New Greek Tort not eating and moving much

[joekoh]

Hi all

Got a Greek tortoise a week back.

Please refer to attached pics on enclosure and set up. Bedding used is recycled paper pellets and Aspen.

Light is exo terra intense basking light, 50W.

Been having daily soak in warm water for 2 days. Poo and pee in water.

Residing in Bangkok where it's pretty hot and humid. Tortoise is house indoor.

Ate a little in day 1 and 2. After which been hiding under bedding and not moving much.

Is this normal for new tortoise? Pls advise?

Thanks

Joe

 

[Grandpa Turtle 144]

Remember in the wild if you move your someone's dinner . But in a few weeks it will see that you are the food god and come running when ever you walk by

 

[joekoh]

Remember in the wild if you move your someone's dinner . But in a few weeks it will see that you are the food god and come running when ever you walk by

Hey Grandpa. Thing is he been hiding everyday... How to recognize me ?

 

[Grandpa Turtle 144]

Joe like every other child it will hear you and then see food . It will see you every day for his soak . Do you pick him up to put it to the food. ?

 

[joekoh]

Yeah. After soak place him near food but just walk away.

And Also, is the light and bedding used ok? Thinking using just a UVB light as it's kind hot n humid here.

 

[lynnedit]

They will hide a lot when they are younger for survival, as mentioned. It can take a long time for them to warm up to a human, and even then they mainly see you as a food source. They aren't really 'pets' like cats or dogs or even birds. Those of us who own tortoises or turtles do it because we enjoy them, but it is usually one way!

Can you change the substrate to topsoil or untreated garden dirt? They need a good 4-6" to burrow. They also need a substrate that holds moisture underneath.

Do you have a way to measure temps? Regardless of the temps in your home or outside, they need to be able to bask at 35c but also get to a cooler side of 20c. Your enclosure may be too small to achieve these temps.

 

[joekoh]

Hey. Will look into the bedding for temperature, it's average 30-35 degree Celsius throughout the year over here and very humid as well.