wont poop

[Franklin_the_tortoise]

hi guys, so my tortoise hasn’t pooped in awhile. The entire time I’ve had him he’s only pooped a few times. They were big poops but he hasn’t been going in awhile. Even soaking him he just won’t go. I don’t know if maybe it has to do with hibernation? I’ve been trying to educate myself on tortoise hibernation but I’m having a hard time. When he pees the texture/consistency has been quite strange too. Like egg yolk. Is this a common thing that will pass or should I be concerned.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

That's not a lot of information to go on. It's probably why no one has responded yet.
So I'll try.
I'm thinking maybe your tortoise is not warm enough to digest his food. Could that be the issue?
How are you keeping him (or her)?
What kind of heating are you using and what temperature is it near the tortoise?

 

[TeamZissou]

Looks like the your tortoise was identified as a Bell's hingeback.

According to this, they do not brumate (hibernate), so you may want to check that your temps are adequate. Your tortoise needs to get to temperature each day to allow digestion to happen.

Start by posting your enclosure/setup parameters (as ZP mentioned) so others can help with your issues.

 

[Franklin_the_tortoise]

That's not a lot of information to go on. It's probably why no one has responded yet.
So I'll try.
I'm thinking maybe your tortoise is not warm enough to digest his food. Could that be the issue?
How are you keeping him (or her)?
What kind of heating are you using and what temperature is it near the tortoise?

Thank you for replying! He is a kinixys hingeback, I’ve been trying to maintain the temperature around 80 degrees with the humidity at 80% too. It’s winter in Massachusetts right now but his tank has stayed around 80. I use a basking bulb during the day and this purple night time heat bulb at night. He also has a heating matt on the side of the tank.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Try adding a CHE in place of that black bulb.
Black bulbs are less than ideal for a tortoise. You need to replicate a "nighttime" cycle. That purple glow doesn't do it.
A CHE can provide reliable and safe heat day AND night. Since it gives off no light. Just heat.
It should help both of your issues there. A bump in extra warmth in the daytime and a nighttime heat source that operates with no light.

 

[Jacqui]

As somebody said, hingebacks don't do winter burmation, summer if too hot they kinda do.

What are you feeding him?

 

[William Lee Kohler]

Another question please: what kind of hingeback and how long have you had it? Also kind of substrate? Well 3 questions?.