dry tortoise shell?

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

The list looks a bit odd. Hibiscus is a treat, on par with banana.. Alfalfa, okra and green beans, rather high in proteins are listed as staples. Some widely available wild greens like mallow or clover are not listed at all. I wish there was a list of references to better understand why this or that is put in a certain category.

What is "too much fiber"? Are there any clinical signs or the vet was simply looking at her diet?

Were points 1,2 and 3 just independent observations or they can be related?

I too was really thrown by how they categorised things!

 

[Yingg]

This list is not suited for adult sulcatas, as well. This species are grass-eaters and feeding these guys greens from grocery store is expensive and sub-optimal. List could be a compilation from different sources like veterinary manuals and internet sources. Or, what's worse, a list for some other herbivore animal (maybe, rabbits).

When doing a checkup they look at some general indicators like tongue color or ability to keep body off the ground. Every species have their own specifics (e.g. some clicking and whistling is okay for a Redfoot but not so normal for a Russian tortoise) but general assessment is the same. When doing bloodwork they should look for reference values for exact tortoises species.

thank you! i remember they said her tongue was a little pale.

 

[Yingg]

Hi, my CHE smells like it's burning. I turned it off instantly and I think the "bulb" is fried. does anyone have an Amazon link to one they use?

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

Hi, my CHE smells like it's burning. I turned it off instantly and I think the "bulb" is fried. does anyone have an Amazon link to one they use?

Are you sure it wasn't just dust frying?

 

[Yingg]

Are you sure it wasn't just dust frying?

I thought it was, but then wiped it down and it still smelled. it also started smelling nearly the second i turned it on.

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

I thought it was, but then wiped it down and it still smelled. it also started smelling nearly the second i turned it on.

I would try to make sure that the problem isn't in the dome. Can you safely test is with another bulb? Is there any discoloration where the CHE is screwed in?

 

[Yingg]

I would try to make sure that the problem isn't in the dome. Can you safely test is with another bulb? Is there any discoloration where the CHE is screwed in?

The CHE has a bit of red-ish substance (?) it looks "dirty" and i tried to wipe it off. I don't know if it was there before. I can try with my basking lamp!

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

The CHE has a bit of red-ish substance (?) it looks "dirty" and i tried to wipe it off. I don't know if it was there before. I can try with my basking lamp!

Overheating can cause discoloration and a smell. Don't suppose you have a photo? Maybe @Alex and the Redfoot can advice whether both, only one of them or none need replacing.

 

[Alex and the Redfoot]

I suspect reddish dust on CHE is the dust from coir/bark.

CHE itself is a rather dumb device - a metallic coil in ceramic casing. Usually it just stops heating (if the coil is broken) and that's it.

Smell is probably the dust and residues from cleaning cloth. If the dome and bulb socket are clean and intact you can replace the CHE. I'm not sure what happens if the coil breaks in the middle - maybe there is a risk of an electric arc inside the CHE.

 

[Yingg]

I suspect reddish dust on CHE is the dust from coir/bark.

CHE itself is a rather dumb device - a metallic coil in ceramic casing. Usually it just stops heating (if the coil is broken) and that's it.

Smell is probably the dust and residues from cleaning cloth. If the dome and bulb socket are clean and intact you can replace the CHE. I'm not sure what happens if the coil breaks in the middle - maybe there is a risk of an electric arc inside the CHE.

it's not really a dust, but more like a red stain or leftover liquid residue. I cleaned both well. If it helps, It only smells when its heat is high. (I have a dial)

for now since it's getting cold, I turned on the basking bulb (i also have a dial) to a dim glow and turned the CHE on low as well. The ambient night temp is around 66-68 degrees.

 

[Alex and the Redfoot]

it's not really a dust, but more like a red stain or leftover liquid residue. I cleaned both well. If it helps, It only smells when its heat is high. (I have a dial)

for now since it's getting cold, I turned on the basking bulb (i also have a dial) to a dim glow and turned the CHE on low as well. The ambient night temp is around 66-68 degrees.

Hm, I don't know what can it be then

Temperatures seem fine to me.

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

I am just throwing out ideas, but any chance it could be rust?

 

[Yingg]

I am just throwing out ideas, but any chance it could be rust?

Honestly I doubt it. I think I might just replace the CHE. The smell already bothers me as a human, I'm sure it bothers her even more. I wish I could send a picture for everyone to see but I have class until 11 PM today.

 

[Yingg]

how's this CHE?

 

[Alex and the Redfoot]

how's this CHE?

I would get a 100W version to have some spare power for colder days. A thermostat will turn it on and off as needed.

I didn't use anything from Lucky Herp brand so can't comment on reliability.

 

[Yingg]

I would get a 100W version to have some spare power for colder days. A thermostat will turn it on and off as needed.

I didn't use anything from Lucky Herp brand so can't comment on reliability.

Thank you! I'll get the 100W one right now