Help with baby tortoise

[mysterrik]

Hello... Total newb here. I received a baby tortoise this past Friday and all it does is sleep. I don't see it move much nor eat. Is this normal?

I did give it a warm soak for about 10 minutes Saturday and the habitat has proper temps and humidity.

Should I be concerned? Any input would be appreciated.

 

[Yvonne G]

Welcome to the Forum, Mysterrik!

So let's be sure we're talking about a Hermann's tortoise, right? Baby tortoises do a lot of sleeping. I don't keep Hermann's tortoises, however, I'll give you some general baby info.

Every morning, I put my babies in a plastic tub of warm water. I try to get the water where it comes up to the middle of the babies' sides. That way they don't have to strain to keep their heads out of the water. While the babies are in the water I'll chop greens and prepare their morning meal. Then after about 15 minutes, I'll place some food on a feeding tile in the habitat, put the babies around the food, then step out of sight.

Please tell us a bit about how your are taking care of this baby - measure the temperature at different spots around the habitat, hiding places, type of substrate, water, size and type of container, substrate, what types of food you are offering, and anything else you can tell us about the baby's care.

 

[mysterrik]

I have given the little guy a couple of soaks for about 10 min since friday but I will try your suggestion about morning soaks and preparing meals starting tomorrow.

As for the habitat.. It is a 20 gallon long with a mix of coconut husk and reptibark. A half log for hiding, flat rocks in the basking area, a couple of flat dishes for food and water, and I have the basking area at about 95F and at the other end of the tank is about 80F. Night time temps are about 65-75F....Humidity is between 30-50%

There is also a small wheat grass plant on the cooler side of the tank.

I have offered it chopped greens and mushed up tortoise pellets.

Thanks in advance for your input.

Welcome to the Forum, Mysterrik!

So let's be sure we're talking about a Hermann's tortoise, right? Baby tortoises do a lot of sleeping. I don't keep Hermann's tortoises, however, I'll give you some general baby info.

Every morning, I put my babies in a plastic tub of warm water. I try to get the water where it comes up to the middle of the babies' sides. That way they don't have to strain to keep their heads out of the water. While the babies are in the water I'll chop greens and prepare their morning meal. Then after about 15 minutes, I'll place some food on a feeding tile in the habitat, put the babies around the food, then step out of sight.

Please tell us a bit about how your are taking care of this baby - measure the temperature at different spots around the habitat, hiding places, type of substrate, water, size and type of container, substrate, what types of food you are offering, and anything else you can tell us about the baby's care.

 

[GBtortoises]

Your humidity level is pretty low, especially for a baby Mediterranean tortoise. It should be more in the range 50-70%. The basking temperature is fine. But 80 degrees at the cool end during the daytime isn't much of a gradient, especially in a 20 gallon tank. The night time temperature is much too warm. 65 degrees should be the maximum temperature range with the ideal being more between 58 & 62. Mediterranean tortoises should have about a 15-20 degree temperature differential from day to night for regular activity. The reptibark is not a good choice for a substrate for baby tortoises. It does not maintain moisture well. A better choice would be a soil based substrate such as organic potting or topsoil, mixed with coconut coir or ground sphagnum.

Being constantly trapped in warm conditions with low humidity can cause a tortoise to be in a constant state of dehydration, this is especially true of baby tortoises. Dehydration can lead to them not eating or being active and can actually lead to health problems and worse, digestive system shut down. Hydration is absolutely important for growing baby tortoises.

 

[mysterrik]

Thanks for the suggestions... I will get some soil over the weekend, adjust the lamp a bit, and try to increase the humidity.

Your humidity level is pretty low, especially for a baby Mediterranean tortoise. It should be more in the range 50-70%. The basking temperature is fine. But 80 degrees at the cool end during the daytime isn't much of a gradient, especially in a 20 gallon tank. The night time temperature is much too warm. 65 degrees should be the maximum temperature range with the ideal being more between 58 & 62. Mediterranean tortoises should have about a 15-20 degree temperature differential from day to night for regular activity. The reptibark is not a good choice for a substrate for baby tortoises. It does not maintain moisture well. A better choice would be a soil based substrate such as organic potting or topsoil, mixed with coconut coir or ground sphagnum.

Being constantly trapped in warm conditions with low humidity can cause a tortoise to be in a constant state of dehydration, this is especially true of baby tortoises. Dehydration can lead to them not eating or being active and can actually lead to health problems and worse, digestive system shut down. Hydration is absolutely important for growing baby tortoises.

 

[mattgrizzlybear]

Babies don't usually go out in the open unless its for food and sleep the rest of the time. Don't be worried.

 

[mysterrik]

Well... Good news! After taking the pointers that you all suggested, I finally saw the guy eat and it was a bit more active.

It even went as far as burrowed itself. Thanks for everyones help!

Babies don't usually go out in the open unless its for food and sleep the rest of the time. Don't be worried.