My Russian tortoise stopped eating and drinking. What should I do?

Check the temperature in the enclosure. Low temps can affect appetite in reptiles. He could also be a bit stressed by the change in environment. Soak him in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte for 20-30 minutes. This will warm him up while providing hydration. Dice greens and vegetables finely to make eating easier.

Romaine lettuce is not optimal for health or growth. Russians need a high fiber, low protein and calcium rich diet. Variety is key. Dandelion greens, kale, collared greens and turnip greens are recommended over romaine. Fresh, chopped vegetables should be offered and a commercial tortoise pellet can round out a balanced diet. UVB lighting and a heat source, along with calcium and vitamin supplementation, are also required. The shut eyes ma indicate infection or vitamin deficiency, namely vitamin A. Increase enclosure temps by 5-10 F temporarily to aid in recovery. Soak him in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte for 30 minutes daily to maintain hydration or to treat or prevent minor dehydration. Have Squirt examined by your vet or an experienced herp vet to diagnose eye infection or injury. You can review additional care information at the link below. http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Care-Sheets/Russian-Tortoise/

Check the temperature in the enclosure. Low temps can affect activity and appetite in reptiles. You can soak her in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte for 15-20 minutes once orb twice a week. This will provide warmth and hydration. Offer a variety of dark, leafy greens, chopped vegetables and commercial pellets. She will also need UVB lighting, a powdered multivitamin and a powdered calcium supplement. Set up a heat lamp to provide a basking area on one side of the tank. There should be an appropriate temperature gradient across the tank so she can move from warm to cool as she needs. If you can provide the species of tortoise, more specific advice can be provided.

If he won't soak on his own, you can give him a soak once or twice a week. Use a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte. Soak for at least 30 minutes. It is normal for the to defecate during the soak, if this happens, change the water. Submit the stool sample to your veterinarian to diagnose intestinal parasites. Confirm proper temps in the enclosure as low temps can affect activity, appetite and digestion in reptiles.

Continue to treat as indicated by your veterinarian. Offer a varied diet rich in Vitamin A. Broccoli, carrots, cantaloupe, dandelion greens and collard greens are just a few foods rich in this vitamin. Confirm proper temperature. A cold tortoise will not eat. Soak him in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte for 30 minutes. This will warm him up and may treat or prevent mild dehydration.

Check the temps in the enclosure. Low temps can affect appetite in reptiles. A soak in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte can provide warmth and treat or prevent minor dehydration. The loose scutes may be normal shedding or not. An exam would be needed to diagnose any underlying cause. If the condition does not improve, have your tortoise examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. If you need to find a vet, use the link below. https://arav.site-ym.com/search/custom.asp?id=3661

A star tortoise will readily drink standing water. Provide a shallow bowl of fresh water. Clean and refill the bowl daily. Confirm proper temps in the enclosure. Star tortoises do best in temps between 80 F and 90 F with a basking area of 95 F. Temperature plays an important role in appetite and activity. If he doesn't drink, you can soak him once or twice weekly in warm water or a 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte. Soaks can last between 15-30 minutes. Star tortoises require a high fiber diet that is rich in calcium. Feed a varied diet including grasses, vegetables and greens for optimal growth. Grasses that can be fed include, fescue, blue grass, mature alfalfa or Bermuda grass. Vegetables offered can be pumpkin, squash, peas, mushroom or bell peppers. Greens include collard/turnip/mustard greens, dandelions, escarole and grape leaves. The above foods make up a partial list of acceptable items. It is by no means all inclusive. If your tortoise does not begin drinking on his own, consider an exam with an experienced herp veterinarian.