Changing humidity levels hurting tortoise?

[AshleyFrench]

Okay, so a couple days ago, I changed my sulcata's substrate from Reptisoil to Zoomed's bark stuff. When it was just the former, the humidity levels jumped all over the place (25%-60%) because I would spray it very often to try to keep it moist. He would sneeze, wheeze, and rub his eyes. Ever since I changed it, the humidity levels have been staying around 50% and all times with me only spraying it day and night. I have noticed that he is starting to burrow and haven't heard much of his "noises". Can the constantly changing humidity levels affect this?

 

[Tom]

Okay, so a couple days ago, I changed my sulcata's substrate from Reptisoil to Zoomed's bark stuff. When it was just the former, the humidity levels jumped all over the place (25%-60%) because I would spray it very often to try to keep it moist. He would sneeze, wheeze, and rub his eyes. Ever since I changed it, the humidity levels have been staying around 50% and all times with me only spraying it day and night. I have noticed that he is starting to burrow and haven't heard much of his "noises". Can the constantly changing humidity levels affect this?

I haven't encountered the problem you describe in enclosures with fluctuating humidity. I have encountered that problem in enclosures with dry or dusty substrate.

I think you'll find that the orchid bark (your new stuff) is a much better substrate for the tortoise.

If this is a baby, you need much higher humidity and more stable conditions. A closed chamber would make achieving this easy.

 

[AshleyFrench]

I haven't encountered the problem you describe in enclosures with fluctuating humidity. I have encountered that problem in enclosures with dry or dusty substrate.

I think you'll find that the orchid bark (your new stuff) is a much better substrate for the tortoise.

If this is a baby, you need much higher humidity and more stable conditions. A closed chamber would make achieving this easy.

How high should the humidity levels be?

 

[Tom]

How high should the humidity levels be?

All the care is explained right here:
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/how-to-raise-a-healthy-sulcata-or-leopard-version-2-0.79895/
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/for-those-who-have-a-young-sulcata.76744/

 

[AshleyFrench]

All the care is explained right here:
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/how-to-raise-a-healthy-sulcata-or-leopard-version-2-0.79895/
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/for-those-who-have-a-young-sulcata.76744/

Thank you! This really helped! I will up the humidity.