Russian tortoise lost his appetite

Ethanevo

New Member
Joined
Jun 5, 2020
Messages
5
Location (City and/or State)
Liverpool/ merseyside
Hi guys this is sherman my russian tort i got him 10 months ago and he’s been a fantastic pet i really love him. When i first got him i went off the pet shop guys recommendations but after research isaw that this wasnt enough eg he said to soak once or twice a week but i’ve started soaking him about 5 times a week. I also was just feeding kale which was making him overweight and grow too fast and realised he needs more so ive started feeding dandelions plantain and other good weeds i grow in my garden in smaller portions. Anyway the last 5 days he’d stopped eating and he just stays in his hide he’ll eat a couple of bites if i hand feed him right after his soak but not much and he’s been pooping a lot less. Im really worried about him. Should i take him to a vet?
ive included photos of his enclosure the temp in the basking area is 30-32degrees Celsius. Any help would be really appreciated
 

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Joined
Jun 14, 2020
Messages
32
Location (City and/or State)
Oakland, CA
First off, adorable tortoise and I love your setup!
Second, I am in no way a professional in tortoise health but I will do my best.
There are two main reasons that might explain why Sherman isn't eating. The first is Temperature. This is unlikely because 30-32˚c is a good temp. The second reason is a mouth infection. I have no experience with mouth infections in torts but they will definitely impede them from eating. If I were you I would do some research on mouth infections and check for signs/symptoms in Sherman. There are other possibilities but these seem to be the leading causes. Russian torts can go a couple weeks without food but if it isn't a mouth infection and it isn't temp, I would recommend seeing a vet. In the mean time you might try different foods to see if they are more successful.
Best of luck!

P.S.
How often does Sherman usually eat?
 

Ethanevo

New Member
Joined
Jun 5, 2020
Messages
5
Location (City and/or State)
Liverpool/ merseyside
First off, adorable tortoise and I love your setup!
Second, I am in no way a professional in tortoise health but I will do my best.
There are two main reasons that might explain why Sherman isn't eating. The first is Temperature. This is unlikely because 30-32˚c is a good temp. The second reason is a mouth infection. I have no experience with mouth infections in torts but they will definitely impede them from eating. If I were you I would do some research on mouth infections and check for signs/symptoms in Sherman. There are other possibilities but these seem to be the leading causes. Russian torts can go a couple weeks without food but if it isn't a mouth infection and it isn't temp, I would recommend seeing a vet. In the mean time you might try different foods to see if they are more successful.
Best of luck!

P.S.
How often does Sherman usually eat?
 

Ethanevo

New Member
Joined
Jun 5, 2020
Messages
5
Location (City and/or State)
Liverpool/ merseyside
Thank you for the advice i will check up about mouth infections thanks ? but when i woke up this morn he was up and eating thankfully
He normally eats once a day ?
 

Hutsie B

Well-Known Member
5 Year Member
Joined
Mar 24, 2013
Messages
471
Location (City and/or State)
NC
I am glad he is eating again. I am about to get a new Russian Tortoise and have his habitat all set up. I am so excited. I am sure I will be on here asking questions.
 

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