Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello, I have two hatchlings and one of them can't open his left eye. Does anyone know if this is a common problem? I am trying to get him into a vet but if it is a simple problem and he is not in danger I would like to help him ASAP. It doesn't look runny or puffy or anything just won't open.

It is hard to picture what is wrong by a description - Remember a picture is worth a million words.

Try soaking him/her in warm water twice a day for 10 minutes and see if that helps. Has the Tortoise ever opened his/her eye?

Yes both of them were fine when we got them, they have both opened their eyes and are active and we do make sure to soak them. The guy at the reptile store by us said it is probably too cold in the tank since we just got a much bigger tank but didn't get a stronger heat lamp. We just got a hotter lamp and also started giving them calcium with their food and he is opening it part of the way. I would put a picture up but can't right now, but his eyes look absolutely fine he just will only open the one eye and I know he doesn't normally walk around one eyed.

My Yellow foots tend to close their eyes - or not open them when

* I do not soak them enough
* When their box gets too cold
* When I do not give them enough Vitamin A

I once used saline drops and some Tortoise drops and they worked very well. After that I have never really had an issue of them keeping their eyes closed (I think they have become older and not impacted with the cold as much).

Good luck in making things better for your little guy.

If it is too cold it will not eat as well as keep its eyes closed.