jackapple
New Member
- Joined
- Aug 10, 2014
- Messages
- 5
Hi everyone, (i've actually had an account for ages, but forgot the password...and the email i used for the account)
So my tortoise has been acting very erratic. He won't stop moving, climbing, playing in general. It's nice to see, he looks pretty content exploring his enclosure, as well as our backyard and deck. He has tons of energy it seems.
Problem though, he won't eat. It's been several days. I traditionally give him collards, mustard greens, arugula, and his staple food, endive (i almost have to wrap everything in endive just so he eats, if he doesn't get his endive then he'll start eating sand/substrate). The substrate in his enclosure is a mix of 1/3 sand, 2/3 top soil.
He hasn't pooped in days (2-3). I soak him in warm water in a large tub where he will explore every inch of, but no poop. I could always depend on the soak to get his bowel movements going, so I am a bit concerned that it hasn't worked.
I'm not sure if he is compacted, he will on some occasion eat his substrate until I catching him doing it then I put him outside. I am worried he has become compacted as I understand it can be fatal. However, I also heard if a tortoise is compacted then they will be lethargic, which he certainly is not.
If he is compacted then what should I do? do I stop feeding him so that I don't make things worse? should I soak him twice/thrice a day?
Any help is very much appreciated, Thanks!
p.s. the image is the latest one I have of him (not the greatest quality)
So my tortoise has been acting very erratic. He won't stop moving, climbing, playing in general. It's nice to see, he looks pretty content exploring his enclosure, as well as our backyard and deck. He has tons of energy it seems.
Problem though, he won't eat. It's been several days. I traditionally give him collards, mustard greens, arugula, and his staple food, endive (i almost have to wrap everything in endive just so he eats, if he doesn't get his endive then he'll start eating sand/substrate). The substrate in his enclosure is a mix of 1/3 sand, 2/3 top soil.
He hasn't pooped in days (2-3). I soak him in warm water in a large tub where he will explore every inch of, but no poop. I could always depend on the soak to get his bowel movements going, so I am a bit concerned that it hasn't worked.
I'm not sure if he is compacted, he will on some occasion eat his substrate until I catching him doing it then I put him outside. I am worried he has become compacted as I understand it can be fatal. However, I also heard if a tortoise is compacted then they will be lethargic, which he certainly is not.
If he is compacted then what should I do? do I stop feeding him so that I don't make things worse? should I soak him twice/thrice a day?
Any help is very much appreciated, Thanks!
p.s. the image is the latest one I have of him (not the greatest quality)