I got a new Hermann's tortoise about a few weeks ago. First week seemed fine. Took it a few days to adjust into its new enclosure. I have noticed this week that it is very lethargic and not eating at all. It does seem to perk up when given its bath and when I take it outside to sun bathe for 20 minutes. It's shell does feel softer then the other one that I have as well. Currently in a 2 foot by 3 foot enclosure with a basking lamp and linear uvb bulb. Hideaway temp is roughly 80's during the day and goes down to 70's at night. Basking temp is 95-98 and the tank sits roughly at 85-90 degrees. Substrates is mixed forest floor, coco substrate and organic potting mix. I have been feeding it dandelion, opuntia and mixed greens. I have been giving it baths with organic baby carrot food in hopes that its getting nutrients. It does move its head in and out of its shell when In the water. I have noticed that both torts have begun burrowing under the basking heat. Thanks for the help in advance.
HELP! New Tort is not looking good.
- Thread starter EazyE13
- Start date
At the very end, you say “both torts have begun burrowing”.... so, are you keeping a few together in the same enclosure? Did you get them as a pair or are they different ages, etc.
Try to upload a few pix of your setup.
It’s new to you, but is the tort(s) hatchlings or juveniles or adults, etc. Source?
Looks to me as if your lights are too high and they're not warm enough.
I’m pretty sure the larger one is on his way to dying too and no idea why. He was laying under the power sun bulb with his arms and head completely out. He usually walks around and eats a ton. Hasn’t done either today. No idea what’s going one. My temps seem fine.
WHen they lay like that they are exposing as much of there body as possible to the warmth that is being projected. They need to be much warmer ASAP. Once you lowere the lights cover the whole thing lights and all with a showere curtain. Just add some 4x4's under the tub to raise it the easiest.
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Almost everything you mentioned sounds like the animals are kept too cool.
Without a warmer temperature they cannot digest food and will stop eating. Get weak and slowly die.
Without a warmer temperature they cannot digest food and will stop eating. Get weak and slowly die.
