Redfoot not eating

[Rachel337]

Hey guys, my three year old Red foot tortoise who I've had for a few months has suddenly stopped eating, it's been about 4 days now and shes also slowing down and sleeping a lot more, I tried to find another similar situation on here but can't seem to find one. She has a basking spot that's around 95-100 degrees during the day and her ceramic heat bulb on the cooler side usually keeps it around 75 and that stays on all day and night, she also has a heat rock that she never goes on. The humidity is around 60-70. I soaked her yesterday and let her walk around my living room, she had a normal poop and pee in the tub and was active and exploring the living room so I'm not sure if I should be worried or not. I offered her banana today which is her favourite and she didn't eat that so now I'm concerned. She did get into my cats food about 5 days ago so I'm wondering if that could be the problem. Her previous owner told me she was feeding her cat food once a month for her protein but I haven't been giving her that, I usually use chicken or shrimp or egg for her protein. Is this normal for her to not eat for a few days or could something be wrong?

 

[JoesMum]

Hi there

I'll start by giving you a care sheet that you need to read to compare with your setup
http://www.tortoiselibrary.com/species-information-2/chelonoidis/

Red foots are a tropical forest species that need much higher humidity than you have. They also don't really bask; it's about getting the temperature in the enclosure right (see the link above)

From what you describe, your focus needs to be on sorting out temperature and humidity.

Photos of the enclosure and lighting will help the Red foot experts on the forum to help you.

It is important to soak a tortoise that is not eating for at least 30 minutes every day to keep it hydrated.

 

[Anyfoot]

Hey guys, my three year old Red foot tortoise who I've had for a few months has suddenly stopped eating, it's been about 4 days now and shes also slowing down and sleeping a lot more, I tried to find another similar situation on here but can't seem to find one. She has a basking spot that's around 95-100 degrees during the day and her ceramic heat bulb on the cooler side usually keeps it around 75 and that stays on all day and night, she also has a heat rock that she never goes on. The humidity is around 60-70. I soaked her yesterday and let her walk around my living room, she had a normal poop and pee in the tub and was active and exploring the living room so I'm not sure if I should be worried or not. I offered her banana today which is her favourite and she didn't eat that so now I'm concerned. She did get into my cats food about 5 days ago so I'm wondering if that could be the problem. Her previous owner told me she was feeding her cat food once a month for her protein but I haven't been giving her that, I usually use chicken or shrimp or egg for her protein. Is this normal for her to not eat for a few days or could something be wrong?

Sometimes torts can and do miss a few days eating, especially if you've let them gorge on protein, after a feast if animal protein they will lay up for a while. How ever I think ypu need to look at your temps and humidity. I have 80 to 86f ambient temp throughout the enclosure and humidity at 85% +.
Also where do you live, is this a closed or open enclosure, at this time of year when it's getting colder they will start to slow up and act strange(even if indoors).
You said 3yrs old, how big is this tort, can you provide photos of the enclosure and tort please 'so I can have a nosey' I mean so we can help. and welcome to the forum.

 

[Rachel337]

Yea she just ate a bit of her breakfast and shes been more active today so I think she was just too full or something. I'll try to get her heat up and I added some moss so her humidity's at 90+ now. Shes about 7-8 inches front to back I think, I can't seem to find anywhere that says how big she should be at this age. Also how far away does her UV light need to be to be doing anything? I heard it can be bad for her eyes if its too close? Can it be too far away? Here's a picture of her house, its 3x5 feet and kind of hard to take a picture of lol, her previous owner had her in a 2x4 plastic tub thing so this is quite an upgrade for her! The other picture is from a photoshoot she had because she's going to be in a calendar, my little model!

 

[MysticCaribou]

She's adorable. So glad she's eating now.

 

[Anyfoot]

Yea she just ate a bit of her breakfast and shes been more active today so I think she was just too full or something. I'll try to get her heat up and I added some moss so her humidity's at 90+ now. Shes about 7-8 inches front to back I think, I can't seem to find anywhere that says how big she should be at this age. Also how far away does her UV light need to be to be doing anything? I heard it can be bad for her eyes if its too close? Can it be too far away? Here's a picture of her house, its 3x5 feet and kind of hard to take a picture of lol, her previous owner had her in a 2x4 plastic tub thing so this is quite an upgrade for her! The other picture is from a photoshoot she had because she's going to be in a calendar, my little model!
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Rachel, the reason your tort is not eating and is less active is because its getting colder and your enclosure is an open type, so there will be cold spots in the enclosure.
To keep an ambient temp and correct humidity you need a closed system. This enclosure looks good but could do with having a lid built on it. Something like an 'A' frame. All you will need then is a CHE on a thermostat and your strip florescent uvb. I have my florescent uvb about 10" from the torts carapace and over where they feed.
With a closes system you will use far less electricity too.

 

[HI Tortoise Rescue]

I've never seen pyramiding in a Redfoot, but most of the larger species will get carapace deformation with a high-protein of dog or cat food. I recommend never feeding either to any tortoise.

Ken

 

[christinaland128]

Yes I agree with Anyfoot, maybe you can make a top with a pvc pipe frame and a clear shower curtain? I feel like there's a tutorial somewhere.

When I switched to a vinyl tent top my reds starting eating more and became more active. Also, WOW did I save energy because I was able to eliminate some lamps as a result of the cover locking in so much heat and moisture. I'm loving the tent top.

 

[Rachel337]

The pyramiding is from her previous owner. The new growth is flattening out. I did get a shower curtain to put over it and the humidity and heat is waaaay better and she's doing great and eating so much so thank you guys

 

[Anyfoot]

I've never seen pyramiding in a Redfoot, but most of the larger species will get carapace deformation with a high-protein of dog or cat food. I recommend never feeding either to any tortoise.

Ken

8 out of the 10 adult reds that we own have bad pyramiding due to last owners keeping them too dry. You'd be very lucky to find a smooth redfoot for sale in this country(uk) because people keep them like the Mediterranean species. Although I think things are slowly changing to better care for any tropical species over here.

 

[MPRC]

8 out of the 10 adult reds that we own have bad pyramiding due to last owners keeping them too dry. You'd be very lucky to find a smooth redfoot for sale in this country(uk) because people keep them like the Mediterranean species. Although I think things are slowly changing to better care for any tropical species over here.

I'll echo this as well. I'm in Oregon and I have 5/6 with pyramiding ranging from mild to horrible due to their prior care.

Vern isn't concerned by it....and he's adorable when he sits like this.