Russian Tortoise hasn't really eaten for 4 days

[jjc081499]

Hello All,

I am a relatively new tortoise owner and I am seeking some advice. I recently built Flash, an adult male, a new home that is 4' x 3'. He was in a 20 gallon tank when we got him from my son's friend. He uses to eat quite a bit but now he really hasn't eaten much since moving to his new home about 4 days ago. He is super active going from one side of the box to the other. We soak him every 2 to 3 days, one of which being today. He always poops during bathtime. Any suggestions on getting his appetite back?

 

[TechnoCheese]

Welcome to the forum!
He’s likely not eating from the stress of being relocated. He should start eating in a few days, but if he doesn’t, don’t worry, they can go months without eating.
While the enclosure size is a huge upgrade, it isn’t enough. An adult Russian tortoise requires a minimum enclosure size of 8x4 feet.
Could we see a picture of the enclosure?
Please give these links a read, and come back with questions-
Russian Tortoise Care Sheet
https://tortoiseforum.org/index.php?threads/Russian-Tortoise-Care-Sheet.80698/
Beginner Mistakes
https://tortoiseforum.org/index.php?threads/Beginner-Mistakes.45180/

 

[jjc081499]

Welcome to the forum!
He’s likely not eating from the stress of being relocated. He should start eating in a few days, but if he doesn’t, don’t worry, they can go months without eating.
While the enclosure size is a huge upgrade, it isn’t enough. An adult Russian tortoise requires a minimum enclosure size of 8x4 feet.
Could we see a picture of the enclosure?
Please give these links a read, and come back with questions-
Russian Tortoise Care Sheet
https://tortoiseforum.org/index.php?threads/Russian-Tortoise-Care-Sheet.80698/
Beginner Mistakes
https://tortoiseforum.org/index.php?threads/Beginner-Mistakes.45180/

I need to get him some decorations. I'm also thinking of putting the water dish in the substrate but surrounding it by some river rock or something.

 

[TechnoCheese]

I need to get him some decorations. I'm also thinking of putting the water dish in the substrate but surrounding it by some river rock or something.View attachment 236631View attachment 236632

The lack of decorations is probably causing more stress because he has very few places to hide, and prolonging his lack of appetite.
You can definitely do that with the water bowl, and it is definitely recommended that you sink it into the substrate

 

[RosemaryDW]

Agreed he needs more shelter; he feels exposed to predators in there. He’s a little guy who is built to survive by hiding and blending in.

You can get some fake silk plants at Michael’s or somewhere and pop them in very quickly.

 

[jjc081499]

I currently have eco earth coconut fiber in there but I was thinking of adding some top soil in there because I think he needs more substrate and the top soil is cheaper. Any reccomedations? Also what depth of substrate would you reccomend.