Re: RUSSIAN Tortoise Q's...HELP

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Posted by Terry on October 30, 2000 at 13:12:30:

In Reply to: RUSSIAN Tortoise Q's...HELP posted by Jan Edgell on October 30, 2000 at 12:41:21:

Hi Jan,
can you describe your set up in detail.
Size, substrate used, temperatures in both the cool and warm side ( there must be a gradient).
How long have you had the tortoise, is it passing stools?

The worms must be treated and I'm guessing that's being taken care of, it can take a few treatments.

Is the tortoise active at all?

I wouldn't feed red veggies or tortoise pellets exclusively, which veggies are we talking about?
Also tortoise pellets are high in protien and not recommended.
Healthier foods such as greens and edible plants are a better choice.

Try offering a mixture of both Romaine lettuce and endive, top it off with a bit of grated carrot and squash if you have dandelion add that in too.
My Russians love this mixture and always gobble it down.
Once it's eating you can add other greens, dandelions are a great food, and hibiscus flowers, opuntia cactus pads ( dethorned and sliced) rose petals,time outdoors to graze on grass and edible weeds is also recommended, weather permiting.
Don't just feed one type of food, offer a variety at each feeding.
Endive, romaine, dandelion and grated carrots. Or Hibiscus, grated squash, opuntia and escarole.
Or chicory, romaine, rose petals and a little collard greens.

One food that I've seen recommended for anorexic Russians is boiled coliflower.
It's not recommended as a mainstay but to get the tortoise eating.

If your tortoise is being treated with drugs ( maybe Panacur) for the worms then you need to keep him hydrated.
A warmish 5-10 minute soak evey other day while he's being treated.
Soak in shallow ( to the bottom of his chin) baby bath warm, water.

Post back with info on temperatures, substrate etc so we can help you out more.
Terry.

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: Hi Jan, : can you describe your set up in detail. : Size, substrate used, temperatures in both the cool and warm side ( there must be a gradient). : How long have you had the tortoise, is it passing stools? : The worms must be treated and I'm guessing that's being taken care of, it can take a few treatments. : Is the tortoise active at all? : I wouldn't feed red veggies or tortoise pellets exclusively, which veggies are we talking about? : Also tortoise pellets are high in protien and not recommended. : Healthier foods such as greens and edible plants are a better choice. : Try offering a mixture of both Romaine lettuce and endive, top it off with a bit of grated carrot and squash if you have dandelion add that in too. : My Russians love this mixture and always gobble it down. : Once it's eating you can add other greens, dandelions are a great food, and hibiscus flowers, opuntia cactus pads ( dethorned and sliced) rose petals,time outdoors to graze on grass and edible weeds is also recommended, weather permiting. : Don't just feed one type of food, offer a variety at each feeding. : Endive, romaine, dandelion and grated carrots. Or Hibiscus, grated squash, opuntia and escarole. : Or chicory, romaine, rose petals and a little collard greens. : One food that I've seen recommended for anorexic Russians is boiled coliflower. : It's not recommended as a mainstay but to get the tortoise eating. : If your tortoise is being treated with drugs ( maybe Panacur) for the worms then you need to keep him hydrated. : A warmish 5-10 minute soak evey other day while he's being treated. : Soak in shallow ( to the bottom of his chin) baby bath warm, water. : Post back with info on temperatures, substrate etc so we can help you out more. : Terry.

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