Why is my Russian tortoise not eating anything?
Not open for further replies. My Russian Tortoise hasn’t eaten in a few days. He doesn’t usually have this problem, though he is a very pickey eater. Many times if there is romaine mixed in his meal he only eats that. Lately I’ve been trying lots of different lettuces and taking him outside more often since its getting warmer.
How long can a tortoise go without eating?
When it comes to how long a tortoise can go without eating there is a broad range of time, based on several factors. The short and quick answer is that a tortoise can go anywhere from 6 months to 3 years without eating. Like I said, a broad range.
What should I do if my tortoise won’t drink?
Some tortoises will drink if placed in a shallow dish with the water level approximating chin height. Other animals may refuse, or be in such a weakened condition that they are unable to respond.
Why is my hinge back tortoise not eating?
Most of the comments applied to Hinge-back tortoises apply equally to box turtles, with environmental failures pre-eminent among the causes of ill- health and refusal to feed.
What are the dietary habits of a Russian tortoise?
Russian Tortoises are vigorous eaters and will eat continuously in the months leading up to summer to prepare for hibernation. In the wild they are herbivores and eat grass, leafy vegetables, weeds, and flowers. So in captivity they should be fed a diet mainly consisting of greens: Collards (type of cabbage)
How offten should my Russian tortoise eat?
Sulcata tortoises need to eat every day, they require space to graze on for about 20 minutes per day. It is important for the bulk of the Russian tortoise’s diet to consist of dark leafy greens. These greens include Romain lettuce, kale and carrot tops.
What foods a tortoise can and cannot eat?
Tortoise Food List – What They Can and Can’t Eat Legumes and grains. All legumes and grains are prohibited food for turtles such as beans, corn, rice, pea pods, lentils, chickpeas and others. Vegetables. Despite the necessities of feeding vegetables to your tortoise, there are some which you will need to avoid altogether. Fruit. Mushrooms. Sugar. Dog food and cat food. Animal products.
How often should I Feed my Russian tortoise?
Things to remember when feeding your Russian tortoise: Fresh, clean, chlorine free water should be available at all times. Feed tortoises daily; finely chop vegetables. Sprinkle food with calcium supplement once or twice a week once tortoise is 6 months of age. Discard food not eaten within 24 hours.
What kind of radicchio does a Russian tortoise eat?
Radicchio in the spring mix is red and torts usually love it. Speedy_Tortoise said: My Russian Tortoise hasn’t eaten in a few days. He doesn’t usually have this problem, though he is a very pickey eater. Many times if there is romaine mixed in his meal he only eats that.
What causes a Russian tortoise to lose its shell?
You’ll notice undigested food in the poo. This is typically caused by an antibiotic. Calcium is very important, and if your Russian tortoise doesn’t absorb enough, a deficiency can cause growth problems in the shell and bones. You may notice an abnormal appearance in the shell and legs.
How long does it take for a Russian tortoise to hatch?
Hatchling Care: It can take up to 2 days for a hatchling to break out of an egg. They are oriented “sideways ” in the egg and appear “folded” when they hatch. Many have visible yolk sacks and should be kept in the incubator until the yolk sack absorbs. It can take 2 weeks or longer before they start eating.
Not open for further replies. My Russian Tortoise hasn’t eaten in a few days. He doesn’t usually have this problem, though he is a very pickey eater. Many times if there is romaine mixed in his meal he only eats that. Lately I’ve been trying lots of different lettuces and taking him outside more often since its getting warmer.
What kind of diet does a Russian tortoise need?
Metabolic bone disease is another health concern that can arise your tortoises don’t get a proper diet or enough exposure to specific light waves. Calcium, phosphorous, and vitamin D are required by a number of different body systems for normal everyday function and are especially important to bone and shell strength.
Baby Russian Tortoises As hatchlings this species measures just one inch in length. Russian Tortoises lay eggs that eventually hatch into a baby tortoise after 60 to 75 days. These hatchlings are born just an inch in size and will grow very slowly over the course of their lifetime.
How often should a Russian tortoise be cleaned?
Cleaning their enclosure is vital for their health. Their water should be changed twice a day, as they tend to defecate while soaking. Their substrate should be changed weekly, and the entire enclosure should be scrubbed with soap and water on a monthly basis. If housed outside, it is important to regularly remove logs and rocks and scrub them.
My russian tortoise has been refusing food recently and I can’t figure out why. She’s 2 yo (turning 3) and is being kept in an open wooden enclosure. She’s being kept inside all year round, as the outside temperatures are too low even during the summer. I’m thinking she may be hibernating, but she’s still active. She likes to dig and explore.
It’s best to feed your tortoise however much he will eat in a 20 minute period and then remove anything uneaten. You want to provide fresh foods every day. You will want to provide a wide variety of foods, as well.
What’s the best place to keep a Russian tortoise?
Russian Tortoises prefer to be outside and like large outdoor pens (at least 4′ x 3′). If you prefer to keep the tortoise inside, you’ll want to make sure that the tank or tub is large. Tortoises like to explore.
When do tortoises start to eat again after hibernation?
While you do want your tortoise to eat as soon as possible after a hibernation don’t be surprised if they don’t show interest in food for two or three days. Ensure that your tortoise has access to plenty of water when they first wakes from his hibernation. Once they are fully hydrated, they should show interest in food again.
How often do you need to soak a tortoise?
If you must use store bought greens rotate through endive, escarole and chicory as staples and use the spring mix and lots of others for variety from time to time. Do you ever soak the tortoise? 3-4 times a week would be helpful in this case. Your substrate looks too dry. It should be lightly damp, but not wet.
What to do if your Russian tortoise has diarrhea?
Certainly, if your Russian Tortoise is lethargic, has diarrhea or is not eating, has discharge from its eyes or nose, or has difficulty breathing, it should be examined immediately. Reptiles get sick slowly and get better slowly, so the key to good reptile health is preventive care to avert disease and rapid intervention when illness does occur.
How long does a Russian tortoise live for?
Like with more land tortoises, they tend to live up to 100 years, so before you get a Russian tortoise, make sure that you’re prepared for a life-long commitment. These guys aren’t something that when you’re tired of caring for them, you can just throw out; these guys will more than likely live longer than you.
What should I do if my Russian tortoise wont shrink?
For minor treatment at home, you’ll need to soak the tortoise in a saline solution or lukewarm sugar water. Do not push the tissues back in place, but if they don’t shrink, you’ll need to make an appointment as soon as possible.
What’s the best way to feed a Russian tortoise?
Things to remember when feeding your Russian tortoise: Fresh, clean, chlorine free water should be available at all times. Daily soaks for 20 minutes in luke warm shallow water are recommended for all baby tortoises and tortoise under 18 months of age.
