Redfoot hatchling umbilical scar

Dankneepowpow

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Hi everyone,

I’m new to the forum and this is my first post. I have a Redfoot hatchling who I was told is about 3 weeks old, still has an egg tooth and everything. I was wondering if his umbilical scar looks normal. This is my first hatchling so a lot of this is new to me. He’s so young I’m hoping it’s just scar tissue and will fall off eventually but I want to make sure it’s not infected or anything.

His enclosure is set up with zoo med repta bark and has a basking area that is about 90 F and a cool side that is about 75 F. His hide box has orchid moss to maintain humidity. He gets soakings once a day and has been eating his greens like a champ.

I hope he is fine and healthy he’s so stinking cute! Thanks for your help!
 

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Ink

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Welcome, hopefully an expert with babies can help. How often do you soak him?
 

Dankneepowpow

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Hello and thank you! I soak him once a day for 15 minutes in the morning. After his soak he’s very energetic and eats his greens and explores, then goes into his hide box and sleeps. I only got him 2 days ago so I think he’s still getting settled in.
 

Ink

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I don't know about redfoots but maybe soak him longer because the babies need it. Make sure the water doesn't get cold. Hopefully someone will help you soon. Very cute
 

Markw84

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That will heal with no problem. Soaks will help. You want to soak a baby at least 30 min or so every day.

The yolk sac scar does show the baby was not started well- was kept too dry from the time it hatched. But keep up the soaks and there is a good chance it will be OK.
 
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LasTortugasNinja

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Your enclosure is cute! However, the mesh top will allow the humidity to flick away quickly, and tropical rainforest animals need the humidity in the range of 75% to 95%, especially hatchlings. I would find a piece of plexiglass fitted to the size of the mesh, and have some air holes drilled in it (hardware stores can often do this) and a space cut out for the uv/heat lamp. This will trap the humidity in the cage and make success much easier for your little guy.
 

Dankneepowpow

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Thanks team! I will definitely increase soaking durations for the lil guy. I’m glad to hear this is somewhat normal looking though, I was very concerned. A plexi glass cover for the top sounds like a great idea too thank you! I live in Hawai’i and the ambient humidity is usually around 70% so I give him some sprays to increase that, but a plexiglass cover will definitely help. Mahalo everyone!
 
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Dankneepowpow

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Upon suggestions from the forum I added a plexiglass cover to increase humidity, worked like a charm! I’ll start giving lil’ Chevy 30 minute soaks starting tomorrow. Thanks again! C4254E2F-5672-4DDC-A6AB-703D5B89BA1B.jpeg
 

Dankneepowpow

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Hi team,

update: I gave Chevy a 30 min soak today and let him enjoy some time In the grass. When I went to put him in his enclosure I noticed his umbilical scab actually had blood coming from it! I put him in his enclosure and watched him, he’s acting normal eating his food and walking around. Should I be concerned? Should I apply first aid or antibiotic ointment? Any advice would be appreciated!839C5CC0-2B94-466D-AA65-E4CBF8AD647F.jpeg
 
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