I just got the tortoise at a reptile show. Is it normal for him to be keeping his head in his shell? The only time his head would come out is if I lift him up. Please help!
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Russian tortoise help!
confusedme
Nov 26, 2006 08:14 PM
Replies (3)
bradtort
Nov 27, 2006 06:28 AM
>>I just got the tortoise at a reptile show. Is it normal for him to be keeping his head in his shell? The only time his head would come out is if I lift him up. Please help!
Give it a few days. Make sure it has a good setup (see www.russiantortoise.net for info) and leave it alone. The change in environment is stressful. Leave a little food in the enclosure, and clean up any waste, but otherwise leave him alone. After 5-7 days, pick him up briefly, give him a soak, etc. If this is a wild-caught animal, it may take awhile before it feels comfortable.
Good luck!
confusedme
Nov 28, 2006 10:09 PM
Thanks for the reply. He seemed to have some eye discharge. I read that it's bad but what does it mean? Should I bring him to a vet?
bradtort
Nov 29, 2006 10:10 AM
>>Thanks for the reply. He seemed to have some eye discharge. I read that it's bad but what does it mean? Should I bring him to a vet?
it could mean he has an infection, or that his environment is too dry or dusty or....
If his environment is correct (heat, light, humidity, substrate, etc.) and the eye discharge continues, then take him to a vet. Make sure that the tort has a humid spot to go to, and a shallow water bowl.
