I have a question about illnesses being passed between tortoises. I have had my little Redfoot for about a year now and, although he was not in great health when I got him, has been doing great.
About two weeks ago I took on my childhood Desert Tortoise who had been living with my mother and who does have chronic respiratory issues. My mom was worried about rattle snakes where she lives and didn't want to restrict her to being a solely inside tortoise so I gladly took her back and gave her her own large section in my yard free of snakes.
I thought I had been very careful not to possible transmit anything between the two and they have been kept separate however the Redfoot, only about 2 years old, became somewhat lazy/lethargic about 2 days ago. It was such a slight change that I almost thought I was imagining it. However this morning he had obviously taken a turn for the worse and I actually thought he had passed away. I was beyond shocked.
However he started moving his arms and legs but didn't open his eyes for quite some time. He struggled to eat at first but then did alright. I soaked him for quite some time and from an outward view seems to have returned to his normal behavior, but I know this is not the end of the story.
Has anyone had illnesses spread between tortoises like this? I am wondering if I transmitted something on my hands, even though I was always very cautious?
About two weeks ago I took on my childhood Desert Tortoise who had been living with my mother and who does have chronic respiratory issues. My mom was worried about rattle snakes where she lives and didn't want to restrict her to being a solely inside tortoise so I gladly took her back and gave her her own large section in my yard free of snakes.
I thought I had been very careful not to possible transmit anything between the two and they have been kept separate however the Redfoot, only about 2 years old, became somewhat lazy/lethargic about 2 days ago. It was such a slight change that I almost thought I was imagining it. However this morning he had obviously taken a turn for the worse and I actually thought he had passed away. I was beyond shocked.
However he started moving his arms and legs but didn't open his eyes for quite some time. He struggled to eat at first but then did alright. I soaked him for quite some time and from an outward view seems to have returned to his normal behavior, but I know this is not the end of the story.
Has anyone had illnesses spread between tortoises like this? I am wondering if I transmitted something on my hands, even though I was always very cautious?