hi i'v recently purchased (6th nov) 2 spurthighs born in april , they havn't eaten since i'v had them, i'm quite worried , i'v been bathing them couple times each day as advised , when i handle them they r quite lively, they seem 2 enjoy the bathing 4 a while but as soon as they'r out they race back 2 their bed area + snuggle down , i always put them with their fresh food , they sit 4 minute then go , 1 is more quiet than other , 1 we have seen sittin stretchin its head out towards opening of bed area at odd times thru day but other just goes + snuggles down , does any1 know whats best 4 me 2 do ? the person i got them from has told me i can return them but i dn't want 2 do that , i just want to keep them but know they'r ok , thnx rach

Hi Rach,  did you buy them from a breeder or pet shop?

Can you tell me a bit about your set up, eg is it a vivarium or an open table top, what lighting and substrates do you have?

Regards Vivienne

hi vivienne i got them from a breeder in nottingham, she had them in table set up ( when very young think she had them in viv tho ) she keeps all her tortoises in tables , she has the mum n dad + about 5 other adults of her own aswell as the 2 babies we bought + 3 other babies hatched xmas day , we have a tortoise table , we have a uv lamp + 6ow basking lamp ( suggested by TPG ) the temp is about 90 in open lamp end but they have a bed end at other end of table which has an arch 2 get in2 ( typical totoise table ) i use 50/50 play sand + top soil also suggested by TPG , (i use their care advise page 4 my info) , i'v offered them dandelion leaves readigrass , even lettuce ( which i know doesn't have much nutritian 4 them but jus want them 2 eat) she also has different temps in her setups so tortoises can choose where they want 2 be , rach

Hi Rach, its sounds like you are doing everything as you should!  And I would imagine the breeder is giving you all the advice you need.  They are probably just settling into their new surroundings, and at this time of year most tortoises are slowing down, it's their natural instinct to do so.  For now I would carry on as you are, bathing and checking temps are ok, we all tend to worry when we take on new torts!  If you do see any other symptoms you are worried about, eg runny nose, best take them to a tort specialist vet for a check up.

I bet when next spring comes they will be like new torts when they can feel the sun is starting to shine!!

Any further questions or concerns just let us know, regards Vivienne 

 thnx vivienne i do feel bit better now it just seems such a long time for them not 2 be eating , u'v reassured me a bit now , thnx a lot will keep u posted rach x