How do I know if my tortoise is OK?
Contact your specialist reptile vet if your tortoise displays any of the signs or symptoms below:
- Respiratory problems.
- Vomiting or weight loss.
- Drooping head or limbs.
- Gaping mouth.
- Not eating after hibernation.
- Lethargy and weakness.
- Lumps or swelling.
- Runny eyes or nose.
How often should you bathe a baby tortoise?
How often should I bath my tortoise? Young tortoises (under 1 year) must be bathed daily. However, there is no harm in continuing this practice into adulthood, especially during extreme weather, overwintering, heatwaves, etc.
What happens if a baby tortoise gets too cold?
The tortoise needs a temperature of around 38 to 48 degrees Fahrenheit to make it through hibernation. If they go below 38 degrees for any appreciable length of time – they can freeze to death. Even if they don’t die, these temperatures may leave them blind or cause tissue damage which is permanent. It may drown.
Why does my tortoise not move its back legs?
Malfunctioning back legs can be indicative of a number of possible ailments: Constipation – if the tortoise is struggling to pass droppings it can put pressure on his insides leading the impeded movement of the back legs.
What should I do if my baby tortoise won’t eat?
Community Answer. Put the food between your fingers and keep it near your tortoise. You may have to be patient, but the tortoise will smell the food and come to take a bite. If your tortoise still refuses to eat or drink, you should consult a veterinarian.
Is it OK to have two tortoises at a time?
You should never force two (or more) tortoises to interact or spend time in close proximity. If they feel like being social, they’ll do so on their own. Forcing tortoises to interact is a recipe for disaster. Even friendly, social tortoises can be egged into aggression by well-meaning humans forcing them to be near one another.
What kind of noises do tortoises make when they are eating?
Tortoises may make a deep panting noise accompanied by a hiss, when they’re about to take food into their mouths. They’ll also stand over the food, and move their forelimbs slightly. The tortoise will then take small bites of the food in order to taste it, and then begin eating.
Why do people buy baby turtles and tortoises?
Many people purchase baby turtles or tortoises because of how cute they are, not knowing that these animals have more to them that meets the eye. Here are four things most people don’t know about turtles and tortoises:
Why is my tortoise not opening its eyes?
A tortoise that won’t open its eyes usually isn’t doing so because it doesn’t want to, rather because it can’t, and worse still it can be a sign of eye infection or vitamin A deficiency, both of which are fairly nasty and will most likely require veterinary attention to resolve.
Community Answer. Put the food between your fingers and keep it near your tortoise. You may have to be patient, but the tortoise will smell the food and come to take a bite. If your tortoise still refuses to eat or drink, you should consult a veterinarian.
Are there any reasons not to buy a pet tortoise?
A medium-sized tortoise such as a South American Yellow or a Red Foot requires serious square footage. It can be expensive to provide that in tank form, but don’t think this means they can freely roam your house. Read the next reason to find out why! 2. You Can’t Maintain the Correct Temperature Consistently
