J
JamJam
Guest
I have had a russian tortiose for about 11 days. At Petco we were given some advice that I think is leading us astray. Now I think poor Waffle is in shock and I am really getting worried. PLEASE HELP.
Heres the deal:
The pet store said he and his companion hadn't been eating much. They thought they were quasi hibernating even though the temp was correct (or so they assured me). They told me not to be worried if the tortise did not eat much until spring or if he was very inactive.
This seemed a bit contrary to what I had read, but the staff seems (seemed) so bright and passionate. The more I read, the more concern I have that Waffle is sick or in shock. I need help.
Behavior:
We have had him since 12/23. He has had one bite of food since then. Romaine lettuce, parsley, and yellow peppers (his fav. according to petco). All have been rejected.
We were advised to bath him daily. (I am moving to once a week now that the overwelming majority of resources seem to think my petco advice is excessive). I have yet to see him drink or see him relieve himself. The skin around his head and legs is lose. I read this is a sign of dehydration. The humidity is at 50-60%. I spray the soil twice a day.
I noticed his nose was a little wet today. This concerns me. He spends most of his day burrowed and his eyes are starting to stay shut more often. He is sometimes in the basking area, but most often he is in the center of the tank. This suggests, at least to me, that the temp. can't be too bad, right? His tail never moves--it is always in the same spot (wrapped around).
He seems to like us. Doesn't shrink away, looks straight at us. Doesn't seem scared.
Enviroment:
I have him in a glass enclosure. (I know, I know, but it is a starting location until I come up with a more creative place for him to live). I am putting a boarder up so that he knows that there is a wall.
The temp is 80 - 85 in basking area, and 70-75 in the non-basking side of the tank. I have some heat from a pad, the rest from overhead lights. I also have a uv light between 12-14 hours a day. His bedding is 100% unidentified dirt that came in block. It expanded with the addition of water. I forgot the brand (cut me some slack--25 year old single mom trying to give my son a pet/friend.) Once a day I take him out to wander the house.
[align=justify]
Now what:
I am worried that he is in shock or sick. I have no idea how to fix this. I am hesitant to run him to a vet tomorrow (because I don't want to add additional stress--the vet is not close). On the other hand, we've become VERY attached and I don't want him to be unhappy (best case) or die. Again please please please help.
Is this normal? Am I overreacting? Underreacting?
Also, he is pretty close to the tv...might this freak him out?
Heres the deal:
The pet store said he and his companion hadn't been eating much. They thought they were quasi hibernating even though the temp was correct (or so they assured me). They told me not to be worried if the tortise did not eat much until spring or if he was very inactive.
This seemed a bit contrary to what I had read, but the staff seems (seemed) so bright and passionate. The more I read, the more concern I have that Waffle is sick or in shock. I need help.
Behavior:
We have had him since 12/23. He has had one bite of food since then. Romaine lettuce, parsley, and yellow peppers (his fav. according to petco). All have been rejected.
We were advised to bath him daily. (I am moving to once a week now that the overwelming majority of resources seem to think my petco advice is excessive). I have yet to see him drink or see him relieve himself. The skin around his head and legs is lose. I read this is a sign of dehydration. The humidity is at 50-60%. I spray the soil twice a day.
I noticed his nose was a little wet today. This concerns me. He spends most of his day burrowed and his eyes are starting to stay shut more often. He is sometimes in the basking area, but most often he is in the center of the tank. This suggests, at least to me, that the temp. can't be too bad, right? His tail never moves--it is always in the same spot (wrapped around).
He seems to like us. Doesn't shrink away, looks straight at us. Doesn't seem scared.
Enviroment:
I have him in a glass enclosure. (I know, I know, but it is a starting location until I come up with a more creative place for him to live). I am putting a boarder up so that he knows that there is a wall.
The temp is 80 - 85 in basking area, and 70-75 in the non-basking side of the tank. I have some heat from a pad, the rest from overhead lights. I also have a uv light between 12-14 hours a day. His bedding is 100% unidentified dirt that came in block. It expanded with the addition of water. I forgot the brand (cut me some slack--25 year old single mom trying to give my son a pet/friend.) Once a day I take him out to wander the house.
[align=justify]
Now what:
I am worried that he is in shock or sick. I have no idea how to fix this. I am hesitant to run him to a vet tomorrow (because I don't want to add additional stress--the vet is not close). On the other hand, we've become VERY attached and I don't want him to be unhappy (best case) or die. Again please please please help.
Is this normal? Am I overreacting? Underreacting?
Also, he is pretty close to the tv...might this freak him out?