Jennifer G
New Member
Hello to all: I am new to tortoise husbandry. Just got a baby redfoot (3 inches) 2 weeks ago. He/she arrived safe and proceeded to drink, eat and explore his new digs. So cute! after a few days he now tends to sleep all of the time in his hide. I have to wake him up to soak him and then he'll drink and eat a little bit but then goes right back to his hide for the rest of the day. I'm worried because he was such a good eater in the beginning, but now only takes a bite or three of some lettuce or cherry tomato. He enjoyed blueberries, but I don't want to give too much of that. I'm in the northeast and the weather has cooled off a bit since he arrived. I have UVB bulb for light and heat during the day (about 90 in the middle of the enclosure) and a heating pad taped to the side of the tub where his hide is located with a probe to monitor temp, set at 80. I am getting concerned because he doesn't bother eating or drinking on his own. Is this normal behavior? Should I not be waking him up all the time? He has a water dish, but never goes in on his own. Thanks.