Hi all. I've asked about this topic before. And I am honestly at the end of my tether and don't know why my Russian tortoise Boris has been off his food, not pooped and is extra sleepy for weeks now. Before this he was stomping around and around his enclosure like a bull, but not eating them either. I have everything correct as I know it and have the temps, humidity, UV, food, Everything! All fine. Extra lights, then off again. Nothing I do seems to change his appetite. We've had Boris for 2 years now and now I am really just exasperated by his behaviour. Please can an expert give me some reassurance that this is just what a Russian tortoise will do for times?
I am really stressed out about him as I do every single thing by the guidance. I bought a UV meter. (For a whopping £200!) I have a temp gun. I keep his enclosure humid. He has a humid sleeping area. He has a ceramic heat lamp at the other end of enclosure to keep temps around 24 degrees. He is my son's bedroom which is warm in general. All the lights and bulbs are the correct ones. 12 hours on then 12 hours off on a timer. His Enclosure is 6ft x 2.5ft. yes, not 8x4, but we are planning this. I have mazuri pellets, plus endive, raddichio, romaine, aloe, catus, kale, etc. In summer I forage for weeds and flowers. I weigh and measure him monthly. He is 12cm and has dropped in weight 50g. He now weighs approx 358g. I soak him every 2-3 days in 34 degree water for 30 mins. I honestly do everything in my power for this tortoise to thrive. And I consider myself to be a very responsible, clued up person. I researched him BEFORE we got him from a reputable breeder - NOT a pet shop. Please can Tom or Yvonne help me? I have read every single care sheet many, many times. I don't let him free roam. Need I go on? Some expert advice would be so welcome. Thanks, Lynne.
I am really stressed out about him as I do every single thing by the guidance. I bought a UV meter. (For a whopping £200!) I have a temp gun. I keep his enclosure humid. He has a humid sleeping area. He has a ceramic heat lamp at the other end of enclosure to keep temps around 24 degrees. He is my son's bedroom which is warm in general. All the lights and bulbs are the correct ones. 12 hours on then 12 hours off on a timer. His Enclosure is 6ft x 2.5ft. yes, not 8x4, but we are planning this. I have mazuri pellets, plus endive, raddichio, romaine, aloe, catus, kale, etc. In summer I forage for weeds and flowers. I weigh and measure him monthly. He is 12cm and has dropped in weight 50g. He now weighs approx 358g. I soak him every 2-3 days in 34 degree water for 30 mins. I honestly do everything in my power for this tortoise to thrive. And I consider myself to be a very responsible, clued up person. I researched him BEFORE we got him from a reputable breeder - NOT a pet shop. Please can Tom or Yvonne help me? I have read every single care sheet many, many times. I don't let him free roam. Need I go on? Some expert advice would be so welcome. Thanks, Lynne.