Re: can't tell from the pic...

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Posted by Terry on February 15, 2001 at 20:08:43:

In Reply to: Re: can't tell from the pic... posted by eyes are shut with lids all white on February 15, 2001 at 19:44:19:

Sounds like contaminated substrate, maybe infested with mites.
The mites attack the area around the eyes.

Change the substrate frequently,and soak the tortoises to help the eyes.
Soak in shallow/lukewarm water for 10 - 20 minutes. The water should only come up to the very bottom of their chin. Soak them everyday until their eyes improve.
Then every other day or every three days.

Keep the substrate extra clean, changing it often. I don't recommend Rabbit pellets ( as suggested by another person) Rabbit pellets go damp and musty quickly.
Some people have no problem, but I did when I used Rabbit pellets for hatchlings. I had the same problem I think you have now.

So make sure the substrate is always fresh and clean, change it often.Soak the tortoises and if it doesn't improve within the next couple of days , take them to a vet.

You mentioned you fed them beans?

Beans and other veggies such as peas, corn, brocoli etc are not recommended for sulcatas.Too high in protein.

Leafy greens such as endive, romaine, dandelions, chicory, escarole etc are a better choice. Also grazing on grasses, clover, vetches,hibiscus leaves and flowers, mulberry leaves and opuntia cactus.

Check out the link below for lots of info on sulcatas.

Sulcata Station

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Re: can't tell from the pic... Heather 02/16/01 (1)
- clarification...please read Heather 02/16/01 (0)

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: Sounds like contaminated substrate, maybe infested with mites. : The mites attack the area around the eyes. : Change the substrate frequently,and soak the tortoises to help the eyes. : Soak in shallow/lukewarm water for 10 - 20 minutes. The water should only come up to the very bottom of their chin. Soak them everyday until their eyes improve. : Then every other day or every three days. : Keep the substrate extra clean, changing it often. I don't recommend Rabbit pellets ( as suggested by another person) Rabbit pellets go damp and musty quickly. : Some people have no problem, but I did when I used Rabbit pellets for hatchlings. I had the same problem I think you have now. : So make sure the substrate is always fresh and clean, change it often.Soak the tortoises and if it doesn't improve within the next couple of days , take them to a vet. : You mentioned you fed them beans? : Beans and other veggies such as peas, corn, brocoli etc are not recommended for sulcatas.Too high in protein. : Leafy greens such as endive, romaine, dandelions, chicory, escarole etc are a better choice. Also grazing on grasses, clover, vetches,hibiscus leaves and flowers, mulberry leaves and opuntia cactus. : Check out the link below for lots of info on sulcatas.

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