I bought a baby Hermann's tortoise in February. Initially, he was very active, and I frequently observed him eating. However, over the past couple of weeks, he seems to spend nearly all of his time in one place, either basking or hiding in shade, and I have not observed him eating in some time. To be clear, he is moving about the cage when not being observed, and I have seen him drinking recently.
I am attaching a few pictures for reference. I have him in a 20 gallon tank with UVB light, a 75w basking light on one side, and a 75w thermal coil on the other. Temp runs 80-90 F on side with basking light and 70-80 F on side with thermal coil depending on room temp. I have a continuously running humidifier to keep humidity 50-70% depending on temp. At night, I turn off the UVB and basking lights and shift the thermal coil to the other side of cage, where a heat pad also runs over night. Night time temp is 80 F on heated side, ~70 F on unheated side.
Turtle is fed a mix of greens (kale, spinach, dandelion, etc.) and small amount of peas (which he has seemed to like). Fresh food is provided twice per day. I have been supplementing calcium every day but read that this may be too much. Provide spring water for drinking and bathing. Soak tortoise in spring water for 30+ minutes at least once per week.
I see no obvious signs of distress. No evidence of shell rot (white patches on shell) or respiratory illness (eye/nose secretions). My son commented that the tortoise's plastron is very pliant, but I understand this is normal in babies.
Perhaps I am being overly concerned, but any suggestions others have for improving care would be greatly appreciated.
I am attaching a few pictures for reference. I have him in a 20 gallon tank with UVB light, a 75w basking light on one side, and a 75w thermal coil on the other. Temp runs 80-90 F on side with basking light and 70-80 F on side with thermal coil depending on room temp. I have a continuously running humidifier to keep humidity 50-70% depending on temp. At night, I turn off the UVB and basking lights and shift the thermal coil to the other side of cage, where a heat pad also runs over night. Night time temp is 80 F on heated side, ~70 F on unheated side.
Turtle is fed a mix of greens (kale, spinach, dandelion, etc.) and small amount of peas (which he has seemed to like). Fresh food is provided twice per day. I have been supplementing calcium every day but read that this may be too much. Provide spring water for drinking and bathing. Soak tortoise in spring water for 30+ minutes at least once per week.
I see no obvious signs of distress. No evidence of shell rot (white patches on shell) or respiratory illness (eye/nose secretions). My son commented that the tortoise's plastron is very pliant, but I understand this is normal in babies.
Perhaps I am being overly concerned, but any suggestions others have for improving care would be greatly appreciated.