Reptile & Amphibian Forums

The power strip where all of Ndugu's heat emitters and lights are plugged in went out last night. We realized it at 10 this morning. Ndugu is alive (thankfully), but very cold--his tank thermometers were down to 60 degrees. I have him wrapped in a towel right now and I placed him under one of the heat lamps (we immediately grabbed a new power strip and switched it with the faulty one).

I'm worried about the long-term issues that could come up. Ndugu just got over a big respiratory infection about a month ago, and I don't want it to come back. I also don't want him to suffer or stress too much from this. He looks miserable, but he is alert. Any ideas about how to help him out today and prevent this from impacting his health in the long run? Please help!

Thanks--we feel incredibly awful.

What kind of tortoise?

These guys are unbelievably tough as a rule. I've/shippers have lost tortoises in the winter for days with no ill results.

60F is not bad at all. Just look for a runny nose. If that does not show up you are home free. Actually, if it has not shown up by now you are home free as long as you get it back to where it was.

Cool they can handle regardless of the species. Cool and damp is where you usually run into problems.
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Ed
Tortoise_Keepers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

Redfoot, so he was also somewhat damp. He does seem okay, though, so I'll just monitor him for awhile...thanks, EJ!

If it is a Cherryhead don't worry about it. If it is the other kind (you choose) watch it closely. I've had the worse luck with the other kind but that was a long time ago in the NE.

If something was going to show up it would have by now. Also, sudden chill seems to be the most damaging. If the power went out and it had good hides, it probably did not get hit with a sudden chill.

Good luck.
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Ed
Tortoise_Keepers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

He's sneezing today and a little bit wheezy, so we're off to our vet tomorrow. Appetite and activity level are both okay--hopefully, if it's anything, we caught it in time.