on foods I could try that he may like better? We have been trying to give him time to adjust to the new surrounding without fretting too much. His enclosure is 6' x1.5' with temps at 85 degrees on one side and 70 on the other. He has hides at both ends. I put him back in the tank on the warm side and he walked over to the cool side hide for now.

I will have to try to get a stool sample...hope I don't have to wait nearly a whole week for it.

Katie

---

It sounds like a perfectly normal reaction. You do want to look for evidence of parasites (bits of worms in the stool) just to be safe. There are a bunch of articles in the Tortoise Library in my sig that may help.

The Tortoise Library is a great resource! I have used it a lot in preparation and now trying to learn more about Louie. Thanks! So should a 6inch RF be eating a "head" size bowl volume everyday? Si it normal as he is adjusting that I have to show him over to his food to get him interested?
Katie

 

[Madkins007]

The Tortoise Library is a great resource! I have used it a lot in preparation and now trying to learn more about Louie. Thanks! So should a 6inch RF be eating a "head" size bowl volume everyday? Si it normal as he is adjusting that I have to show him over to his food to get him interested?
Katie

Thanks! It is not finished yet, but I'm having fun putting it together.

The guideline I am using for the head bowl is 2-3 times in 2 weeks. For an actively growing tort, like a 6"er, I would increase it, maybe even double it to 2-3 times a week.

It is not meant to be too rigid, just a way to offer necessary key nutrients (calcium, fiber, etc.) to build strong bones and growth, without too much protein, fat, carbs, sugars, salts, etc. that is all necessary but way too easy to overdo.