Linford is still only eating a small amount, can anyone give me an idea as to how much should he be eating please, also should he have a poo every day?

Hi, it might be worth double checking your temperatures under the basking lamp, check they are around 30-35C.  But as he is new to your home he is likely to be still settling in, I had a horsfield that didnt eat a thing for six weeks, but I persevered with the dandelions and eventually he started eating, so it is only early days.

When he does eat, its best to limit it to as much as he will eat in 20 mins or enough to cover the top of his shell.

Regarding poo's, mine don't poo every day, they have a very slow metabolism, so I would try not to worry too much, usually when you bath them this will trigger them to go!

Regards Vivienne

Thanks Vivienne,

the temp is OK I have a thermometor but he does wonder about a lot(indoors) so not in his home but likes to hide behind the sofa. Today he has ate the most since I have had him so will persevere, just didn't wan't him starving but feel better after what you have said.Should I put his food out at a certain time? I have been leaving it in his home and changing it twice a day as it dries up, advice please. I bath him every day now so maybe will see a difference.

Thabks again

Nell

Hi Nell,

It's best to keep a tortoise in their enclosure or outside when warm, so they absorb the UVB. Have you tried feeding after bathing.
Bathing will encourage bough movements and also warm water will help raise the body temperature, increase activity and encourage eating

HTH
Darren

Hi Darren,

I just thought he was better to roam and not be confined, but makes sence regarding not getting the UV he needs. I have only put him outside when the sun has been shining, can he go out when it isn't, what sort of weather can I let him out in. Not got outdoor pen as yet, but next door have excellent overgrown grass n weeds and he loves to hideand burrow in the long grass but doesn't seem to bother eating. I have so much to learn and fast. he's not eaten ot toileted today, I bath him every am before going to work. Any more advice most welcome.

Nell

Hi Nell, its best to get him outside as much as you can it does them the world of good, but he does need a secure garden, remember they are excellent climbers and diggers!!  Also be careful of preditors such as magpies, foxes, dogs and rats.

If there is a heated outdoor enclosure then its best at this time of year to put them out when you feel comfortable outside with a t-shirt on! 

Regards Vivienne

Thanks again Vivienne, the weather is so cold he has not been out since Sunday and I always stay in the garden with him. Linford hasn't moved much today, bathed him am he has eaten a little,toileted, both lamps been on since 7am and still are. He is still snuggled in,is that right he hasn't moved much?

Nell

Hi Nell,  no it isnt right that he is not moving, this time of year they are quite active, does he come out to bask under the lamp?

Have you had him checked for worms/parasites?  If not I would send a poo sample off, we have a contact here just follow the instructions, its free http://www.tortoise-protection-group.org.uk/site/174.asp  If he has got worms this could be why he is sluggish.  Let us know how you get on.

Regards Vivienne

Hi Vivienne,

much livelier today and has been in the garden today (as the sun was out)clambering all over the place. He's a funny one, I will send a sample off as soon as he does one. Am I ok to bath him twice a day as he has not pooed yet, that I know of!!

Nell

Sorry Vivienne, forgot to say, he does come out to bask.

Nell.

Hi Nell, thats good to hear that he has livened up and comes out to bask, just keep a close eye on him, and send the poo sample off.

Bathing is a good idea, helps to keep him hydrated, although once a day is fine.  Keep a bowl of water in his enclosure, so he can drink when he wants to.

Regards Vivienne

Hi all,

I am really worried about Linford, he has not had a poo for 3 days, he has been weeing. Wanted to send a sample off but obviously not been able to. He is eating small amounts (I don't think enough) I am putting that down to him coming to me 4wks ago on pellett food and him needing to get used to the fresh food. Could he have worms ? Advice much appreciated.

Nell

Hi Nell, try not to worry, you have to remember that torts have a very slow metabolism, once the weeds works there way through he'll be ok.  And when he does do one just pop it off to the vets or to the link we gave you.  And lastly, keep up the baths as this will stimulate him to go!

Regards Vivienne

Thanks again Vivienne,

It really is so good to have someone put your mind at rest. can I put his poo in a little plastic tub at the start and then the rest of the packaging?

Nell

Yes that sounds fine, just follow the instructions, let us know how you get on,

Regards Vivienne

Hi Vivienne,

Linford still not been, that I know of, he has been outside while the weather has been so good, could he of been and i've not noticed? He is eating more and lively enough.

Nell

Hi Nell, yes its more than likey he has been, unless he is a very large tort (which looks like a horse has just poo'd!) you may not see it!!  Just keep your eye on him.

Regards Vivienne