Sunken eyes?

[Andreotti10]

Afternoon,
I wonder if one of you experts could have a look at my Russian tortoise eyes, are they sunken in?? Compared to my other one they seem it.
I’ve had him 6 months seems very happy eats well has his own big enclosure, I just worry about his eyes!!!

I read it can be a sign of dehydration. I do mist his food.

I do have a reptile vet I use here in the U.K. but I find the advice here the best place to start

 

[Andreotti10]

I should mention he never drinks water from his bowl he has a bath 3 times a week.

 

[TammyJ]

Looks like dehydration maybe. No. 1 killer of tortoises.

 

[Andreotti10]

Looks like dehydration maybe. No. 1 killer of tortoises.

Do you think so? He has none of the other signs of dehydration such as weight loss, flaky skin, dry faeces and eats loads. Just his eyes always look a bit watery to me
Maybe il give him a bath each day and must his food more see if it help
He loves cucumber but I try not to give too much really

 

[wellington]

I can't really say one way or the other. What exactly is his diet and temps?
Maybe soak him daily like you said for a few weeks and see if they improve.

 

[Andreotti10]

I can't really say one way or the other. What exactly is his diet and temps?
Maybe soak him daily like you said for a few weeks and see if they improve.

Hi, temps are around 34 under basking spot 26 cooler end. Uv lighting is good I have a solar meter so I’m confident with that.
I’m probably too cautious with the night temps and keep them around 25 as I’m always nervous of respiratory infections.
He has a big enclosure but he’s a tortoise that likes to bask around 4 hours a day much longer than my other so I worry he could be more dehydrated
He eats baby kale, loves that and dandelion
As his treat he goes mad when he sees cucumber which I don’t give much.
He doesn’t ever drink water!!! I’m going to increase his time in the bath.
Do they really get a lot of water in them from the bath??
Thank you

 

[wellington]

He needs a lot more in his diet then just kale and dandelions.
Day temp should range 75F to 80F and because he is not hibernating, the night temps should be no lower then 70F. In spring, summer and early fall the night temps can go into the 60's. Basking should be tween 95F-100F.
They do absorb water in a soak, I have no idea how much.

 

[Andreotti10]

He needs a lot more in his diet then just kale and dandelions.
Day temp should range 75F to 80F and because he is not hibernating, the night temps should be no lower then 70F. In spring, summer and early fall the night temps can go into the 60's. Basking should be tween 95F-100F.
They do absorb water in a soak, I have no idea how much.

Yes I agree I’ve started giving them this new product from Arcadia supposed to be what everyone is raving about. When I dissolve the tile it’s just like grass which they won’t eat on its own but I sprinkle it on the kale and they seem to eat it.

 

[wellington]

Need to add even more and less kale. Kale is a feed in moderation food.
Look up safe greens on this site below.

Search The Tortoise Table Database

Search the Tortoise Table Database

www.thetortoisetable.org.uk

 

[Andreotti10]

Need to add even more and less kale. Kale is a feed in moderation food.
Look up safe greens on this site below.

Search The Tortoise Table Database

Search the Tortoise Table Database

www.thetortoisetable.org.uk

Thank you i appreciate the advice. I will add more of the grass from tomorrow. They are stubborn it’s not always easy to get them to eat grassy things. Damp kale and dandelions are the favourite but I feel better knowing I am adding the 60 grasses from Arcadia.
But will continue to add more from tomorrow

 

[SinLA]

Can you get endive, escarole, or radicchio in your grocery stores there? Endive and radicchio are pretty easy to get here and my russian goes crazy for them

 

[Andreotti10]

Can you get endive, escarole, or radicchio in your grocery stores there? Endive and radicchio are pretty easy to get here and my russian goes crazy for them

Oh thank you I will look in to that

 

[wellington]

Thank you i appreciate the advice. I will add more of the grass from tomorrow. They are stubborn it’s not always easy to get them to eat grassy things. Damp kale and dandelions are the favourite but I feel better knowing I am adding the 60 grasses from Arcadia.
But will continue to add more from tomorrow

Russians are not big grass eaters. Adding more of the grass is not what I mean by adding more items. You should be able to have a list of many items you are feeding not just 2 or 3 items.

 

[Tom]

Oh thank you I will look in to that

Kale should only be offered once or twice a month. Its not a good staple.

You can find the correct diet info here:

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What type of water bowl are you using?

More helpful info here:

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