My New Red-Foot

[if_i_were_u]

First off, there are a few people out there who think i might mistreat my animals; I'm not sure why they feel that wa because I always try to do my best to keep all of my nimals healthy and safe. That is why i am requesting everyones help in the situation i am now in...
I just recieved a new tortoise a week ago. Within the first few minutes of me having him, bubbles started coming out of his eyes. I figured it was just because it is stress. So i cleaned his eyes and immedialty put him in the encloser i had for him. He then ate.
For a few days i had a lot of problems with him, his eyes dried shut, he wouldn't drink, he didn't move much. I know your not supposed to handle a new animal too much when u fisrt get him, but in this case i had to. His eye eyes were dried shut so i had to wet them with a wet q-tip. I then put him back in the enclosure immediately.
Three days ago, I picked him up to do the normal cleaning of the eys when i noticed his shell was starting to concave in the bottom. I've soaked him for about 10 mins every day to ensure he wouldn't dehidrate. He hasn't deficated once since i got him and i am very worried about him. I tried to work something out with the person i got him from and he is telling me that this is my fault.
The tortoise is very small (about 2.5 inches) and i am worried i don't have much time. It is pretty humid in his enclosure and the temperatures are good.
Also, i have another tortoise that i've had for 7 monthes and have had no problem with it. I also got him at the same size as the new one i just got.
If there's anybody out there that could help me, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks alot,
Joe

[NiagaraReptiles]

I think you have some temperature problems there and possibly also nutritional issues.

If a tortoises of that size/age is visually develping a concave plastron, you have some serious issues to address. Growing tortoises should be supplemented with calcium with every feeding. Appropriate food items can also ensure proper growth and health.

The problem with its' eyes sticking shut is related to inadequate temps. Make sure it has access to a basking spot of around 120°F. Also, Redfoots really don't like bright lights and will refuse to thermoregulate if the only hot spot is too bright. I prefer to use infra red spot/flood lights for Red Foots and Yellow Foots.

Best wishes,

[Nic]

Hey man. I had a wierd concaving happening to my baby redfoot too. I posted here too. I suspect that your tortiose has a very soft shell (it is very young). my tortioses shell straightened out after a few days of an intense regimine of daily half hour soakings. I think it was a constipation issue. The soak is like liquid laxative... use water just above 20 degrees celcius. watch the menu: romaine lettuce, clover, habiscus flower, papaya, collard greens and dandilion. Don't go heavy on strawberries (despite what you have read), and I would suggest staying away from animal protiens (e.g. most store bought tortiose food). These guys have a wicked metabolism, they process protien almost fully. Too much (almost any) causes organs to develop too big, too quickly: this could be causing the misshapen shell. It could be the beginning of pyriamiding.

The crusty eyes is almost a sign of too little humitiy. Mist twice daily. Use a UVB light. Keep temperature correct. What is your substrate? be sure to use cypress or something that holds moisture well. Do NOT use cedar!

Good Luck
Nic.

[if_i_were_u]

I keep him on cypress and mist him several times a day thoroughly. His food is always dusted. Thanks for the idea on the lighting. Does any body have any idea on how to get him eating?. He hasn't eaten in a few days. Thanks

[Nic]

What have you been trying to feed him? Try anything that was on my list, and try cutting it into bite size pieces.

[red bootz]

How are your temps? Low temperatures will cause both sticking eyelids and low metabolism, hence a low appetite. Your tort should feel "warm" when you pick him up...plus they should be eating machines. Try brightly colored, aromatic foods especially reds or yellows (warmed to room temperature before feeding) to get it started. Then you coulld gradually wean it on to things that are better for it. Provide it with warm (not hot) and humid hiding place for it to feel comfortable. Lastly, if your housing your two torts together, make sure the older one is not bullying the baby and causing undue stress. In any case, Good Luck.