TheBabySitter
New Member
- Joined
- Jan 5, 2017
- Messages
- 6
A friend of mine went on a vacation on a cruise ship, and left me with their new hatchling. I've had the baby for 8 days now, and they don't return for 4 more days. I've done as much research as possible and I fear that they didn't give me accurate care info.
Immediately after receiving the tortoise in its enclosure, it would only sleep. If I woke it up and hand fed the baby it would eat (was giving it bok choy). The moment I stopped encouraging eating, it would walk back into the burrow and sleep. I put out fresh food each day, and changed the water, but it never sought them out on its own.
On day three I noticed it was blowing a bubble of mucus while breathing from one nostril. Over the next few days the baby became less willing to eat, and would refuse food after a couple bites, always eager to return to the burrow. The past 3 days it hasn't been willing to eat at all.
I have an appointment with a vet tomorrow. ( the owners don't have a regular vet so I found someone local )
The lamp they gave me is a coiled fluorescent bulb, and based on the color it puts out I believe it is a UV type bulb, but can't verify. I measured the temp below the bulb at basking level and it was 73*. My house is heated and stays around 72*
I have no idea if the baby wants to hibernate right now, or if the enclosure is too cold, and much I need to worry. I'd love to get it healthy and happy, and provide advice to its owners on the best care when they return.
I believe the baby is about 3 or 4 months old.
Thank you all for any help!
Immediately after receiving the tortoise in its enclosure, it would only sleep. If I woke it up and hand fed the baby it would eat (was giving it bok choy). The moment I stopped encouraging eating, it would walk back into the burrow and sleep. I put out fresh food each day, and changed the water, but it never sought them out on its own.
On day three I noticed it was blowing a bubble of mucus while breathing from one nostril. Over the next few days the baby became less willing to eat, and would refuse food after a couple bites, always eager to return to the burrow. The past 3 days it hasn't been willing to eat at all.
I have an appointment with a vet tomorrow. ( the owners don't have a regular vet so I found someone local )
The lamp they gave me is a coiled fluorescent bulb, and based on the color it puts out I believe it is a UV type bulb, but can't verify. I measured the temp below the bulb at basking level and it was 73*. My house is heated and stays around 72*
I have no idea if the baby wants to hibernate right now, or if the enclosure is too cold, and much I need to worry. I'd love to get it healthy and happy, and provide advice to its owners on the best care when they return.
I believe the baby is about 3 or 4 months old.
Thank you all for any help!