Humidity issues closed chamber Redfoot

[Ilimburg]

Sealed up some cracks! Humidity definitely needs to get better but it’s improving and also in the just a couple days she’s been in the enclosure she looks physically healthier which is insane! So happy.

 

[Ilimburg]

Humidity target…80-90% right? And no lower than 75?

 

[COmtnLady]

I always aim for 84% humidity with 84F temp.

 

[Ilimburg]

Okay cool!

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Sealed up some cracks! Humidity definitely needs to get better but it’s improving and also in the just a couple days she’s been in the enclosure she looks physically healthier which is insane! So happy.

Wooo hoo!! This is brilliant news! You’re very close to optimal levels now! I’m glad you’re enjoying seeing her improvements! It definitely is crazy how quickly their visual appearance changes under higher humidityyou’re doing fabulously! You’ve have taken so much new care information in your stride! Be VERY proud of yourself!

 

[Ilimburg]

Wooo hoo!! This is brilliant news! You’re very close to optimal levels now! I’m glad you’re enjoying seeing her improvements! It definitely is crazy how quickly their visual appearance changes under higher humidityyou’re doing fabulously! You’ve have taken so much new care information in your stride! Be VERY proud of yourself!

Thanks you! Trying to get it as best I can handled!

Wanted to know, she spends most the day in the hide which means she’s not getting exposed to much uvb…is this normal/okay?

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Thanks you! Trying to get it as best I can handled!

Wanted to know, she spends most the day in the hide which means she’s not getting exposed to much uvb…is this normal/okay?

Very normal during this settling period don’t worry, she’ll start coming out more in time, it’s been a huge change for her

 

[Ilimburg]

Hey guys I’m really concerned my tort may have gotten a respiratory infection perhaps due to the huge jump from almost no humidity up to the 80s now. I’ve gotten humidity up and I do water in the corners of substrate plus mist every day.

Now her breathing makes a squeak noise and I see some stuff around her nose. What happened!!? And how do I treat this is this hard to treat?

I can’t get a video to attach but every time she exhales I hear a squeaking/whistling

 

[Ilimburg]

^

 

[Alex and the Redfoot]

Is it mucus around nostrils? I would give a couple of days to adjust. She may clean her nose when soaking. And if she's active and eating - that's good.
@Littleredfootbigredheart I recall Squirt had similar RI-like symptoms when moved into the new enclosure?

 

[Ilimburg]

Is it mucus around nostrils? I would give a couple of days to adjust. She may clean her nose when soaking. And if she's active and eating - that's good.
@Littleredfootbigredheart I recall Squirt had similar RI-like symptoms when moved into the new enclosure?

Yeah it’s thick mucus… I put her in a soak and it washed off. Shes still got a squeak noise with breathing but quieter after the 30min soak.

Okay interesting should I drop the humidity back down? Maybe shoot for 70 or so for a few days for her to acclimate?

 

[Alex and the Redfoot]

Yeah it’s thick mucus… I put her in a soak and it washed off. Shes still got a squeak noise with breathing but quieter after the 30min soak.

Okay interesting should I drop the humidity back down? Maybe shoot for 70 or so for a few days for her to acclimate?

I feel, it's better to leave it as it is. Swinging back and forth can be more stressful.

 

[Ilimburg]

I feel, it's better to leave it as it is. Swinging back and forth can be more stressful.

Okay neat I’ll keep updating. I’m now thinking it may be egg in her nose lol she had some egg with her food and the yellow i thought was mucus may have been the yolk she smashed her face in. Also makes sense why a soak would quiet it down as it wiped mostly off she may just have a little bit stuck.

In case that’s not the case I’ll be sure to monitor eating/ drinking

 

[COmtnLady]

Yeah it’s thick mucus… I put her in a soak and it washed off. Shes still got a squeak noise with breathing but quieter after the 30min soak.

Okay interesting should I drop the humidity back down? Maybe shoot for 70 or so for a few days for her to acclimate?

84 F and 84% is what you have been trying to achieve. Why would you want to drop it down????? And - IF she was sick, you'd want it UP higher anyhow, not down.

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Is it mucus around nostrils? I would give a couple of days to adjust. She may clean her nose when soaking. And if she's active and eating - that's good.
@Littleredfootbigredheart I recall Squirt had similar RI-like symptoms when moved into the new enclosure?

She did indeed! Though she didn’t have any nose mucus, it was more watery eyes an excessive yawning, vet seemed to conclude it was likely bought on from stress from the big move. It soon cleared up without any need for medication.

As advised above I’d keep things how they are and just closely monitor, if she’s happy eating and seems bright and alert I honestly wouldn’t worry, keep an eye on that breathing, I’m pretty certain it’ll settle down, this has been a huge adjustment for her

 

[Ilimburg]

84 F and 84% is what you have been trying to achieve. Why would you want to drop it down????? And - IF she was sick, you'd want it UP higher anyhow, not down.

Ohhh okay I’ll do that then! Idk I was thinking it could have been to do with her not being used to high humidity so getting her acclimated slower would help but I’ll leave it how it is

 

[Ilimburg]

She’s still whistling just as loud but all behavior seems normal and she’s drinking and eating so maybe just a weird adjustment. Nothing coming out of nose

 

[COmtnLady]

She's doing so much better than a month ago. Thank you for trying your best to get her into a better set-up.

 

[Ilimburg]

She's doing so much better than a month ago. Thank you for trying your best to get her into a better set-up.

Thank you for helping! You and other members have been invaluable.

I’m worried about the noises but I’m looking at it like:

She’s getting color back
She’s more active
She no longer drags her back legs
She’s moist again
She’s got personality

I think she’s doing way better

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Some red foots do make a little noise breathing sometimes, I wonder if it’s something she’s done before but you’re more vigilant now, might be a possibility, she’s looking fantastic!!