Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I recently bought a very young leopard tortoise. He eats very little, and for the most part he just sleeps all day. He doesn't have a runny nose, and he's not making any sounds when he breaths. I have a heating pad under the tank, and also a heat lamp and a uvb/uva lamp for him. Yesterday he had some feces stuck on his tail, and i washed it off with a warm towel. If anyone has any info on these types of tortoises, or a good vet in the north shore MA area that i could take him............

thanks
jessica

You listed 2 or 3 heat sources.

What is the temperature? Check it with an accurate thermometer.

I've noticed when my leopards get too warm they get sluggish and they defecate a lot. There is no need for the enclosure to be hot in all places at all times. If the heat lamp will provide an adequate basking area, then there is no need for undertank heating, unless it gets too cool at night.

I'd keep the basking area temps at no higher than 100, and allow the rest of the enclosure to be at about 75-80. At night my leopards can tolerate temps in the 60s. They are always indoors and have a dry enclosure. They also like to have something to hide under at night.

Good luck.

I have also read several places that this can happen if the tort is dehydrated! Try soaking him in a shallow warm water bath for 10-15 minutes, might have to do this twice a day till he gets feeling better... good luck!!!