New tortoise not eating

[herbiethetortoise]

I got a Russian tortoise two days ago, and he isn't eating drinking or pooping. He just hides in his hay and when I tried to pick him up he hissed at me. What's wrong?

 

[justino4444]

Might be too cold in your enclosure What are the temps?

 

[herbiethetortoise]

It's 84 in his tank right now

 

[justino4444]

Wow I am not sure then I'll leave this one to the experts. Maybe he is adjusting?

 

[vanilla13gorilla]

I have 2 Russians that took a few days to get adjusted, was a cheep buy from the pet store, that I bought some time ago. I set up a large basking area where the temps are about 95-100. I also made a 'hide' for them. But I think most important is the soaking in WARM water for about 30 minutes... Also, don't forget that the soaking water WILL get cold if you don't keep it warm somehow, I have the soaking under another basking lamp, or brooders lamp you can find at Lowes, HD, Menards for less then $10 and it has the ceramic fixture. How do the eyes look?... are they 'full' or do they look 'sunken' or 'low set'. If so, it could be dehydration.. Also, what are you using for food?. I like 'Spring Mix' if you cant find anything else..

I think the 'hissing' was something mine did also, when I first got them.. It took a few weeks of care and showing them that you are the Food King!.. Trust me, if they are healthy, they will come around, might just take more then a few days..

 

[mctlong]

The hissing you heard was him sucking his head back into his shell rapidly. It sounds like a hiss.

Two days is not very long. Tortoises need time to adjust. Some new ones go for a week or more without eating when introduced into a new habitat. Its normal. I wouldn't worry unless you notice signs of sickness such as puffy eyes or eyes that stay closed, lethargy, drippy nose, swollen limbs (fluid retention), excessive yawning, etc.

(If you got him at a petstore, I'd also recommend having him checked and treated for parasites since store-bought Russians are notorious for having large loads of worms).

 

[Yvonne G]

Please see all the advice you've been given on your other threads.

Your tortoise is too hot...
Your habitat is too small...
Your habitat is too warm...

etc.

 

[Kele7710]

I would say he's adjusting to his new home, takes about a week to settle in to new home, they don't feel safe at first

 

[Tom]

And that red bulb is confusing his senses. Use a regular white bulb instead, and turn it off at night.

Also, since he's brand new to you, a few warm shallow soaks in a tall sided tub might help him. They are often dehydrated when we first get them.