Shelloise :(

[shelloise]

I have tried everything, she will not eat. I had posted several times, got dif responses on everything from substrate to heat to lighting to food to temps,,tried it all and nothing is helping. I even bought food that is supposed to stimulate their appetite. I cant think of anything else to do. She is a redfoot, i had adults and no issues so I don't know what to do. I have taken all suggestions but am having no luck. Now what?????

Shelldon -Marginated Tortoise
Shelloise 2 -Cherry Head RT
Hermit crabs[/color]

[shellysmom]

Has she been doing this type of thing on and off since you got her? It could be she wasn't housed and cared for properly by the breeder and is having some internal organ issues, and may just continue to decline. Have you had her to a vet yet? If you've tried everything else and it hasn't helped, perhaps you can have a vet put a feeding tube in her to get her eating. I've had personal experience with sickly hatchlings, and I know a lot of other people here have as well. They seem to hang on as long as they can, but when they continue to not to eat well, they eventually pass away. I'm sorry you're having so much trouble with her. It's doesn't sound like you've doing anything wrong. Sometimes breeders just don't start babies well, and sometimes there is something genetically wrong with them, so they just fail.

[mattgrizzlybear]

Hope she will be okay! Have you tried somthing she really likes like hibiscus? Long soaks help also.

[SulcataSquirt]

Have you tried, different types of worms, and any really sweet juicy fruit? what about the red tort sticks??(sold by coastal) also you might try a pile of baby food pumpkin or sumthing for her to eat with no effort.

[wellington]

Have you tried the baby food soaks? Mix carrot baby food the puréed kind into a warm water soak. Even if she doesn't try drinking it, she will still be obsorbing some. Might help her to start eating. Good luck. So sad, when some of these babies just don't do well. Also, have you had her checked for worms or other parasites? I think a visit to the vet is needed.

[Tom]

Shelloise, you are being overwhelmed with good intentions. Kick back and relax for a bit. I sent some PMs out to get you some direct help from someone who is successful at starting redfoot babies. We need to get you a "mentor" of sorts on this issue. Help is on the way.

[Laurie]

Hang in there, I know it's stressful! Good luck

[shelloise]

Thanks very much,

(09-23-2012 07:03 AM)Tom Wrote:  Shelloise, you are being overwhelmed with good intentions. Kick back and relax for a bit. I sent some PMs out to get you some direct help from someone who is successful at starting redfoot babies. We need to get you a "mentor" of sorts on this issue. Help is on the way.

---

Thanks for the feedback. I have been giving her long soaks, and she often goes herself in to soak and drink.
I think the vet is a good idea too..

[mainey34]

I hope things start working out for you soon so you can relax

[shelloise]

I just wanted to say thanks for being so encouraging and helpful with your suggestions and advice. Shelloise's has a different type enclosure now plus the temp and humidity levels are much better because of it too. She is doing much better and is eating more that she had been.

[sibi]

Well, at least she's doing better. I hope the soaks with baby foods helped--it's one of the best ways to nurse a baby back to health. But, a visit to the vet is a must!

[lynnedit]

So glad she is doing better!