Tortoise Weights

[Joanne]

Hi guys,

I have a Hermann tortoise, about 18 month old.

I got him on Saturday and he weighed 197g. Sunday he weighed 189g, but he had a poo. Monday 187g, today 184g.

He is eating lots. I am soaking him every couple of days.

Why is he losing weight? He is running around his enclosure a lot...

Any advice welcome. Thanks!

 

[WillTort2]

Probably stress from being handled and being in a new place. Keep feeding a healthy choice of weeds and veggys. And let the tort have some down time to be alone and check out his new place.

Weigh maybe one time a week and always the same time of day. I usually weigh twice a month and try to do it after a soak.

Good luck.

 

[Minority1]

Weight them weekly and keep a log if you want to track their progress. Will is correct, it's usually better weighting them after their soakings so the tortoises can finish their businesses before getting weighed.

 

[Joanne]

cool. I'll keep handling to a minimum then. How long should I soak for? I've been doing 5 mins. I put warm water in there, just scared of it being too warm though!

 

[Minority1]

10-15 minutes. Some prefer longer.

Make sure the water stays warm.

 

[Joanne]

he wasn't soaked before, so he's not used to it yet. I'll keep adding minutes each time

Thanks all!