Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My little Herman's hatchling has become completely unresponsive this evening. Earlier this evening she would open her mouth and hold it open when I touched her leg. Now, however, even when I pull on her legs, rub her head or pick her up......nothing. I am fearing for the worst. I posted a couple days ago about how she had just stopped eating. She is not moving or walking or anything. What can I do for her tonight? I have increased her heat & humidity. She is my first little tortoise and I love her so much I really want to hear some encouragement from some of you. If she survives until morning I am taking her to the Vet. But what can I do now? Please help me. Thank you.

What has she been like since you posted about her not eating? What changes have you noticed in her since you posted--eating/not eating, activity level, etc. Not eating for a day or two is not alarming, but combined with a sudden drop in activity level for no apparent reason is worrisome. Have you tried soaking her in very shallow water to see if you can get a response?

I lost a Hermann's hatchling in January, most likely simply due to natural causes. Sometimes he would eat and be active, sometimes he would stop eating and be very lethargic. Fecal checks were clear, light and heat all OK. People have told me since that sometimes hatchlings just don't make it, just as they don't all make it in the wild. Since yours has been doing well and gaining weight, I hope it's one of the ones that makes it, but I would certainly take her in to the vet ASAP. Good luck and let us know what happens.
-----
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
0.0.1 Marginated Tortoise
plus my kids' herps:
0.1 California King Snake
1.0 Mexican Rosy Boa
0.1 Leopard Gecko

She took a couple bites of food this morning. She was walking this morning. I soaked her just now and it brings about NO MOVEMENT AT ALL. How can I tell if she has passed away? Gentle tugging at her legs gets no response but her eyes are open.

Do you get a response if you gently touch her eyes? It can be very difficult to tell if a tortoise has passed away, but if she did not react to soaking, that's a bad sign. I'm so sorry.
-----
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
0.0.1 Marginated Tortoise
plus my kids' herps:
0.1 California King Snake
1.0 Mexican Rosy Boa
0.1 Leopard Gecko