What is the best thing to feed a desert tortoise?
It is best to offer mulberry and grape leaves, clover, alfalfa, dichondra, filaree, spurge, rose petals, petunias, verbena, and native plants such as globe mallow. Hatchlings eat frequently and must have food provided to them several times a day.
How big is a full grown Egyptian tortoise?
Pet Tortoise Sizes and Weights Tortoise Type Size Weight Egyptian Tortoises 4 – 5 inches 105 – 400 grams Spider Tortoise 5 – 7 inches 200 – 400 grams Greek Tortoise 6 – 7 inches 2 – 3 pounds Russian Tortoise 8 – 10 inches 3 pounds
Why does my tortoise have an eye problem?
A bit of detective work and common-sense will soon sort out whether the eye problem that your tortoise or turtle is suffering from is because of an infection or an injury. To begin with, it is unlikely to be an infection if it is only on one side.
What are the symptoms of an injured tortoise?
– Whistling, noisy breathing: RI , partial obstruction . Mild noises may go away after a soak or washing. Some tortoises whistle normally and most whistle when they withdraw their heads quickly. – Does not open eyes, but not swollen: UVB overexposure, injury. – Swollen eyelids: Bacterial infection.
Can a tortoise be weighed on a walk on scale?
The difference between the two weights is the weight of the tortoise. If a vet visit is required the tortoise may be weighed on the larger walk-on scales at the practice. Don’t forget to take a note of the recorded weight and enter the date and weight on your log when you get home.
What does it mean when a tortoise has sunken eyes?
Sunken eyes indicate dehydration, while swollen body tissues and pasty or liquid feces indicate malnutrition or infection. Alternatively, a tortoise that seems too heavy may have large bladder stones, a condition which needs to be treated by a veterinarian.
How can you tell when a tortoise is dead?
The eyes are often one of the clearest indicators of a tortoise dying. A dead tortoise tends to exhibit sunken eyes with no sign of life and dullness to them. The third eyelid may also be more visible.
What should I do if my tortoise is losing weight?
Once a tortoise reaches maturity weight monitoring is less critical, but it is nonetheless still important to keep a casual eye on it to ensure the tortoise is eating properly and not suffering from any other health conditions. Unexplained weight loss can be a sign of underlying health issues that may warrant veterinary attention.
– Whistling, noisy breathing: RI , partial obstruction . Mild noises may go away after a soak or washing. Some tortoises whistle normally and most whistle when they withdraw their heads quickly. – Does not open eyes, but not swollen: UVB overexposure, injury. – Swollen eyelids: Bacterial infection.
