Speedy's Substrate and Vet?

[The Speedmister]

Hi,

I have a beautiful Russian tortoise called Speedy, who is about four. He is going to a vets tomorrow so we will know for sure if he is a girl or boy! He also needs his nails cut, and the knowledgable reptile vet will do that too.

I am England and it is quite warm these days, but apparently it is going to be chilly tomorrow. . . so how does everyone think I should transport him (he will be in a cardboard box, vets is only 15 mins or so away). With a hot water bottle?

Anyway, we were advised by experts to keep him in hemp bedding, which is quite dry. He makes 'poof' sounds regularly; is he ill or is it the dryness? I am reluctant to add moisture unnecessarily, because I do not want it to get mouldy. He does get a daily warm soak.

I would appreciate any thoughts on the hemp, because as I am at the vets tomorrow, I should be ready to ask about any possible problems.

Thank-you very much; please reply!

 

[jeffbens0n]

I am not familiar with the hemp, but Russians should definitely have some humidity in their enclosure. 50-60% humidity will do. I would think that hemp would be able to hold some humidity if you kept it moist. As for transporting him, he should be fine for a short distance in just a small shoe box with some bedding or a paper towel in it.

 

[bikerchicspain]

I hate hemp and any other reptile substrate from pets shopos with a passion,
I use a substrate that is ecological and no chemicals.
My Russian loves it, she digs for hours on end from one end to the next.

It hold moisture very well, I pour a jug of water on it,leave it for 10 mins, then with a small plant pot spade turn it all over so it is distributed evenly, that way it's not to much but just enough to hold when digging,

It cost me 6 Euros for a 80L bag....

He should not be making any sounds at all part from when you hear them digging.
For short transport I would as jeffbenson said use a small shoe box with an old tea towel to wrap him in...

 

[Mean Guy]

When do you hear the huffing? is it when he is digging or when you are reaching into him. They huff or hiss when they pull their heads back as a result of escaping air. It is not intentional like the hiss of a snake. Are there fibers floating around in his enclosure? he may be inhaling them and trying to expel them as a result. Keeping the humidity up may cut down on that, but I am with Yvonne on the recommendation for substrate. Although I don't really have the experience to make a professional call on it, there is something about it that worries me. Good luck at the vet.

 

[Paige Lewis]

Welcome to the forum and how did Speedy get on at the vets? Where about from the uk are you?

 

[The Speedmister]

Hi,

Speeds is a little boy!

Speedy makes a little 'poof' noise every 30 seconds or so, not just when digging. It is not hissing or retreating into his shell; he does it when happily playing. Sometimes it is a sharp 'po', others it is long and breathy like 'pooof', and he also regularly makes a 'chickachickapOOof' noise. It is bizarre, I know. When he eats, he smears his face with food every time (he's only four)! he makes weird little 'uuh' sounds, rather pathetic really - and sneezes too. Is this because he fills is nostrils with food? I know he is hopeless!

The vets went well. Apart from him being frightened by a (in my opinion, though I know some love them) terrifying American Bull Dog, it went well and he was well behaved. The nurse knew tortoises well, so she weighed him and gave him a check (that took about an hour)! He is 320 grams, four years old and a boy. Unfortunately he is showing very slight signs of pyramiding - the people before fed him those horrible protein pellets. He is on a great diet now and gets lots of sunlight, so he should not get worse.

Thanks

 

[Tom]

The pyramiding is not caused by "protein pellets". We have officially debunked that myth. There are several factors involved; sunshine, exercise, humidity, calcium and a good diet.

Humidity and hydration are, in my opinion, the biggest factor. Dry substrate is a big contributor. Its not something you did as the first four years sealed that deal. Switching to a better substrate now won't make it go away, but it will improve any future growth. You might also consider a humid hide box for him. Does he have a water bowl? Just watch your temps if you do add humidity. The evaporation that gives you the humidity also cools everything down.