Sulcata waving head when he eats

[jfales]

Hi! I wrote a few years ago when I moved a sulcata from NM to AZ. My sister reports today that Mac (approx 17 yo now) took some bok choy and then waved his head back and forth. He also is being standoffish to my sister. She believes she might have seen blood. This is the first time for this behavior in 4 years. They changed his hay (don't know from what to what) and he isn't eating it as well. I suggested veterinary care (unless it is just a mating action - which I hope you can tell me). She lives north of Tuscon, near Oracle. Any veterinary recommendation would also be appreciated.

 

[jfales]

Hi! I wrote a few years ago when I moved a sulcata from NM to AZ. My sister reports today that Mac (approx 17 yo now) took some bok choy and then waved his head back and forth. He also is being standoffish to my sister. She believes she might have seen blood. This is the first time for this behavior in 4 years. They changed his hay (don't know from what to what) and he isn't eating it as well. I suggested veterinary care (unless it is just a mating action - which I hope you can tell me). She lives north of Tuscon, near Oracle. Any veterinary recommendation would also be appreciated.

Sorry - he is approx 27 years old now - not 17!

 

[Dizisdalife]

Sometimes my sulcata will bite into a stalk that he can't bite through. He will wave his head to dislodge the food. I have seen him do just this with bok choy. It also happens when bites into something he doesn't like. They are not very good a spitting things out so they get creative.

 

[jfales]

Sometimes my sulcata will bite into a stalk that he can't bite through. He will wave his head to dislodge the food. I have seen him do just this with bok choy. It also happens when bites into something he doesn't like. They are not very good a spitting things out so they get creative.

Thanks Joe! I hope it is something benign like that. His lack of responsiveness to my sister is troubling. He actually usually comes when called (in hopes of getting a nice treat).

 

[Dizisdalife]

A behavioral change always puzzles me too.

 

[Cheryl Hills]

Has she checked his mouth? Is it possible he may have something stuck, since blood may have been seen?

 

[Yvonne G]

She may have changed to a type of hay that has hard stems. Tell her the best hay for sulcata tortoises is a soft, grass hay like orchard grass.

 

[jfales]

Has she checked his mouth? Is it possible he may have something stuck, since blood may have been seen?

I have given them some hints as to how to check. He weighs over 120 pounds ... Thank you for your response!

 

[jfales]

She may have changed to a type of hay that has hard stems. Tell her the best hay for sulcata tortoises is a soft, grass hay like orchard grass.

I sent the suggestion onto her. I think he has eaten alfalfa in the past, not optimal, but available. Thank you for your response1

 

[Cheryl Hills]

I have given them some hints as to how to check. He weighs over 120 pounds ... Thank you for your response!

Wow!