New Substrate - Swollen Eye

[Dave B]

Hello All,

Yesterday we moved our Russian into a new indoor enclosure. For substrate we are using a Kellog Organic Soil which we picked up at home depot (its more like a mulch than a soil), picture attached here and link to soil below.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Kellogg-...-and-Vegetables-685/100427391?N=5yc1vZbx67Ztv

Is anyone else using this?

This morning i spotted that one of his eyes was a little puffy and white, im wondering if it is caused by the new substrate and was interested to know if anyone else is using this?

Reading online option people said it could be dehydration so we have him in a bath right now but i think the humidity levels in the enclosure are good (69 / 70 %). He also has a large water plate but does not appear to use it that much so far. Perhaps its stress from the move to the new enclosure? Last night he did not burrow but sept in a corner?

Anything else we should be watching out for? If it stays like this tomorrow i think we will make a trip to the vet.

Thanks for your help,
David

 

[Shakudo]

Hello,

Organic soil seems fine but it does
contain chicken manure. Which in turn can can contain other substances.

I'd personally change it to coco coir just to be sure.

 

[Tyanna]

I agree with the above. If you want to use a soil I would go for plain top soil with no additives, etc. Just plain.

I personally like cypress mulch, but for babies people suggest coco coir.

I'm not sure if this could be the cause of your eye issue, though, unless there's some stuck in there. Keep soaking him and maybe try to flush his eye out, or look to see if there's any in there?

What types of bulbs are you using?

 

[Yellow Turtle01]

Agree with Tyanna, bulbs can totally be the issue.
He might have a little piece stuck inside the lid, also, frequent warm water soaks will help, but you may need an eye dropper to help if it a particle. (I am NOT a professional, just suggesting)
I am almost 100% sure @Tom uses that coir, and it works fabulous. I use coir, and have never had a issue (not that type, but close enough)