Baby Hermann tortoise is blowing bubbles through her mouth

Aliceskye99

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So I’ve had my baby Hermann tortoise about 3 weeks. She’s really active and eats and drinks as she should. But I’ve recently noticed her sneezing and blowing bubbles through her mouth. I’ve also noticed around her neck she is getting dry skin. I’m not sure what to do.
I’ve already got another Hermann tortoise going through vet treatment for an ongoing eye infection that I just can’t seem to budge, but I now can’t afford the later charges of being referred to a specialist! It’s over £120 just to be seen by one!!
I just don’t know what to do and starting to get worried about them both?
 

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method89

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what are your temperatures at? It sounds like they are too cold.

Give this a good read:

 

Aliceskye99

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The house itself is 21 degrees centigrade. Then they have a heat/uv light. I don’t know the exact temperature, but she basks a lot, she likes to be under the lamp.
 

Aliceskye99

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That was the lamp I was told to get, as the house is on average 21 degrees centigrade and the 100w bulb will be perfect for them
 

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method89

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can you post pictures of your enclosure? the house temp is way too low. you really need to know what temps are. ambient temp need to be 80 F.
 

method89

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unfortunately it sound like you are being given bad/outdated advice. Most pet shops and vets don't know what they are talking about when it comes to tortoises. Mercury vapor bulbs will really dry out the torts shell. give the caresheet i posted a a good read or two. it will set you and the torts up really well.
 

Aliceskye99

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The place I got her from were specialists…that’s what I don’t understand. She’s still really active, eating and drinking well. It’s just recently I’ve noticed her blowing bubbles from her mouth, sneezing a making quiet noises
 

Yvonne G

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I'm sorry to say your enclosure is wrong:

1. Too small for one, so if two were being kept in there, WAY too small
2. Pellets are not a good substrate.Very young tortoises need a bit of humidity in their environment, and those pellets mold when moistened
3. My UVB light of choice is the tube type fluorescent UVB light. I used to use the Mercury Vapor Bulb like you show, but learned those bulbs are very strong and desicate the tortoise
4. If this tortoise has been in contact with the one being treated by the vet, then the bubbles may mean this one is sick too. Or it could be the lit bulb.

Please read the care sheet with an open mind, a mind that's amenable to learning new ways to care for tortoises. You've been given old, outdated info by your pet store and specialist.
 

Sarah2020

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Hi, Bubbles is a sign of them having a cold. As mentioned temp increase and enclosure review is required for their welfare. As they grow they will hate each others company so be prepared for separation. Running the heat on a timer and thermostate is a good way to regulate see pics if suggestions. Orchid bark is a good base. Try swell reptile for supplies. Read the care sheet and ask questions.
 

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TaylorTortoise

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You need coconut coir or some type of substrate that is going to hold moisture for the babies, they will want to borrow a bit into the substrate and the humidity is important to have. You can go to a locale garden center and get a digital temperature gauge. Not a pet store one. They are junk and do not work. I advice you split both tortoises while they are both showing signs of sickness until they get better. (Both should he departed for the long run for optimal health).
I suggest getting fake plants also for them to hide and feel secure. Make sure you bathe them in warm water 2-3 times a week if you can hydration is important in tortoises when they are sick. Just like humans!
 

TaylorTortoise

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You can get plastic containers to put them in, like Christmas storage containers. Both tortoises need their own hide area, and their own of everything to avoid damage and fights as well. That is not enough food for two tortoises. Maybe one, but not both. And verity is key. I refer to the tortoisetable.org for weeds, flowers that work for diet and kapidolo farms if you do not have access to a variety of things, you can get santa barbra
Mix, finely chip, and add mazuri and the dried mix with the diet. You can also grow your own plants.
 

method89

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She has though….your such a negative person….I was over reacting. She went to the vets today, they said nothing is wrong, and she is healthier than ever.
I'm honestly glad you have. I'm very much a positive person. Most people come here, hear some things they don't like and never come back. NOW, if you stay, listen to the advice you've been given, makes the changes that are needed to make your torts grow up happy and healthy, i'd be really happy.

PS: stop listening to to vet... they are costing you money you don't need to spend and, without making the changes outlined above, will most likely harm your torts.
 
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