Is this normal for a baby sulcata???

[Stephanie Kalahurka]

Tom,

Thanks for the advice and heads up. I will do as you say on the temps/thermostat. I do have your care sheet. We are implementing to the extent possible.

Steph

 

[Tom]

I have seen young sulcatas housed outside in the humid south florida environment where it can get to the low 70's with no RI. But then again that kind of environment is different than a much smaller glass tank that has been modified to suit the needs of a young sulcata. Their are a lot more variables outside

A couple of things:
"Young" is different than a new hatchling under the stress of moving and being in a new environment.

What they are capable of surviving at their lowest limits, is not necessarily what we should be recommending people strive for. I propose we shoot for "optimal".


Just offering food for thought...

 

[Angel Carrion]

Sigh -- not likely. It came from PetSmart and we've had a tortoise living in it for the last three weeks.
Possibly Craig's List though for a partial recovery. Something we will definitely consider.

Ugh that sucks. But maybe you can? Still within 30 day limit for returns. Just tell them you do not find it acceptable and would like to return it. It's worked for me a bunch of times when I bought something there or at Petco and later realized it was the wrong thing or I found something better. The Petco and petsmart by me both know me well enough that I don't even need to bring in a receipt anymore. We talk, we laugh, I help some customers, supply information, buy a couple things, go home. So when I come in needing to return something that I've obviously used, they have no issue with it.

 

[Stephanie Kalahurka]

And tonight he is sleeping like this (headed for the ceramic heat bulb in the morning so still creepy red light tonight). I'm beginning to think I just have an eccentric baby. That can't be comfortable??

 

[Angel Carrion]

....Interesting....

 

[Stephanie Kalahurka]

The neck stretching and sleeping under the hot bulb are both indicators that a respiratory infection may already be underway. This is likely because of the low temps your guy was hitting at night when you first got him.

Update. So @Tom was correct. Mr. Tyrion's breathing got worse and he started blowing bubbles from his nose. I searched this forum for a tortoise vet in my state and it turns out that the recommended Vet in Kansas/Missouri is less than two miles from my house. Then I clicked on the link to his practice website and here is his photo:

http://www.kcvetcare.com/clinic/brock-w-exline-dvm

I took the fact that he was holding a giant sulcata tortoise in the photo to be a VERY good sign (turns out it is his family pet). So Tyrion and I made an appointment. The good news is that this practice has THREE reptile specialists -- experienced help always nearby. The bad news is that my little guy had a respiratory infection. He's now had three of five doses of antibiotics and seems to be doing MUCH better.

I got rid of the red light and have installed the CHE and the thermostat. I've managed to maintain the humidity in his enclosure at a fairly high level. I have a few bags of some cypress bark and moss (the RIGHT kind now) and some coco coir. Tyrion is now spending his days eating and exploring. Each night, he makes himself a little nest and burrows in. Each morning, he relaxes in his warm soak, usually to the point that he takes a giant poop. I think I have a happy, healthy tortoise. Thanks so much for all of the advice.

P.S. I spent an hour today watching a YouTube video entitled "The End of Pyramiding" instead of billing clients. Our baby may turn out to be expensive in more ways than one . . . . .

 

[Angel Carrion]

Update. So @Tom was correct. Mr. Tyrion's breathing got worse and he started blowing bubbles from his nose. I searched this forum for a tortoise vet in my state and it turns out that the recommended Vet in Kansas/Missouri is less than two miles from my house. Then I clicked on the link to his practice website and here is his photo:

http://www.kcvetcare.com/clinic/brock-w-exline-dvm

I took the fact that he was holding a giant sulcata tortoise in the photo to be a VERY good sign (turns out it is his family pet). So Tyrion and I made an appointment. The good news is that this practice has THREE reptile specialists -- experienced help always nearby. The bad news is that my little guy had a respiratory infection. He's now had three of five doses of antibiotics and seems to be doing MUCH better.

I got rid of the red light and have installed the CHE and the thermostat. I've managed to maintain the humidity in his enclosure at a fairly high level. I have a few bags of some cypress bark and moss (the RIGHT kind now) and some coco coir. Tyrion is now spending his days eating and exploring. Each night, he makes himself a little nest and burrows in. Each morning, he relaxes in his warm soak, usually to the point that he takes a giant poop. I think I have a happy, healthy tortoise. Thanks so much for all of the advice.

P.S. I spent an hour today watching a YouTube video entitled "The End of Pyramiding" instead of billing clients. Our baby may turn out to be expensive in more ways than one . . . . .

I'm so very glad to hear that you found a good vet so close! Most are lucky if one is an hour away.

Sounds like you are on the road to having a beautiful wonderful happy healthy tortie!!

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

Thanks for the update.
Sorry Tyrion got ill.
But very happy about the later news.
Good, good.