Newbie owner worried!!

Ak4now

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I was recently gifted a sulcata hatchling from backwater reptiles and unfortunately found all the bad info on care. I was initially set up with a open enclosure, no advice on humidity and no mention of needing extra UV. I instantly fell in love with my little guy and am very concerned for him because of the bad info. His temperatures were way to cold for him the first couple of days and that's when I noticed the lack of eating. That led me to finding this site and everything I was missing.

I immediately ran out to my local hardware store and purchased items to enclose his table. Now I can keep his temps up to standard. 105 basking, 90+ mid tank, 85 cool side and have been keeping it at 85 and night as well.

His energy is up and and he eats romaine, spring mix, and a little natural wheat grass.

My concern is that I have not been able to get a uv light tube for him yet because I live 120 miles from the closest pet store and won't be able to get one for 3 more days. I was also unable to get a humidity gage bc our store did not stock them. I have dampened his substrate which is coconut and fir bark to the point of seeing the sides lightly fog up. I mist his greens before feeding him.

Today I noticed bubbles coming from his nose and he almost seems a little pale to me. I know it's from the cold temps. Will no uv light for the next couple of days do serious damage?? Like I said I'm already very attached to him and want the best and defiantly don't want to lose him.

Any insight or help would be very appreciated!!
 

Alexio

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Going a few days without a uvb light would not be the end of the world, although important getting the temps up is the most important. Make sure the enclosure is no lower than 82 anywhere. How are you measuring your temps? Pictures would help a lot too.
 

Ak4now

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I will try and get some good pictures but my camera isn't the best. Currently I have a zoomed digital that stays at the cool end and I also have a infrared thermometer gun.
 

Killerrookie

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Sounds like a respiratory infection and they are a pain!!! Bubbles from the nose, paleness, and lethargic tend to lead to a respiratory infection. Those are due to cold temp and humidity.
 

Ak4now

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His eyes seem perfectly fine and he has them open a lot. No fluid actually running from his nose just a bubble every now and again. He's been eating great for 3 days now and his energy has really improved. To the point of climbing on top of a round wood hide. In fear of him sliding on his back that has been removed now.
 

Killerrookie

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I would make sure you never get them temps below 80 through the day and night cycles for the little guy or he could get really sick. Just keep a very close eye on him and the bubbles from the nose are a worry for me due to the fact it's know to show up from respiratory infections.
 

Ak4now

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Should I run it a little warmer for him until it clears up? Also is there anything I can do to supplement the lack of uv until I can get it?
 

Killerrookie

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Best way to supplement for the lack of UV is to get him as much sun light exposure as possible. That means taking him outside and watching him for a while till you get the UV light.
 

Ak4now

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I've seen a lot of talk on here about carrot/squash baby food soaks when sick. Is this something I should be doing until he seems better?
 

cmacusa3

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Don't take him outside though unless temps are extremely warm since he is shows some signs of illness. I would leave him in a warm enclosure for the time being for a few days until you get a light.
 

Dizisdalife

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At 85° day and night the temperature need not be raised. Active, eating, and clear eyes are all positive indications that your tortoise is recovering well.
 

cmacusa3

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I've seen a lot of talk on here about carrot/squash baby food soaks when sick. Is this something I should be doing until he seems better?

Not needed if he's eating great as you say.
 

Ak4now

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well he certainly seems to be but then again I've been wrong about a lot so far. I've read through the food care sheet and many threads on the topic but none really give an average amount he should be taking in. He grazes 4-5 times a day on what I leave out for him. Doesn't turn his nose up at much. It would be hard to guess a quantity because I've never had to measure out leaves before. Is there a standard?
 

cmacusa3

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I wouldn't say a standard, I put out a pile about the size of my tortoises, if they eat that, I put out another pile that size. I personally always leave food in the enclosure so they can eat anytime they want. I've even caught them on my spy cameras eating in the middle of the night in the dark. The baby food soaks won't hurt if you choose to do it but I don't think it's necessary at this moment
 

Ak4now

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Ok that works. He always has food in there for him because I've been very paranoid about his health. I put in at least 4 piles his size a day and he eats I'd say a little more than half of that.
 

Yvonne G

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I've seen a lot of talk on here about carrot/squash baby food soaks when sick. Is this something I should be doing until he seems better?

NO! The baby food soaks are for a tortoise whose eyes are stuck shut and he's not eating.
 

Ak4now

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NO! The baby food soaks are for a tortoise whose eyes are stuck shut and he's not eating.
Ok, I didn't think that was going to be a benieficial option for my situation but wanted to ask to be certain.
 

TammyJ

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All the very best of luck with his progress!
 
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