Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I brought him home yesterday-and he has yet to eat. I'm worried-I gave him Romaine, Dandelions, and clover-he just pulled his head in and refused to discuss it further.

Should I worry? I'd like to know if he's sick, or just not used to his surroundings! He's an adult too-he was very active at the store, and his eyes are clear, and his shell is very nice and smooth.

I soaked him this morning, (He didn't seem to like it at all)and now he's crammed himself into a corner by the lamp.

Help!

>>I brought him home yesterday-and he has yet to eat. I'm worried-I gave him Romaine, Dandelions, and clover-he just pulled his head in and refused to discuss it further.
>>

Give him more time. In a short time he's been taken from the wild, shipped under possibly harsh conditions, and then transferred to your home. It may take awhile to adjust.

Soaking him is a good idea. Make sure the water is only an inch deep and lukewarm. They never seem happy about it, they are creatures from an arid environment, but it helps them rehydrate.

Make sure his environment is correct. If he is too hot or too cold, or too cramped, or his enclosure is too dark, he may not want to eat.

Check www.russiantortoise.net for details about keeping russians.

If he does not eat in a couple weeks, or shows signs of respiratory illness, or other health problems, you should take him a vet with reptile experience.

Best of luck.

>>Should I worry? I'd like to know if he's sick, or just not used to his surroundings! He's an adult too-he was very active at the store, and his eyes are clear, and his shell is very nice and smooth.
>>
>>I soaked him this morning, (He didn't seem to like it at all)and now he's crammed himself into a corner by the lamp.
>>
>>Help!