Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I bought an 8 month old red foot about 2 weeks ago. I am feeding it mixed greens, squash, carrot, Mazuri, mango and papaya. It stays in it's hide box all day. When I get it out to eat, it eats everything. I soak it for about 10 minutes and then it returns to the hide box until I get it out the next day. It is alert and seems fine except it doesn't do anything all day. It never walks around the box (3'x 2'). I didn't think it would be very active but I thought it would move around a little. Does anyone else have a lazy tortoise?

At this point, I would be patient and allow the new tort to get comfortable in the new surroundings. Feel free to move the tort. to the food dish when you offer it, but leave it at that for the time being.

For the longer term, evaluate the enclosure. Quite often if an animal "over-utilizes" a particular area, it's because the rest of the enclosure is lacking something. With new animals, it is simply lacking the cover and security a hide box offers. Also consider things like humidity as it varies around the cage, light intensity (forest dwelling critters may not enjoy a constantly glaring heat bulb), and of course heat.

Of course, this activity does need to be classified as behavioral or lethargy. If the animal is not bright, alert, and responsive, or displaying other symptoms of illness, don't hesitate to book that vet appointment. With this suggestion, I'll recommend that you locate a herp vet prior to needing one.

Ian

Just get rid of the hide box. Use a heat light and it should bask under it and get used to your presence. They can be shy expecially if they are wild caught. I have had some that have taken 4-5 years to "come out of their shells". Sometimes having another one around will stimulate the other to be more active. As long as it eats and has normal stool just be patient and it should come around