Reduced tortoise appetite

[Alex and the Redfoot]

Amazing! The temperatures are all looking good in the warm side, but I may just hang it from the same lamp tomorrow morning. I put some tin foil over the mesh and it’s looking like it will create a nice night time temperature. That was a fabulous piece of advice and I’m delighted with it. A greenhouse will be ordered as well! 😊

As a side note, what can I do for him to help with his stress? I’ve been bathing him, and changing his food regularly, but he’s still burying himself deep into his hide. This is only day two in the new enclosure, and obviously there have been some temperature tweaks I’ve made since then, so this may also throw him off even more so.

For example, I bathed him today, so will I leave him be tomorrow (usually he gets a bath 2-3 times a week, but I’m not sure if it should be more regular to help him along)? And sometimes I scoot some of the substrate away so he sees the light to wake up, but should I just completely leave him be? My concern is that he won’t come out to bask or eat if I don’t “delicately” intervene. I’m also concerned that he’ll be cold to touch and I won’t know unless I check.

I don’t handle him except for bath time, and I’m very conscious of that being a stress factor too.

He needs a routine - same things at the same time. He can get used to the required handling - like bathing or moving between enclosures for the night and so on.

He has reasons to stay in the hide - like low temperature so he waits until it rise up a bit. Sometimes tortoises misinterpret the situation and "gentle intervention" may be needed. A better solution, of course, is to correct environment conditions.

 

[CaggyQ]

Another day… another update!

This is the updated setup. I’ve had to work on the stand my friend made so I needed to improvise!

Unfortunately the light is 6% (the store were fab, but return via a service was going to be tricky on my side), so it needs to be closer to Yoshi than I hoped. I can update to 12% when the bulb needs changed. Raging at myself that I messed that up.

I’ve had to attach it as shown. It’s not pointing directly down, but immediately Yoshi came out to see what was going on: he’s now basking and exploring with is a MAJOR development! Temperatures are excellent and I’ve also changed to the normal basking bulb. I haven’t moved the ceramic yet because it’s a perfect temp on that side.

Still a work in progress but when I troubleshoot my friends stands, it will be ready to go 😊

I also removed the big rock for more run space! I’m planning to add some live plants for enrichment.

 

[CaggyQ]

I’m planning to get rid of the hay too. I just wanted to get the temperatures regulated first 😊

 

[TammyJ]

It seems that despite all this conversation and efforts, the enclosure is too cold. @Tom may have the secret solution in this situation. His experience is key.

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

It seems that despite all this conversation and efforts, the enclosure is too cold. @Tom may have the secret solution in this situation. His experience is key.

They’ve managed to get their temps up based on the latest update which is fab! Well done @CaggyQ all the other updates sound good too! Really happy for you🥰

 

[Alex and the Redfoot]

Another day… another update!

This is the updated setup. I’ve had to work on the stand my friend made so I needed to improvise!

Unfortunately the light is 6% (the store were fab, but return via a service was going to be tricky on my side), so it needs to be closer to Yoshi than I hoped. I can update to 12% when the bulb needs changed. Raging at myself that I messed that up.

I’ve had to attach it as shown. It’s not pointing directly down, but immediately Yoshi came out to see what was going on: he’s now basking and exploring with is a MAJOR development! Temperatures are excellent and I’ve also changed to the normal basking bulb. I haven’t moved the ceramic yet because it’s a perfect temp on that side.

Still a work in progress but when I troubleshoot my friends stands, it will be ready to go 😊

I also removed the big rock for more run space! I’m planning to add some live plants for enrichment.

Good to know, that Yoshi went exploring!

But, not so good news is that UVB lamp is useless when mounted this way. Reflector directs light to the wall. It has to be mounted top-down. Any wooden plank should work (maybe even a broomstick and plastic ties as a temporary solution).

If you don't want to move CHE, make at least a safeguard (e.g. a metallic cord from basking lamp stand to CHE dome hanging bracket), so when clamp fails the dome won't fall on substrate.

 

[CaggyQ]

It seems that despite all this conversation and efforts, the enclosure is too cold. @Tom may have the secret solution in this situation. His experience is key

Good to know, that Yoshi went exploring!

But, not so good news is that UVB lamp is useless when mounted this way. Reflector directs light to the wall. It has to be mounted top-down. Any wooden plank should work (maybe even a broomstick and plastic ties as a temporary solution).

If you don't want to move CHE, make at least a safeguard (e.g. a metallic cord from basking lamp stand to CHE dome hanging bracket), so when clamp fails the dome won't fall on substrate.

Hi Alex,

Super. That’s really good to know - and does it need to be in a centralised location? I will re - examine tomorrow.

I had no idea those clamps are prone to failing! Alex I really appreciate the heads up on that.

so sorry for these endless messages - I feel like I’m taking up too much time on the forum!

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

so sorry for these endless messages - I feel like I’m taking up too much time on the forum!

There’s literally no such thing on here please never worry in that regard! It’s so nice having members who keep checking in with updates and questions, there’s so many we don’t and never find out out the tortoise got on😕

 

[Alex and the Redfoot]

Hi Alex,

Super. That’s really good to know - and does it need to be in a centralised location? I will re - examine tomorrow.

I had no idea those clamps are prone to failing! Alex I really appreciate the heads up on that.

so sorry for these endless messages - I feel like I’m taking up too much time on the forum!

UVB lamp should be placed over the basking area. Heat from a basking lamp and UVB work together for vitamin D3 production.

We always warn about clamp lamps, not sure how we've missed it earlier.

Please, don't worry. Helping tortoise keepers is one of the goals of this forum

 

[CaggyQ]

You are both so kind and generous and I really appreciate everything 🥰

Some positive developments! So Yoshi decided to munch on some lettuce today (although he did it was a bit of attitude - he’s definitely making it clear he’s not happy😂) and I called over to a DIY store and built this for my UV lamp. I can move it closer to the basking spot to make him an extra happy tortoise 🥰

Any ideas on how I can make sure it doesn’t slide off? I have attached some cable ties as a temporary measure!

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

You are both so kind and generous and I really appreciate everything 🥰

Some positive developments! So Yoshi decided to munch on some lettuce today (although he did it was a bit of attitude - he’s definitely making it clear he’s not happy😂) and I called over to a DIY store and built this for my UV lamp. I can move it closer to the basking spot to make him an extra happy tortoise 🥰

Any ideas on how I can make sure it doesn’t slide off? I have attached some cable ties as a temporary measure!

I’m glad he seems to be on the up!😁

I’ll have to have a little brainstorm for you with the uv!

 

[CaggyQ]

Some updated photos. 😊 one featuring Yoshi munching 😂🥳

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

View attachment 376290View attachment 376293

Some updated photos. 😊 one featuring Yoshi munching 😂🥳

Yay!! So glad to see him out and about!!❤️

I really hope you don’t take this the wrong way or hate me for it😣but the measurements of the enclosure do look too small for your guy, he does ideally need an 8x4 foot space, he looks a big boy! I understand if indoor space is an issue right now, I know you’ve only recently upgraded, but I will warn, because of the dampness of the substrate, those tortoise houses don’t last that long, you’d be better getting a large shelving unit to lie flat or a raised flower bed, lined with pond lining.

You can still use all the equipment you have and accessories inside the enclosure🙂just thought I’d give you a heads up for down the line👍

 

[Alex and the Redfoot]

View attachment 376290View attachment 376293

Some updated photos. 😊 one featuring Yoshi munching 😂🥳

Hi, Yoshi! 👋

I have no good idea how to fix the lamp in place... Only if to use spring clamps or alike instead of plastic ties. Let's agree it's a temporary solution )

 

[CaggyQ]

Yay!! So glad to see him out and about!!❤️

I really hope you don’t take this the wrong way or hate me for it😣but the measurements of the enclosure do look too small for your guy, he does ideally need an 8x4 foot space, he looks a big boy! I understand if indoor space is an issue right now, I know you’ve only recently upgraded, but I will warn, because of the dampness of the substrate, those tortoise houses don’t last that long, you’d be better getting a large shelving unit to lie flat or a raised flower bed, lined with pond lining.

You can still use all the equipment you have and accessories inside the enclosure🙂just thought I’d give you a heads up for down the line👍

Oh my goodness I’d never take any advice at all in the wrong way! When I ordered this, I was wanting an 8x4 but because I am living at home at the moment I had to compromise. My intention is to use this as part of his outdoor enclose, so I didn’t see it as a waste of money! I have a friend who was going to design an 8x4 with two tiers as his forever home, but I absolutely love what you suggested too!


He is a very big boy and seems to be growing… it’s making me wonder if Yoshi is a boy after all? 😅 he’s still only a baby so it’s hard to tell.

Also, I have one more ask off you and @Alex and the Redfoot. The cooler side of the enclosure is now the perfect temperature, but his hide is reading at 22 degrees. I was thinking of adding in some insulation rather than installing a heat mat, seeing as the ceramic is close to the space. Have we any ideas? I do believe it’s making him sleeper than usual (but he’s back to munching away). 🐢

 

[Alex and the Redfoot]

Oh my goodness I’d never take any advice at all in the wrong way! When I ordered this, I was wanting an 8x4 but because I am living at home at the moment I had to compromise. My intention is to use this as part of his outdoor enclose, so I didn’t see it as a waste of money! I have a friend who was going to design an 8x4 with two tiers as his forever home, but I absolutely love what you suggested too!


He is a very big boy and seems to be growing… it’s making me wonder if Yoshi is a boy after all? 😅 he’s still only a baby so it’s hard to tell.

Also, I have one more ask off you and @Alex and the Redfoot. The cooler side of the enclosure is now the perfect temperature, but his hide is reading at 22 degrees. I was thinking of adding in some insulation rather than installing a heat mat, seeing as the ceramic is close to the space. Have we any ideas? I do believe it’s making him sleeper than usual (but he’s back to munching away). 🐢

You definitely should not use the heat mat (tortoises often burrow to escape heat and that means they get closer to the heat source, so they burrow even deeper and get burns).

Insulation is a good idea, but you have to make a closed type enclosure for it to work. I would detach the lids and use it as a ceiling, get some square wood planks or PVC pipes as "columns" and make the walls out of foam insulation sheets. Or just use a greenhouse top

22 degrees at night is a tolerable temperature for Russian tortoises, I would not worry right now. Yet, I understand your concerns - my redfoot has been waking up too late after 25-26C nighttime lows, but is much more active in the mornings when I put her inside in 27-28C.

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Oh my goodness I’d never take any advice at all in the wrong way! When I ordered this, I was wanting an 8x4 but because I am living at home at the moment I had to compromise. My intention is to use this as part of his outdoor enclose, so I didn’t see it as a waste of money! I have a friend who was going to design an 8x4 with two tiers as his forever home, but I absolutely love what you suggested too!


He is a very big boy and seems to be growing… it’s making me wonder if Yoshi is a boy after all? 😅 he’s still only a baby so it’s hard to tell.

Also, I have one more ask off you and @Alex and the Redfoot. The cooler side of the enclosure is now the perfect temperature, but his hide is reading at 22 degrees. I was thinking of adding in some insulation rather than installing a heat mat, seeing as the ceramic is close to the space. Have we any ideas? I do believe it’s making him sleeper than usual (but he’s back to munching away). 🐢

Completely understand that, sounds like a good plan❤️I’d say he’s a boy looking at the size of him already and he’s still on the young side, he’s going to be big for Russian judging by the photos lol, stocky fella haha🐢💚

As Alex says, i wouldn’t use the heat mat, I think your temps sound ok for now, but if you want to help them further, some sort of topper will work well😊

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

I’m so glad he’s eating now! Definitely the right direction🥰