Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a 5 month old hatchling and it hasn't eaten a single bit for two whole months. I've tried everything but it can't be coaxed to eat. I thoght about force feeding but it sinks deep into its shell and I can't do anything. HELP ME Please. If you can keep it alive, I will be willing to sell for only 80. shipped (Sacrifice) if you can promise that the poor animal wont die. Thanks, Rocky

I know from experience of Leopard tortoises not eating. In my experience, I have bought a a appetite stimulant called "jump start" made by ESU Reptiles. I Put it on my leopard tortoises lips and put him in warm water, so he would drink the medicine. I did that once a day. Also for his food i changed from veggies, to Mazuri Tortoise diet, mixed with the "jump start" and then I add Jurassi-fruit strawberry scent (also a appetite stimulator). Now my baby leopard tortoise is doing great. I can't say that is guarenteed to work, but it gives him every vitamin he needs.

My Leopard tortoise is a year old (named Buster), and still is about 1 inch long. His shell on his belly was sunken in, and his eyes were always closed, now his shell on his belly is smooth, his eyes are always open,and he is more active. Also now he is growing like a weed.

Don't try to sell him if he isn't eating. He will get worse with the travel. If you still have him and this helps that is great, and I am glad I am able to help.

If or when he is better and if you want to sell him, please let me know. I know a lot about Leopard tortoises and their care.

I hope I have helped you out a lot.

Peter Gagliardo

P.S. If you can find the mazuri diets I will sell you some of mine. Most dried tortoise diets will do though.

Thanks so much for the insight on getting this poor creature to eat. Maybe we can avoid the enevitable with a little coaxing from some scent. I'll let you know if she pulls through.
Bless you, Peter