please help

[redtort]

I recently got a 4 year old male redfoot (about a week ago). Two days after I got him I took him to a vet for a complete check up. The vet gave him some vitamin shots, and noticed that his eyes were bubbly and prescribed gentamicin eye drops. That was the only day he had a bowel movement since then it has been over a week and I have not seen any bowel movements.

I was concerned about the temperature, so I have a UVB bulb on for about 14hrs a day. He hardly ever comes out to bask, mostly stays in the hide where the temperature is about 71f. At night the temperature drops pretty low so I have a infrared to maintain that 71f. We do a pretty good job of maintaining humidity level to about 50%. We give him a daily warm water soak, and he only eats lettuce and strawberries, does not drink any water at all ( though it is changed on a daily basis). Last night to raise the temperature, I turned on a space heater, and was happy to see him come out by himself and bask under the infrared without being pushed for it. However still no bowel movement. Please help, should I be concerned, and are there any better heating/humidifying options.

 

[Jacqui]

Hi! Let's take this step by step. He's 4 yrs old, old big? Now why did the Vet give the vit. shot? Those can do more damage than good. The eyes might have been from lack of humidity, dust and other environmental factors. I doubt the drops would hurt, but could give added stress to a new animal that might already be stressed.

Now to the UV light. First off you have it on for 14 hrs a day, which is normally to much for these guys. Let's check into this light closer okay? What amount of light does it put out? Bulb, tube or coil? How far from the surface of the substrate? Thru screen or direct shine? Does the cage have plenty of hides and shading from this light or does it pretty well fill the cage with light?

Not basking isn't a worry with Redfoot, SOME of them rarely bask...yours may be in that camp. With him being so new and/or stressed , it may also only be that reason for him staying in his hide.

What is the normal daytime high temp in the warmest part of the cage? You giving daily soaks which is most likely why his water dish isn't being used. Why daily soaks?

What kind of "lettuce" are you feeding? I know you only have had him four days, so diet questions are not applicable here. What are you planning on feeding him?

If he isn't eating much, he won't poop. He won't eat much or process what he has eaten (and thus create poop) if temps are too low. The lack of bowel movements is also not a big thing right now. Plus he may have had one, but ate it without you knowing.

I think the main issues are maybe your not getting him warm enough during the day, which is why he came out last night when you raised the temp with the space heater...but will wait til you answer back on what his day temps are to say "AHAH!". I notice you said he then basked under the nightlight, which provides no light as such but more a means of heat. Another clue he's going for the warmth. Plus the UV light I am betting is too much for him...also why he came out active last night.

Those are starter comments, until you can come back and confirm things on the UV and on the day time heat. Plus will help to know cage size and substrate too.

 

[llamas55]

My tort eats a fair bit and poops mostly 2-3 times a week.
this forum correctly diagnosed that her eyes were crying/runny because my humidity was low, and they do run unless I keep humidity up to about 70+%. Today I'm putting in a warm air humidifier (the footprint will be huge in her 48" habitat and no way with this style to add the creative piping some have and keep the humidifier outside the habitat). I personally have to yet again expand the terrarium. Check the turtletary website for menus and heat and humidity.
welcome and keep us posted
http://www.turtletary.com/current.htm is SOOOOO helpful

 

[redtort]

Hi! Let's take this step by step. He's 4 yrs old, old big? Now why did the Vet give the vit. shot? Those can do more damage than good. The eyes might have been from lack of humidity, dust and other environmental factors. I doubt the drops would hurt, but could give added stress to a new animal that might already be stressed.

Now to the UV light. First off you have it on for 14 hrs a day, which is normally to much for these guys. Let's check into this light closer okay? What amount of light does it put out? Bulb, tube or coil? How far from the surface of the substrate? Thru screen or direct shine? Does the cage have plenty of hides and shading from this light or does it pretty well fill the cage with light?

Not basking isn't a worry with Redfoot, SOME of them rarely bask...yours may be in that camp. With him being so new and/or stressed , it may also only be that reason for him staying in his hide.

What is the normal daytime high temp in the warmest part of the cage? You giving daily soaks which is most likely why his water dish isn't being used. Why daily soaks?

What kind of "lettuce" are you feeding? I know you only have had him four days, so diet questions are not applicable here. What are you planning on feeding him?

If he isn't eating much, he won't poop. He won't eat much or process what he has eaten (and thus create poop) if temps are too low. The lack of bowel movements is also not a big thing right now. Plus he may have had one, but ate it without you knowing.

I think the main issues are maybe your not getting him warm enough during the day, which is why he came out last night when you raised the temp with the space heater...but will wait til you answer back on what his day temps are to say "AHAH!". I notice you said he then basked under the nightlight, which provides no light as such but more a means of heat. Another clue he's going for the warmth. Plus the UV light I am betting is too much for him...also why he came out active last night.

Those are starter comments, until you can come back and confirm things on the UV and on the day time heat. Plus will help to know cage size and substrate too.

Jacqui thanks for your reply. Ok so I was thinking the samething as you, the light may be too much. The uvb bulb hangs 15-17 inches above hte substrate.Last night I lowered the infrared lamp at 8-10 inches from the substrate. I have a very hard time maintaining the humidity. The temp at the hottest spot stays 80f. He has eaten very little amounts of crisphead lettuce. Today I am tryin gto feed him, vege green mix I bought this at the pet shop. Regardless of the soak should he be drinking water. I really appreciate your help.

 

[Madkins007]

Try to boost the hot spot to 88F or so- I recommend an overall range in most habitats be about 80-88F or so.

You can try many things, but the easiest way to boost the temps and humidity is to partly cover the habitat, even if it is only something like aluminum foil for now. (Fully covering REALLY boosts things, but can also cause other problems.) Humidity is heat+water, so if you don't have enough heat, you are not going to get a lot of humidity.

If you talk us through your cage, or share a photo, we might have other ideas.