Everything Jasper

[ABCDogs+]

Hi again, everyone!

I thought maybe I should start a new thread for my questions and updates since we’ve had Jasper for almost a year. I think by now our Introduction Thread has run its course.

Jasper is doing well! He’s been loving the summer grass and activities. We play outside every day and he loves being right in the action. We recently got our deck replaced (and upgraded!) and the construction crew simply adored him. I would put him in a crate in the garage while they worked and they would stop by and look at him and take pictures of him all day. The second day I left a bowl of cut up cucumber on the crate for them to give him on their breaks. They had so much fun with him. Each morning they would come and call him and take a bunch of pictures of him before I carried him to the garage.

My reason for coming back to the forum is because I see mosquitoes around him alllll the time. I assume they can bite him? I never see any inflamed bites on his skin, but they gather around him like a cloud. What can I do to prevent this? I already monitor the yard for standing water and we keep the grass mown short, but other than that I don’t know what to do. Any tips?

Thanks so much for all your help, everyone!

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

My reason for coming back to the forum is because I see mosquitoes around him alllll the time. I assume they can bite him? I never see any inflamed bites on his skin, but they gather around him like a cloud. What can I do to prevent this? I already monitor the yard for standing water and we keep the grass mown short, but other than that I don’t know what to do. Any tips?

I think most species prefer mammals, but after a short google I found out that there is a species that feeds on gopher tortoises (your state reptile, right?), they might be interested in your sulcata. I would look into what mosquitoes are found in your area.

 

[ABCDogs+]

I think most species prefer mammals, but after a short google I found out that there is a species that feeds on gopher tortoises (your state reptile, right?), they might be interested in your sulcata. I would look into what mosquitoes are found in your area.

Yes, the gopher tortoise is native here, the official state reptile. I thought that they overwinter in gopher tortoise burrows but I didn’t know they fed on them too! I’ll look more into that and contact the rescue I got him from to see what they do for their tortoises in the summer. They’re located 40 minutes from me so they definitely have the same problem. Thanks!

 

[ABCDogs+]

Hello! I have a question about vitamin A deficiency. I noticed Jasper’s left eye was closed this morning while he was sunning. He’s acting normal, eating normally, and doesn’t seem lethargic at all. However, both of his eyes seem puffy. Is this something I can try to treat on my own through diet and monitor, or should I take him to the vet?

Thanks!

Here are his eyes this morning.




And here is the left one this evening after his shower.

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi again, everyone!

I thought maybe I should start a new thread for my questions and updates since we’ve had Jasper for almost a year. I think by now our Introduction Thread has run its course.

Jasper is doing well! He’s been loving the summer grass and activities. We play outside every day and he loves being right in the action. We recently got our deck replaced (and upgraded!) and the construction crew simply adored him. I would put him in a crate in the garage while they worked and they would stop by and look at him and take pictures of him all day. The second day I left a bowl of cut up cucumber on the crate for them to give him on their breaks. They had so much fun with him. Each morning they would come and call him and take a bunch of pictures of him before I carried him to the garage.

My reason for coming back to the forum is because I see mosquitoes around him alllll the time. I assume they can bite him? I never see any inflamed bites on his skin, but they gather around him like a cloud. What can I do to prevent this? I already monitor the yard for standing water and we keep the grass mown short, but other than that I don’t know what to do. Any tips?

Thanks so much for all your help, everyone!

Put a VERY LIGHT coating of Avon Skin So Soft lotion on his shell. It's an excellent mosquito repellent (if you can tolerate the overwhelming scent!).