Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,
my little Russian "scrabble" is I think around 2 years old and I havent had any problems with him since Ive had him really.
However recently Ive noticed that he seems to have started to walk around at times without opening his eyes and bumps into things... can anyone tell me if this is the start of some kind of eye infection/ problem? When he does have them open they seem fine - not sticky - so I dont know why hes suddenly started doing this.

Any help would be appreciated.

Also...I am from the UK and have used this site many times since having my two Russians....and everyone has always been soo helpful..
I would just like to say to any posters that do live in the NO area that I have been very saddened at the destruction and problems that Katrina has caused you there. My thoughts go out to you...especially since being a weather forecaster out here in the UK and having kept a close eye on the information coming out from your area...

Regards Stephanie.

Make sure that there is a humid hide for the little guy. If that does not help a vet visit might be in order.

Ed

>>Hi,
>>my little Russian "scrabble" is I think around 2 years old and I havent had any problems with him since Ive had him really.
>>However recently Ive noticed that he seems to have started to walk around at times without opening his eyes and bumps into things... can anyone tell me if this is the start of some kind of eye infection/ problem? When he does have them open they seem fine - not sticky - so I dont know why hes suddenly started doing this.
>>
>>Any help would be appreciated.
>>
>>Also...I am from the UK and have used this site many times since having my two Russians....and everyone has always been soo helpful..
>>I would just like to say to any posters that do live in the NO area that I have been very saddened at the destruction and problems that Katrina has caused you there. My thoughts go out to you...especially since being a weather forecaster out here in the UK and having kept a close eye on the information coming out from your area...
>>
>>Regards Stephanie.
-----
Ed @ Tortoise Keepers
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

Hi ED,
Thanks for your quick reply..... what do you mean by a humid hide though.... I thought Russians didnt like high humidity...?

Regards Stephanie

All tortoises seem to benefit from the availability of humid area that they can retreat to. In the case of the Russian tortoise the general conditions should be dry but they do seem to like being able to choose a humid spot on occasion.

For your setup a rubbermaid box with a good layer of moist sand should work nicely. Cut a hole in the side of the box for access. You want to position the box right side up with the lid in place.

Again, place this in the warm side of the enclosure.

Ed

>>Hi ED,
>>Thanks for your quick reply..... what do you mean by a humid hide though.... I thought Russians didnt like high humidity...?
>>
>>Regards Stephanie
-----
Ed @ Tortoise Keepers
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

Hi Stephanie,

what type of substrate is your tortoise on? a common eye problem has more to do with dry conditions than infection.

matt

Hi Matt,
his substrate is little small wood chippings which I buy from the pet shop here, they are supposedly for tortoises...and they seem to love digging down in it.... my larger Russian who is around 4 years old has no such problem.
They do spend alot of time indoors as the weather as you imagine is not often warm enough/ dry enough to have them outside.

Thanks Steph...

The idea of humid conditions for desert dwellers doesn't immediately pop into mind whilst you design an enclosure, but it is very important when it comes to Russian tortoises. Overall, the best situation for most Russians is outdoor keeping, but seeing as how you live in the UK, I can see how this would be a bit difficult with the cold rains. Even so, whenever the day is sunny, allow the tortoise at least some time in the sun, even if for only an hour or two. It's good for overall health, mental and physical.

Anyway, a humid hide box. In the wild, Russians dig deep burrows, and though the steppes of Russia may be dry, these burrows have a high humidity, due firstly to the tortoise's close quartered breathing and secondly due to the natural moisture in the earth from prior rains. In this way, the tortoise loses no water through respiration. Anyway, use of a peat or slightly moist earth in the hidebox usually greatly reduces problems of dehydration. And, as always, when uncertain, give the tortoise a bath. If badly dehydrated, animals often ignore food, choosing to drink for long periods. If you see this behavior, consult with a veterinarian.