Sinead2011
New Member
My tortoise is 12 months old, all of a sudden he has stopped eating and won’t pee or poo, he just snuggles in the corner of his bed the whole time.
Should I take him to the vets..???
Should I take him to the vets..???
I’ve had him since December 23rd 2020.Thank you, any advice would be great ?? I have the heat lamp on for 12 hours a day 8am-8pm. Then I have his heat mat on 8pm-8am to keep him warm at night.
(I’m saying him but it could be a she)
Thank you ? I’m taking Nugget to see the exotic pet vet tomorrow evening just to be on the safe side. I will definitely take your advice and get a thermometer and change his bedding. I will also look into a better enclosure. I really appreciate your advice.Right,
Firstly although you have a thermostat in use it would appear you don't actually know an exact tempreture your running in various parts of the enclosure (Warm side/Cool side/basking area/night...
So you could do with adding at least one thermometer with a probe.
Second.
I also notice you didn't mention a UV light, so I assume you either don't have one or are using a 2in1 mercury vapour style bulb in that heat lamp?
They very often burn too hot and bright while giving either too much or not enough UV output.
They can also burn your tortoises eyes causing them to hide away from it.
A t5 HO uv tube light is a much better option.
Third.
A small open top tort table is going to naturally be low in humidity, specially using that substrate type.
Good humidity is imperative to healthy tortoise growth so when you buy your thermometer, look for one that measures humidity too.
I'd get rid of those compressed straw pellets, they're far too dry and are a struggle to walk on and burrow into.
I'd advise a mix of wickes sterilized topsoil, coco coir mixed 2 parts coco to 1 part soil and orchid/repti bark to top off.
They will be much better, allow proper burrowing behaviour and hold moisture/humidity a hell of a lot better. You should have enough substrate for the tort to burrow himself completely.
Lastly.
Although your tort is still small, horsfields require a lot of room as they grow so at some point in the not too distant future your going to need a bigger space for him to roam.
Bear in mind, if an enclosure has no visual stimulation, anything to explore, graze on, climb, has no depth to burrow your tort is going to be pretty depressed and likely will just eat/sleep hide.
Use the search feature and take a look at horsfield/Russian tortoise care sheet. It has lots of solid info and advice.
Thank you ?Your welcome!
Ok, well just be mindful that not all exotic specialists are tortoise trained but are willing to 'learn at your expense'.
Don't hesitate to seek a second opinion if your unsure.
If you've got him on a solid diet, and his temps, humidity and enclosure are on point then he will be a happy chappy!
I'd also recommend daily soaks for 30 mins in warm water every morning to get him fired up and stimulate his appetite and poop/pee functions!