Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I got a new Hermann's hatchling last week--he was shipped Weds. and arrived Thurs. morning. He's small, but has good weight (5.3 cm. and 30 gr.). He was eating and active right out of the box that first day, but since then has been very lethargic and not eating. All he wants to do is sleep under his basking light. He perks up a little when he's soaked, but not a whole lot. I'm concerned that he might have been injured in some way from shipping, although he was packed well (including heat pack). There was poop and pee in his shipping cup, so I know his insides were working when he was shipped, anyway. I'm going to try to get a vet appt. tomorrow, but wanted to know what you all think.
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Sohni
Northern California

0.1 Baja de L.A. Rosy Boa
0.1 Okeetee Corn Snake
1.1 Rubber Boas
1.0 Leopard Gecko
0.0.1 Hermann's Tortoise
plus my kids' herps:
0.0.1 California King Snake
1.0 Mexican Rosy Boa
0.1 Leopard Gecko

Probably stress related due to shipping and a new enviroment.
Leave the animal alone as much as possible and let it explore the new surroundings when its' ready. Continue to offer food and soaking on a regular basis but other than that do not disturb it by picking it up or constantly checking on it(I know it's hard not to!).
I would still follow through with the trip to the Vet since it never hurts to have a new animal checked out.
Best of luck!
Jackie

Someone else told me the same thing, so I'm hopeful that's all it is. Do you think I should go ahead and schedule a vet visit right away, or wait a week or so until he/she is more settled?
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Sohni
Northern California

0.1 Baja de L.A. Rosy Boa
0.1 Okeetee Corn Snake
1.1 Rubber Boas
1.0 Leopard Gecko
0.0.1 Hermann's Tortoise
plus my kids' herps:
0.0.1 California King Snake
1.0 Mexican Rosy Boa
0.1 Leopard Gecko

That is a tough question to answer.
Personally I would wait a few days to see if the tortoise becomes more active provided there are no visible signs of illness(nasal discharge, mouth breathing etc.). If in a few days you do not notice an improvement in appetite and activity(many hatchlings have a tendency to try and hide for a large part of the day) then take it to the vet.
Keep in mind that because of their small size hatchlings can crash rather quickly. If you have a strong suspicion that something is wrong then I would suggest playing it safe.
Good Luck

OK, I'll wait a few days more then. I don't see any obvious signs of illness--no discharge, bubbling, or gasping--and the feces that were in his shipping container were well-formed. His shell is firm, he smells fine, and his breathing sounds OK when I hold him next to my ear.

Thanks so much for your response.
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Sohni
Northern California

0.1 Baja de L.A. Rosy Boa
0.1 Okeetee Corn Snake
1.1 Rubber Boas
1.0 Leopard Gecko
0.0.1 Hermann's Tortoise
plus my kids' herps:
0.0.1 California King Snake
1.0 Mexican Rosy Boa
0.1 Leopard Gecko

No problem Sohni!
I am actually going through a similar situation myself.
My first Burmese Star hatched the other day and I am finding it VERY difficult leaving it alone. Other than the initial pictures and checking the yolk sac once a day I do not disturb it.
Please give us an update in a few days.
Jackie

I knew you were going to fit that in somewhere...show off.
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Ed
Tortoise_Keepers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

I couldn't help it Ed. I am about to explode with excitement LOL!

np
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Sohni
Northern California

0.1 Baja de L.A. Rosy Boa
0.1 Okeetee Corn Snake
1.1 Rubber Boas
1.0 Leopard Gecko
0.0.1 Hermann's Tortoise
plus my kids' herps:
0.0.1 California King Snake
1.0 Mexican Rosy Boa
0.1 Leopard Gecko

Just my opinion, but I think any new pet should get a check up by a veterinarian especially if smething seems strange. I find it odd that he ate well the first day or so and them started acting more lethargic and showing a decrease in appetite.

Congratulations on our new pet!
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Stacey

Btw, this is 'normal' behavior for a freshly shipped tortoise. Check to make sure there is not a runny nose, make sure it is warm and well hydrated and leave the little guy alone. Jack's advice is on the money.
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Ed
Tortoise_Keepers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

So it is normal to be active and eating the first day, then lethargic/not eating for a few days after that? That behavior is what has me worried. I'm willing to take him in to the vet, but I don't want to stress him any more than necessary right now.
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Sohni
Northern California

0.1 Baja de L.A. Rosy Boa
0.1 Okeetee Corn Snake
1.1 Rubber Boas
1.0 Leopard Gecko
0.0.1 Hermann's Tortoise
plus my kids' herps:
0.0.1 California King Snake
1.0 Mexican Rosy Boa
0.1 Leopard Gecko

Sometimes that is the case. Most of these guys do not like change.
Again, make sure the temps are good and it is provided with areas of security.
Also, I remember you are in Northern CA. It has been way colder than usual.
When you soak it is it active... It should be no matter what. Look for other signs. If all else fails, take it to the vet or find another tortoise keeper in your area to take a look to see if a vet visit is warranted.
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Ed
Tortoise_Keepers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

Temps are good; I increased them slightly. He is active when soaked. I'll see if he improves by tomorrow, and if not, I'll take him in.

Thanks for your help, Ed.
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Sohni
Northern California

0.1 Baja de L.A. Rosy Boa
0.1 Okeetee Corn Snake
1.1 Rubber Boas
1.0 Leopard Gecko
0.0.1 Hermann's Tortoise
plus my kids' herps:
0.0.1 California King Snake
1.0 Mexican Rosy Boa
0.1 Leopard Gecko

Are the fecals solid and well formed? If that is the case I wouldn't give it much worry just yet unless you have the spare change for a vet.
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Ed
Tortoise_Keepers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

He is active, and ate a little prickly pear and maybe some greens, too. So if he continues to improve, I'll wait a couple weeks before I bring him in to the vet for a check.

P.S. Ed, his feces look and smell normal (OK, I admit I smelled them!).

Thanks to all for your advice and reassurance.
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Sohni
Northern California

0.1 Baja de L.A. Rosy Boa
0.1 Okeetee Corn Snake
1.1 Rubber Boas
1.0 Leopard Gecko
0.0.1 Hermann's Tortoise
plus my kids' herps:
0.0.1 California King Snake
1.0 Mexican Rosy Boa
0.1 Leopard Gecko

Glad to hear he's feeling better . I'd love to see pics!
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Stacey