HI
I have had a pair of Spekii hinges for over 2 weeks.The female I have seen eat a couple of times(she ate grapes and mushroom) but I have to be very well hidden -they seem to have excellent hearing, sight!
She has defecated in soak waters and will move probably only once a day-very quiet and hides 99% time.
The male I have not seen him eat at all yet. He is more lethargic still and is often in the same place for 23 hrs or so.His eyes will be closed mostly.
Even when I pick him up his eyes are very slow to open, unlike female who retreats in shell very fast!
I have temperature gradients, quiet room, I mist and water mulch daily.They have multiple hides at different temps, 2 large water pans and food offered once a day and left until following day.
I have soaked the male more because I worry more about his health.
His weight is 572g female is 410g and a little smaller in size.
I am at the point where I feel I possibly need to intervene with the male and perhaps stomach tube some food.I also wonder about treating for parasites.I can only assume they are WC.
The tortoise trust article
http://www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/kinixys.html
Suggests lots of worming whereas other folks say leave them alone.
How long can this go on before I could perhaps lose him to lack of food etc?
If there are parasites causing the problems, then isn't leaving them alone lessening their chances of survival?
I have the belliana boys too so not totally inexperienced with hinges.
Any input appreciated as I am worrying over them and don't want to lose them.They are extremely rare here.
I have on hand'
treatment for Flagellates
Fenbendazole wormer paste(safe guard)
critical care formula for tubing.
I am happy to mix up a feed too for tubing with all the added nutrients.
I have a product here too called rapid rehab I think.It was bought for alpacas but I know some of these type of products can help
Thanks
I have had a pair of Spekii hinges for over 2 weeks.The female I have seen eat a couple of times(she ate grapes and mushroom) but I have to be very well hidden -they seem to have excellent hearing, sight!
She has defecated in soak waters and will move probably only once a day-very quiet and hides 99% time.
The male I have not seen him eat at all yet. He is more lethargic still and is often in the same place for 23 hrs or so.His eyes will be closed mostly.
Even when I pick him up his eyes are very slow to open, unlike female who retreats in shell very fast!
I have temperature gradients, quiet room, I mist and water mulch daily.They have multiple hides at different temps, 2 large water pans and food offered once a day and left until following day.
I have soaked the male more because I worry more about his health.
His weight is 572g female is 410g and a little smaller in size.
I am at the point where I feel I possibly need to intervene with the male and perhaps stomach tube some food.I also wonder about treating for parasites.I can only assume they are WC.
The tortoise trust article
http://www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/kinixys.html
Suggests lots of worming whereas other folks say leave them alone.
How long can this go on before I could perhaps lose him to lack of food etc?
If there are parasites causing the problems, then isn't leaving them alone lessening their chances of survival?
I have the belliana boys too so not totally inexperienced with hinges.
Any input appreciated as I am worrying over them and don't want to lose them.They are extremely rare here.
I have on hand'
treatment for Flagellates
Fenbendazole wormer paste(safe guard)
critical care formula for tubing.
I am happy to mix up a feed too for tubing with all the added nutrients.
I have a product here too called rapid rehab I think.It was bought for alpacas but I know some of these type of products can help
Thanks