GabeH
New Member
Hi new tortoise owner here. I’ve had my 4.5 inch female Russian tortoise, Sprinkles, since Friday. From what I’ve read they usually have a great appetite and she doesn’t seem to be eating a lot,she eats her greens but doesn’t touch her dried flowers or pellets. Ive only tried pellets a couple times but she doesn’t seem interested. She is also burrowing all the way under her heat lamp for most of the day. I have a 60 watt powersun bulb and the temp of the substrate is around 85 right now but the light just came on, it’s on a timer it gets about 90 when it’s heated up. When she’s been under there not burrowed for 30 mins to an hour her carapace temp is around 95. I’m concerned that she’s getting too hot or too cold and that’s why she’s burrowing. Her substrate is coconut fiber and is moist. Also concerned that she doesn’t seem to be drinking well. I have a 10 inch terracotta dish for her to get into it and she hasn’t touched it. I’ve been soaking her in 95-100 degree water for 15-20 mins daily since she’s not drinking. She does seem to drink a little while she’s in there and she defecates a lot when she’s in the water. She’s done that pee that’s white (don’t know what it’s called haha) once. I am concerned that she is hot/cold and dehydrated. Is she just stressed/depressed and getting used to things? Thanks for your help in advance!