Upside down!

[melbeebe1980]

I have a sulcata hatchling that is just over 2 months. It's name is Zuri (I will post pictures tomorrow) I have found Zuri upside down. I know that healthy torts are suppose to be able to flip themselves over. Zuri tries but is unable to right itself so I have helped.

Just want to know if Zuri should be able to right him/her self?

 

[Missy]

Most torts can't right themselves. Is there something in his enclosure that he climbs and flips on? Is he in a glass tank? My tort Tank flipped on a regular basis until he was about a year old. If they are left upside down they can die especially if they are under a heat light.

 

[melbeebe1980]

I have Zuri in a tote with 50% top soil and play sand. He was climbing the wall of the tote when he flipped.

 

[Missy]

Unfortunately that is quite common with hatchlings. I worried all the time especially when I went to work. The only thing you can do is take out anything that he may climb up and flip on. If he goes to the same spot and climbs the wall then you could maybe put a plant in that spot to try to detour him. If you are going to be gone for several hrs. then soak him good before you leave so If he does flip he stands a better chance to not dehydrate.