Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, I just got a 2 year old red foot tortoise about at week ago. We got her checked out and they said she was healthy. She was eating for the first couple days and now she's barely eating anything, almost literally stopped eating. This is the fourth day now. I mean she'll eat one bite or something a day but not enough. Why would she eat and then stop? She has a large enclosure and seems to enjoy it. I don't think she's stressed. I'm also feeding her a wide variety of fruits and veggies. Should i be worrying? What should i do? you can reply on the forum or email me at hurleygurley85@hotmail.com...any replies are very appreciated!

There are a few things I would just make sure she has.......

-Some hiding spots
-access to water for drinking or saoking
-food available
-a shaded area and a sunny area
-and leave her alone for a few days

I personally have found that tortoises will sometimes need quite a bit of time to get used to their surroundings. They'll eat right off the bat because they are hungry and don't fully inspect their surroudings, then will start cruisin' around and stop feeding awhile. Just be patient and soak her a couple times a week to make sure she's well hydrated.

Barry

thanks for replying...that makes me feel a bit better. and yah she does have all of those things...but sometimes i come down andshe's trying to get out of her enclosure. So I dn't know if leaving her without coming out for a few dayswould be good or bad.

My first tort did the something similiar. We tried leaving him alone as much as possible...only handling him for his soakings. We did this for about a week and he started doing much better. I also started bringing him special treats and fed him by hand so now if he sees my hand in his pen he comes running over to see if I have anything for him. Some torts take longer to get used to there new area. Good luck.
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Becki

1 Husband
4 kids
2 Hermans
1 Dog
2 Finches
1 Betta

Thanks I'll definately try this. Maybe she does just want to be left alone. Usually she is, but who knows. She also seems to really enjoy going outside for a little excersise. Maybe i'll just leave her alone unless I'm going to soak her or excersise her! Thanks!