Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Help!!! how can I get it to take in some nutrition?
This damn thing is going to die on me. I've offered evrything, chopped up fine so as to at least get something in it but to no avail. thanks for helping, Rock

First, if it really hasn't eaten in two months, it's probably time to take it to a veterinarian who knows tortoises. If it is producing any feces, take in a sample. The vet will test the feces for parasites. If the tortoise has a runny nose, or is producing mucus, or sounds like it is struggling to breath, get it to the vet fast! Don't be confused by the hissing and squeaking noises a tortoise sometimes makes when it pulls its head into its shell - a respiratory problem will be noticeable during regular breathing.

Second, it may not be eating because something about its environment is not right. Read this general caresheet and compare it to your setup.

www.chelonia.org/Articles/pardaliscare.htm

Don't worry about the size of your current enclosure for the moment, just make sure you have the right temperatures, adequate hydration, and the proper foods.

For now, don't let the tortoise get any cooler than 80F at night. During the day make sure it has a basking area of 90-100F. Check this with a thermometer, don't guess! And soak the tortoise once a day in lukewarm water that just covers the bottom of the shell. It may be dehydrated and this could really help. Soak it for about 15 minutes every day for now. Once it is eating again, you could cut back to once or twice a week. Also make sure it has a shallow water bowl (use a small jar lid for now) with fresh water every day.

For food, tempt it with bright leafy greens like endive, dandelion greens, mustard greens etc. No spinach for now. Also finely chopped carrot or squash for some added color to stimulate the appetite.

Let us know how it turns out.

Good luck!