HELP! (mites)

[CherryheadBob]

My tortoise has mites on him how do I get rid of them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[jaizei]

Can you post a picture?

 

[CherryheadBob]

Sorry camera doesn't work

 

[CherryheadBob]

For such small things

 

[SarahChelonoidis]

Are you 100% sure they are mites? Are they housed indoors or outdoors or both?

 

[pfara]

If they're white/silvery and sometimes hop, chances are they're springtails. Most of the insects that I've seen in my enclosures are beneficial, not harmful. I actually encourage adding certain bugs for a bioactive substrate. Last year I added less than 10 pill bugs into a 6x9' enclosure and this summer, I've noticed families spread throughout. The babies are super tiny and adorable. I did the same for earthworms and they're following the same pattern.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

If they're white/silvery and sometimes hop, chances are they're springtails. Most of the insects that I've seen in my enclosures are beneficial, not harmful. I actually encourage adding certain bugs for a bioactive substrate. Last year I added less than 10 pill bugs into a 6x9' enclosure and this summer, I've noticed families spread throughout. The babies are super tiny and adorable. I did the same for earthworms and they're following the same pattern.

Agreed. most tiny insects seem to not bother tortoises at all. will they wash off with a stream of water?

 

[CherryheadBob]

Yes they are silver colored but they don't hop. Not sure what they are.

 

[CherryheadBob]

My tortoise is a baby in a 20 gallon enclosure

 

[SarahChelonoidis]

Yes they are silver colored but they don't hop. Not sure what they are.

Are they only on the tortoise or just all over the enclosure?

 

[pfara]

Yes they are silver colored but they don't hop. Not sure what they are.

They don't have to hop. I'm leaning towards springtails. If so, they're harmless.

 

[CherryheadBob]

Mostly on the tortoise. Btw my tortoises carapace is caving in is that normal? He may be sick

 

[pfara]

Mostly on the tortoise. Btw my tortoises carapace is caving in is that normal? He may be sick

Caving in? Is the carapace soft or spongy? Got pictures?

 

[CherryheadBob]

Just really soft and a little deflated .

 

[CherryheadBob]

He isn't moving and his eyes won't open

 

[Angel Carrion]

Thaaaat sounds like a pretty sick tort. Reptile vet in the area?

 

[CherryheadBob]

Yes but they charge lots of money I don't have that kind of money

 

[CherryheadBob]

 

[CherryheadBob]

 

[CherryheadBob]