Re: Testudo graeca avoiding sunlight

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Posted by Matt Hybel on August 29, 2000 at 22:25:22:

In Reply to: Testudo graeca avoiding sunlight posted by Vicente on August 29, 2000 at 03:24:48:

A graeca avoiding sunlight (even first thing in the morning?) is definitely cause for concern. I have found Brian Pursall's book on Mediterranean Tortoises (TFH Pub.) a great help. I was reading part of the section on illness in his book after your post, and it seems that an anorexic tortoise may avoid sunlight in the later stages. I am wondering how long you have had the graeca, how large/old it is, and has it been feeding or not. What is the body weight? Do you know what good body weight for a graeca or other Mediterranean feels like? He recommends, until you find out further from a vet knowledgeable about torts/turtles, that you keep the tort in an indoor setup where, since it will not bask, you provide an enclosure where the air temp is 84-86 deg. F for 16-18 hours per day. The UV Active is great, perhaps a red incandescent for part of the night with a timer shutoff for the 6-8 hour temp drop he suggests. The tortoise may then resume more regular behavior. Good luck.

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: A graeca avoiding sunlight (even first thing in the morning?) is definitely cause for concern. I have found Brian Pursall's book on Mediterranean Tortoises (TFH Pub.) a great help. I was reading part of the section on illness in his book after your post, and it seems that an anorexic tortoise may avoid sunlight in the later stages. I am wondering how long you have had the graeca, how large/old it is, and has it been feeding or not. What is the body weight? Do you know what good body weight for a graeca or other Mediterranean feels like? He recommends, until you find out further from a vet knowledgeable about torts/turtles, that you keep the tort in an indoor setup where, since it will not bask, you provide an enclosure where the air temp is 84-86 deg. F for 16-18 hours per day. The UV Active is great, perhaps a red incandescent for part of the night with a timer shutoff for the 6-8 hour temp drop he suggests. The tortoise may then resume more regular behavior. Good luck.

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