Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey all,

I've just noticed that both my redfoot juvenile have watery eyes. They don't seem to have a runny nose. They can open their eyes easily, and do not seem to close them unless they are asleep in their hide. They will not sleep anywhere else apart from their hide. Should i worry about this? Is there any symptons to look out for to make sure it's not a respiratory disease

Thanks in advance
Chun

Chun,
This occurs with many torts but very commonly with redfoots (tropical torts) when the humidity is too low in their enclosure. Give them a soak and try to increase the humidity by utilizing substrates like cypress mulch, bed-a-beast or eucalyptus mulch that safely retain water. You can spritz the enclosure every day or other day or provide a humid hide box that is higher in humidity given the torts a choice (gradient) of where they want to go, much like temperatures.

That will rectify the watery eyes.

Paul

thanks alot!! WIll rectify the problem right now. Again, many thanks.

Some might see this point as argumentative and it is not intended to be as such. It is an observation.

The watery eyes does seem to be normal with RFs when the humidity is low. Does that mean low humidity is bad? I don't think so.

It seems that most people believe that redfoots come from a moist environment. This can't be further from the truth. Every first hand account I have on record shows me that they come from pretty dry areas.

Keeping them moist does seem to have it's benefits but keep in mind that it is definately not a necessity.

I mention this because it is a great deal of trouble to keep the entire environment moist.

A good alternative is to keep the hide/sleeping area warm and moist. Be careful to make sure it is warm.

As to the watery eyes, as long as the animals are well hydrated and they don't appear stressed, I'd say that is a normal way of them coping with a normal condition.
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Ed
Tortoise_Keepers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

My Redfoots live in 80-90% humidity..

Tell me..are these watery eyes??

You gotta love 'em!

Terry

...looks like HOME SICK to me

yep, mine have watery eyes like those. Nice tortoise

Chun "watery eyes" sounds like O.K., doesn't it?

Mine are out running around whenever it rains.

Email me direct for more pics.

You gotta love 'em!

Terry