baby sulcata tortoise questions?

Question

I have a sulcata tortoise it's about 2 months old. The enclosure I keep it in stays between 80-90 degrees, with a warm basking side, but the turtle still seems to have the common respiratory problems (puffed up eyes, runny nose) at times. It eats a lot though and seems very lively and healthy. Another thing I recently noticed is that one side of its face looks puffy. Does anyone have any answers of suggestions about what this could be or what I should do?
Thanks,
John

Answer 1

Hmm... what kind of substrate are you using? If you aren't already I would switch to a bed a beast/playsand mix (more bed a beast than playsand) and keep it moist enough to make a ball of it in your hand but not drip water if you squeeze. A dry,dusty enclosure can cause respritory problems. You can also try soaking your tortoise once a day for a couple of weeks in chin deep lukewarm water for 20-30 minutes in case dehydration is part of the problem. If your tortoise starts looking worse or isn't getting better you need to call a Vet.

Answer 2

You are keeping it pretty hot- does it have a cooler area or a humid hiding space? Young Sulcatas need a humid hiding area- but for most of the habitat to be pretty dry. It takes a little effort to do this right.

It sounds like it is developing a Respiratory Infection (RI) and needs help ASAP. A vet would be good, but you can try to treat it at home.

Try
- http://www.sulcata-station.org
- http://www.africantortoise.com and/or
-http://www.tortoisetrust.org for good care info.

Answer 3

Mostly grasses and non-toxic weeds. Veggies occasionally and fruits almost never. Romaine lettuce as a 100% diet would be terrible for a tortoise. They don't naturally live anywhere where lettuce grows.

Answer 4

Hi John,
A warm soak and a vet visit.
Join this group and you can learn a lot about your tortoise
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/African-Tortoise/
good luck
Kim