[split] sulcata tortoises ... should I be worried?

[julianna2012]

hi again my tortoise (i think i might name him/her sunny littlefoot etc) sometimes just seems to sit their plus he ducks his head in his shell sometimes and seems to be trying to wipe his nose sometimes i hear popping noises from his nose but hes eating okay i soaked him in shallow water and he got a little more active after that... any advice

p.s i dont have any money to go to the vet im saving some though... should i be worried? thx julianna

 

[ascott]

hi again my tortoise (i think i might name him/her sunny littlefoot etc) sometimes just seems to sit their plus he ducks his head in his shell sometimes and seems to be trying to wipe his nose sometimes i hear popping noises from his nose but hes eating okay i soaked him in shallow water and he got a little more active after that... any advice

Well, the few things you describe here would not worry me....if all of your enclosure set up checklist is in line then I would not be overly concerned....however, if there are no real behavior issues, then your tort sounds all normal...

As far as the popping noise and then becoming more energized after a soak, perhaps double check your temps to assure they are not too high and also be sure that you keep your tort hydrated....

 

[julianna2012]

ok thx but his plastron ( under shell) is like going up and down when i press and on one of his ears theres something that looks like orange earwax HELP im really worried and again dont have any money to go to the vet

 

[ascott]

on one of his ears theres something that looks like orange earwax

Okay now, this statement raises a potential worry flag....however, may we please see a pic so we can see what you are seeing? I know this may seem like a dumb question, but is what you see on the side of his head stuck on food? Did you check? Did you take a q tip and gently touch the spot? Is is ookie or is it solid?

You have a young baby, so the underside of the shell (plastron) should have some pliability....not mushy, but a little give is alright....

 

[julianna2012]

thx guys ur the best i never really thought it could be food ill check but sorry im having trouble posting pics