Reptile & Amphibian Forums

A baby pancake was shipped to me yesterday and when I opened the package the tortoise was eating the paper towel that was in the container with it. Today the tortoise vomited and had mucus coming from its nostrils. If the problem is the paper towel will it become inpacted? I have soaked it and have been keeping it outside inthe heat but it is very sluggish. It is not at all active like yesterday.

I have a few pancakes that were born this year. They are great torts, lots of personality.

They have never eaten paper but I have had larger tortoises eat the paper plates I feed them on without causing any problems. I don't know for sure but if it wasn't a lot of paper towel than it should be OK. Getting him stable after being shipped would be of higher concern in my mind. Putting a new arrival outside in the heat like you mentioned might not be the best thing until you have gotten him stable and eating in a controlled environment.

In case your not super familiar with this species I'll mention a few things.
- Make sure to provide lots of hiding places to make it feel comfortable. They like to hide under rocks. Some people pile up a lot of rocks to create nice setups. I pile up natural cork bark, (looks like thick bark). The cork bark won't hurt them if it falls, and it provides good traction for climbing. Providing multiple layers of paper to climb under can provide the same effect.
- Soak every couple days for 10-15min in a half inch or less of baby warm water. Supervise while soaking.
- These guys like it dry and only moderately hot. I'd say around 50% humidity and 80 degrees F with a warmer spot, (90-100F), for basking.
- Feed at least 90% greens, grass, weeds, romaine, endive, ect.

I'm sorry I didn't fully answer your question about paper impaction but I hope this helps.

Good luck,

John