Baby Tortoise Help... Sick?

NewTortMomNikki

New Member
Joined
Jul 9, 2020
Messages
2
Location (City and/or State)
California
Hi there, I am new to tortoise ownership. I just took a tortoise from a family member who was just keeping it in an old fish tank. It’s eyes are closed majority of the time, I’ve yet to see it eat. I did soaks already and brought it outside to sit in the sun and this resulted in him finally opening his eyes and walking, but still not eating.
I’m working on getting a terrarium and a heating element tomorrow. But I don’t know what to do to get him to eat... any advice?
My family member had got him from a neighbor who said the tortoise was being bullied by others in the enclosure so I don’t even know the breed or exactly how old, although my aunt says she thinks it’s 6 months.
Any help or advice is welcome, I’m worried I intervened too late
-thank you !
 

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Tom

The Dog Trainer
10 Year Member!
Platinum Tortoise Club
Joined
Jan 9, 2010
Messages
63,269
Location (City and/or State)
Southern California
Hello and welcome. You have a CA desert tortoise, aka, CDT.

It needs daily soaks and the correct temperatures and enclosure.

Read this:

Questions and conversation are welcome.
 

NewTortMomNikki

New Member
Joined
Jul 9, 2020
Messages
2
Location (City and/or State)
California
Hello and welcome. You have a CA desert tortoise, aka, CDT.

It needs daily soaks and the correct temperatures and enclosure.

Read this:

Questions and conversation are welcome.
Thank you for identifying him! I was looking over the link you shared and where you recommend substrate you said fine orchid bark, is that the same as “Reptibark” or fir bark?
I will definitely soak again tomorrow and try again with some food, & hope to have a terrarium for him by tomorrow as well.
 

KarenSoCal

Well-Known Member
Tortoise Club
5 Year Member
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Joined
Jul 8, 2017
Messages
5,750
Location (City and/or State)
Low desert 50 mi SE of Palm Springs CA
Reptibark and fir bark are the same as orchid bark.

If you go to a pet store they will charge a ridiculous amount for it. Try Lowe's or Home Depot...some places have it much more reasonable. If Lowe's or HD don't carry it, try local nurseries. Hopefully you'll find a good price....well, at least better than the pet store.
 
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