Worried about my tortoise!!!

Flame

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My tortoise's movements have slowed down and earlier today I saw it's neck twitching like in an up and down movement? Please help! Does this mean anything or am I overthinking?
 

chubu

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My tortoise's movements have slowed down and earlier today I saw it's neck twitching like in an up and down movement? Please help! Does this mean anything or am I overthinking?
When a tortoise slows down it can be for a few different reasons. The first things to check are temperature, because if it’s too cold they’ll get sluggish and if it’s too hot they can become stressed. Hydration is also important because being dehydrated can make them weak and tired. Diet plays a role too, since not eating the right foods can affect their energy over time.

How long has this been going on?

Head bobbing can be normal, like when they’re eating, swallowing, or just curious. But if it’s fast or keeps happening, especially along with wheezing, bubbles from the nose, or unusual tiredness, it could be a sign that something’s wrong.
 

Littleredfootbigredheart

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Could we get a little housing info from you? I could see details in your previous thread, obviously temps are most important

What are your temperatures like all over? Ie basking temp(directly under the bulb), overall day temps(middle and cooler side), night temps?
What kind of basking bulb is being used specifically? Packaging photos are good if you have any
Do you use indoor uv? If so what kind?
How’s humidity? Is he in a closed set up?

A photo of the full enclosure would be great🐢💚
 

Flame

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When a tortoise slows down it can be for a few different reasons. The first things to check are temperature, because if it’s too cold they’ll get sluggish and if it’s too hot they can become stressed. Hydration is also important because being dehydrated can make them weak and tired. Diet plays a role too, since not eating the right foods can affect their energy over time.

How long has this been going on?

Head bobbing can be normal, like when they’re eating, swallowing, or just curious. But if it’s fast or keeps happening, especially along with wheezing, bubbles from the nose, or unusual tiredness, it could be a sign that something’s wrong.
A week and it’s still happening. (The head bobbing)
 

Flame

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May 2, 2025
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MA
Could we get a little housing info from you? I could see details in your previous thread, obviously temps are most important

What are your temperatures like all over? Ie basking temp(directly under the bulb), overall day temps(middle and cooler side), night temps?
What kind of basking bulb is being used specifically? Packaging photos are good if you have any
Do you use indoor uv? If so what kind?
How’s humidity? Is he in a closed set up?

A photo of the full enclosure would be great🐢💚
Im not sure about the temps because I don’t have a thermometer. Packaging I threw away a while ago. I think I might have a spare somewhere so I’ll try to look for it. (Enclosure below) definitely working on trying to get a bigger one soon.
 

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COmtnLady

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How often and for how long ae you soaking your tortoise? The enclosure looks awfully dry - what is the humidity?

There isn't enough room for your tortoise to walk around. This is a big problem.
When they don't get enough exercise they can't digest their food properly and can become impacted or it can create bladder and kidney stones..
 

ryan57

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A week and it’s still happening. (The head bobbing)
They bob their head up and down. No kidding here. I bobbed my head up and down twice this morning and then opened my mouth simulating eating a few times. Stump then bobbed his head up and down twice, waited a couple seconds, bobbed again and then opened his mouth a couple of times like he wanted to eat. I served him in his bed; he ate. Did we have a brief conversation?

Your little one looks perfect! Please soak your tortoise for about 30 minutes (in water about as hot as you'd have it to take a bath). Every day. If it poops, change the water and continue the soak. Water level should almost cover the front arms like mid arm and a bit above the tail.
 
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Littleredfootbigredheart

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Im not sure about the temps because I don’t have a thermometer. Packaging I threw away a while ago. I think I might have a spare somewhere so I’ll try to look for it. (Enclosure below) definitely working on trying to get a bigger one soon.
Temperatures are so important to know, if they aren’t right, your baby is going to get sick, and yes I would definitely upgrade the size asap, that sizing is below what even a brand new hatchling should have, if they can’t roam properly it’s going to effect bodily functions.

I’d encourage to go and give the links posted on response #5 in your previous thread, double check your lighting, humidity, temperature’s and sizing🐢💚

 

zovick

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Im not sure about the temps because I don’t have a thermometer. Packaging I threw away a while ago. I think I might have a spare somewhere so I’ll try to look for it. (Enclosure below) definitely working on trying to get a bigger one soon.
The enclosure appears to be a 10-20 gallon tank. Neither of those are adequate for the tortoise and the lack of space to walk around could be causing fecal impaction/blockage which could account for the head movements you are seeing.

Sorry to say this, but if you can't provide a much bigger space for the tortoise (and really soon), you should find it a new home.
 

chubu

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Im not sure about the temps because I don’t have a thermometer. Packaging I threw away a while ago. I think I might have a spare somewhere so I’ll try to look for it. (Enclosure below) definitely working on trying to get a bigger one soon.
The enclosure looks very very small for that tort. Also as someone said, the substrate looks extremely dry, try spraying down the area with water (im not very sure about the substrate). Thirdly idk if its just me but the tort look like it has puffy eyes? And that can be a sign of dehydration, vitamin deficiency and also humidity.

Soak ur tort 3 times a week or everyday with Luke warm water with water level under the head.
 
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