Shell and beak care

[karabeth316]

So Edgar is getting settled in nicely. I am getting my mercury vapor bulb in the mail, then I can set up his bigger and better home. There is a lot of discussion on shell rot and the beak but how can you tell if he is okay? Right now Edgar gets bath every other day, then 30-60 minutes of outside time. He loves to eat after his bath! Can you tell me if his shell and beak are okay? Also, is there a way to see or know if Edgar is not hydrated enough?

 

[Jodie]

Just keep an eye on his shell for changes. His beak looks like it might be a bit overgrown, hard to tell at that angle. I would just feed him on a rough surface. I use paver stones. Also keep a cuttle bone in his enclosure. Biting and tearing food will maintain the beak.

 

[Jodie]

As long as any urates expelled are creamy not gritty, he is hydrated.

 

[Yvonne G]

He looks fine.

 

[Tom]

He looks great. If you are soaking him every other day, then he is hydrated.

Feed him lots of weeds and leaves, and usually the beak is not an issue.

Russians are not prone to shell rot. Cold, damp, fouled conditions could induce it in theory, but that doesn't usually happen. THey can also get it if they are kept on overly wet substrate and have old injuries.

 

[karabeth316]

Phew! That makes me feel better since the pet store did not have him in a proper cage. He had a ceramic water bowl, cuttle bone and lots of fresh weeds! Thanks everyone I appreciate the help and advice.