Redfoot NERD said:What is a Vet. with no experience at "starting" redfoot tortoise hatchlings going to say or do? More probing and poking? This baby has not had a bit of "peace" for the past 2 weeks..... and who knows how it was started/treated(??).. before then!
THAT TerryO is why I feel [ in most cases and THIS case especially ] Vets are not needed.
NERD
Have to say I agree. I don't see any symptoms that a vet can help with. Anything a vet would suggest (antibiotics or vitamin shots) would probably kill a baby this tiny in his weakened state.
Okay, here is what I suggest. You need to start doing babyfood/vitamin soaks. Get a shallow tub, and place enough warm water in it that it just covers the bridge between the carapace and the plastron. In the water you want to mix a jar of babyfood, either carrots or butternut squash. You also should add liquid vitamins. Bird vitamins, such as Vitasol, work well, as well as infant vitamin drops, like Gerber Poly Vi Sol. Place the tub of water in a place where it will stay warm for 15-20 minutes, under a heat lamp, on a heat pad, or by a heat duct. Don't let it get TOO hot, just warm. 1 minute soaks won't cut it.
You should see an improvement in 3-4 days. Keep misting with warm water at least 3 times a day, and do not handle the baby except to place him in the soaks. Once the eyes open and the swelling goes down, feed some of this plant - it is a weed that is found all over the U.S. and has almost twice the Vit. A of carrots. Collect from an area that is pesticide free and not visited by dogs that may have had toxic (to torts) heartworm medication.
It is called broad leaf plantain, and actually grows all over the WORLD, not just the U.S. It is a natural food for most tortoise species, and one that I feel all should be fed, because of the natural levels of Vit. A contained in the plant. It keeps the eyes and body healthy.