Is winking normal?

[Damien Szkatulski]

My little sulcata has developed a weird habit recently. More often then not when he is awake and roaming, one of his eyes are closed. He switches which one. Is this normal?

 

[Tom]

No. Not normal. What is your humidity level? What are you using for substrate? What are your 4 temps? What heating and lighting equipment are you using?

 

[Damien Szkatulski]

No. Not normal. What is your humidity level? What are you using for substrate? What are your 4 temps? What heating and lighting equipment are you using?

Humidity is 80, temps are steady gradient between 80 to 95 from one side to the other.. substrate is aspen in hide/basking area and aspen coconut choir mixture in the rest. I figured it out though. I went on a stroll through the forum and found people's recommendations for when a tortoise isn't opening eyes or squinting when awake.. I dripped a ting but of warm water on his head during his soaking time. I'm pretty sure he just had something in his eye because that fixed it up. If he consistently gets stuff in his eyes I will change his bedding.

 

[Tom]

Humidity is 80, temps are steady gradient between 80 to 95 from one side to the other.. substrate is aspen in hide/basking area and aspen coconut choir mixture in the rest. I figured it out though. I went on a stroll through the forum and found people's recommendations for when a tortoise isn't opening eyes or squinting when awake.. I dripped a ting but of warm water on his head during his soaking time. I'm pretty sure he just had something in his eye because that fixed it up. If he consistently gets stuff in his eyes I will change his bedding.

Sounds like you've got it figured out. Aspen is not good for this species. FIne grade orchid bark works best.

 

[Damien Szkatulski]

Sounds like you've got it figured out. Aspen is not good for this species. FIne grade orchid bark works best.

Was planning on getting orchid next time I get bedding. It's mainly coconut choir

 

[Damien Szkatulski]

No. Not normal. What is your humidity level? What are you using for substrate? What are your 4 temps? What heating and lighting equipment are you using?

I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions when I fixed it with the bath. I just realized the real problem. I was using a coil UVB. I don't know what to do I feel so stupid. I am about to he's out to get a new one. Do you have any experience with light induced eye problems, and tips? I'm terrified

 

[Tom]

I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions when I fixed it with the bath. I just realized the real problem. I was using a coil UVB. I don't know what to do I feel so stupid. I am about to he's out to get a new one. Do you have any experience with light induced eye problems, and tips? I'm terrified

Not all cfl bulbs cause eye problem. Only some of them. The problem is that there is no way to tell until damage is done. When there is a problem with one of these bulbs, it is usually both eyes.

SInce you have and issue with just one eye, my best guess is that something got in there and irritated the eye, or he possibly poked it on something.