Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi there! I just rescued a Russian Tortoise and he is in fairly poor condition.I took him to see a veterinarian who thinks his problems are mostly diet related.The poor guy is dehydrated but he is drinking.I can't get him to eat anything.I bought every veggie reccomended at the store and have an order coming from carolina pet supply. My vet said she would give him 1 week to eat and then she will put in a feeding tube.I am very concerned about putting him under anesthesia so i was wondering if anyone had any suggestions about encouraging him to eat. I really appreciate any advice you can give. THANKS!!

Continue to hydrate.

Make sure he can bask at 90-100F for 12-14 hours a day.

Don't let the background temperatures drop below 70-75 if possible.

Offer brightly colored foods. Dandelion flowers, hibiscus flowers, carrots, and other brightly colored lettuces and "greens". Also put some calcium/d3 powder on the food. Sprinkle lightly. too much powder might discourage feeding.

Some tortoises really like the pelleted foods like RepCal, Pretty Pets or Mazuri. Soak a few pellets and offer them to the tortoise if he doesn't go for the natural foods.

Thanks for the advice. I'll try the pellet food. I'm following the care guidelines on russiantortise.org. He is pretty alert and active when i pick him up but in his cage he just burries himself and doesnt move at all.if i move him over to the food he gets really mad! Do you know anywhere i can buy dandellion plants? I live in connecticut and its winter so there are no weeds or flowers of any sort.I bought what i could from the store and i have seeds on order.Thanks again!

I would just go with endive, collards, etc from the store and use carrots, yellow squash and maybe some red, yellow or orange bell pepper to add color. Shred the colorful vegetables over the greens. And chop the greens to make them easier to eat and to release the aroma. A colorful pellet like the RepCal or Pretty Pets would also help. Plus they have a strong fruity smell.

I've never purchased any plants or seeds online. I use weeds from my yard during the spring and summer and grocery greens and pellets at other times.

You may also be fighting with the tortoise's natural urge to hibernate this time of year. If he is ill or has a heavy parasite load you'll need to keep him awake.

Hi again! Ive got good news!! I did what you said and he ate!! I'm so happy! Thank you so much for your time and advice.I appreciate it very much. Take care.

>>Hi again! Ive got good news!! I did what you said and he ate!! I'm so happy! Thank you so much for your time and advice.I appreciate it very much. Take care.

Just for the sake of my ego, could you tell me you did that made him eat?