Ill Russian Horsefield Tortoise

Gemma_M

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Hi,
I have got a year and a half old Russian Horsefield tortoise who suddenly stopped getting out of bed and eating a few weeks a go. I am new to owning tortoises so this has worried me slightly. At first I thought it might have been the heat but have been told that the heat in his table was normal. He also isn't pooing and is very lethargic, even though I bath him regularly. I've called a specialist vet for help but live too far away to get help from them. I was just wondering if anyone else has had this happen or knows what's happening to him, like if he's just getting ready to hibernate.
PLEASE HELP!
 

Abdulla6169

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Hi,
I have got a year and a half old Russian Horsefield tortoise who suddenly stopped getting out of bed and eating a few weeks a go. I am new to owning tortoises so this has worried me slightly. At first I thought it might have been the heat but have been told that the heat in his table was normal. He also isn't pooing and is very lethargic, even though I bath him regularly. I've called a specialist vet for help but live too far away to get help from them. I was just wondering if anyone else has had this happen or knows what's happening to him, like if he's just getting ready to hibernate.
PLEASE HELP!
You cannot hibernate your tortoise now, he is too sick. We need more information:
Enclosure picture
Enclosure temperature (basking spot, hot area, cold area, night temperature)
Care
Picture of tort
Diet
I recommend syringe feeding if he hadn't ate in a few weeks. You can use baby food (pumkon or carrots)! :)
 

Abdulla6169

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You cannot hibernate your tortoise now, he is too sick. You need more information:
Enclosure picture
Enclosure temperature (basking spot, hot area, cold area, night temperature)
Care
Picture of tort
Diet
I recommend syringe feeding if he hadn't ate in a few weeks. You can use baby food (pumkon or carrots)! :)
My phone is having some issues :(
 

lismar79

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What temps are you kepping him in, what do you feed him, do you soak him and give him water? ( fill a small tote with warm water that is up to his neck. Low enough that he can stick his head up aand leave him in it fo 15 to 20 mins. Keeping the water warm) if you are able, posting a icture of his enclosure would help us help you.
 

Gemma_M

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Have you got any idea what could be wrong with him? Just so I know what to do and how to handle it. I'm very worried about him :(
 

Gemma_M

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The temp is around 30 and I feed him plants from the garden like dandelions, roses and other such plants and Kale as a treat now and again. He has a constant supply of water which he can easily access and I bath him regularly in warm water up to his neck as well, ensure he is dry afterwards as well to reduce risk of shell rot.
 

Gemma_M

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Substrate is wood chips and I use dust free hay for his bedding. He does drink when I bath him which is still a good sign but eveything else is worrying me. He weighs 26g's at the moment as well.
 

Gemma_M

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I cant see the link but its this bulb
 

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Gemma_M

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I did try not using the UVB lamp for a few days and it didn't improve anything :/
 

Abdulla6169

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I did try not using the UVB lamp for a few days and it didn't improve anything :/
The coil one is very bad, if you have it please don't use it.
Also, stick ones like this I don't really trust:
ImageUploadedByTortoise Forum1408101314.771358.jpg...
Get a digital one from the pet store :) He may bee too hot. A 160 w bulb is going to heat it a lot faster!
 

Gemma_M

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I use this thermometer and his light is a 100w UVA UVB IR basking lamp
 

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lismar79

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A russian needs a spot about 95 degrees to heat up and digest food. They also need areas in to 70s to cool off. Get rid of the hay, it is known to mold. Use coco coir. Are the wood chips pine? Pine, I believe is toxic to torts. Yu do need a better thermometer. Those are not very accurate. He may have a blockage if he is not pooing. Try feedeng him som cucumber and let him walk around in a big bath. Warm water usually helps push things out.
 
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