Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, I'm hoping someone here can help me. I aquired a red foot tortoise whose owner had passed away, I don't know how old he is, but he does have some pretty substantial pyramiding going on. He was doing well until this winter, when he became very lethargic and lost his appetite. I know some people allow their tortoises to hibernate, but I was not able to get any background info on him, or his former owner, so I'm not sure if this is normal behavior, or if I should be concerned and perhaps take him to a vet. He seems to be having a hard time coming out of it, his appetite comes and goes now, and he is still very lethargic, with some possible muscle atrophy. If anyone could just give me a few pointers or suggestions, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you so much in advance!! =)

ps: I do have heat and UV lamps on him, and I get him outside in the sunshine as much as possible, as well as soaking him frequently.

Please go to Redfoots.com He will help you with any questions you may have. Most Redfoots come from the tropics and do not hibernate. He NEEDS very hight humidity and low light. They olny sun and light they get is filtered through the tall trees. Pyramiding usually comes from lack of humidity.

http://redfoots.com/smf/index.php

Go down to the bottom of this site to Redfoot chat, and there you can ask questions. IMO..it is the best site for Redfoots.

Thank you very much, the website is a big help

I strongly recommend you get some good books written by professionals. (example) One like Highfields "Practical Encyclopedia of Keeping and Breeding Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles". - By the way Redfoots are from S. America and do not hybernate. Good Luck - Richard

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Richard -amazoa-

"Changes in behavior occur when the pain of staying the same outweighs the pain of change."

Look, you need to have that animal checked by a vet to make sure it is nto a kidney condition, calcium or vitamin deficiency. The vet can give him a good mega dose of vitamin B which should wake his apetite, and calcium.

Follow the vet's recommendations before that animal dies a slow and agonizing death, please

Wanda