Re: Red Foot Tortoise Shell troubles

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Posted by Terry on June 28, 2001 at 02:53:04:

In Reply to: Red Foot Tortoise Shell troubles posted by Tim on June 27, 2001 at 19:20:42:

Tim,
have you taken it to a vet?

If not maybe it's time to. Only a vet can let you know what sort of condition the tortoise is really in.

If the shell is getting softer then maybe it's not getting enough UVB.

check the UV bulb, it might not be working properly. Which brand of bulb are you using?
I would check it and/or replace it.
Maybe somebody can recommend a good brand of UV bulb for you.

Also make sure you include fruit in the diet.
Redfoots are one species that should be given fruit.
Melon or papaya is good, a little strawberry etc.

Make sure it gets fruit at least a couple of times a week, mixed in with the greens.

Redfoot torts should also get a bit of protein, about twice a month.
A little bit of animal protein or a few pellets ie: Pretty Bird (Pets) tortoise pellets. The large pellets softened in water.

Which "veggies" are you feeding?
Some such as corn, peas, beans shouldn't be a main ingredient in the diet.

I would take the tortoise to a qualified vet, if you're concerned about the shell.
Check that UV bulb and possibly replace it with a better one.

And allow the tortoise time outdoors in natural sunlight ,making sure plenty of shade is always available.
Natural sunlight works wonders.

Redfoots enjoy taking a soak, so it's important it has constant access to clean/shallow water.
A shallow dish, easy to enter and exit for the tortoise to soak in or drink from when he chooses to.
A flat tupperware LID works well for tiny torts.

And keep up the humidity in the enclosure.

Check out Beasley the Redfooted Tortoise web site linked below, if you haven't already. Plenty of good info at the site.

Hope this helps, let us know how it goes.
Terry.

Beasley the Red Footed tortoise........

Follow Ups:

Re: Red Foot Tortoise Shell troubles Tim 06/29/01 (1)
- Re: Red Foot Tortoise Shell troubles Terry 06/29/01 (0)
Re: Red Foot Tortoise Shell troubles/ More info Terry 06/28/01 (0)

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: : Tim, : have you taken it to a vet? : If not maybe it's time to. Only a vet can let you know what sort of condition the tortoise is really in. : If the shell is getting softer then maybe it's not getting enough UVB. : check the UV bulb, it might not be working properly. Which brand of bulb are you using? : I would check it and/or replace it. : Maybe somebody can recommend a good brand of UV bulb for you. : Also make sure you include fruit in the diet. : Redfoots are one species that should be given fruit. : Melon or papaya is good, a little strawberry etc. : Make sure it gets fruit at least a couple of times a week, mixed in with the greens. : Redfoot torts should also get a bit of protein, about twice a month. : A little bit of animal protein or a few pellets ie: Pretty Bird (Pets) tortoise pellets. The large pellets softened in water. : Which "veggies" are you feeding? : Some such as corn, peas, beans shouldn't be a main ingredient in the diet. : I would take the tortoise to a qualified vet, if you're concerned about the shell. : Check that UV bulb and possibly replace it with a better one. : And allow the tortoise time outdoors in natural sunlight ,making sure plenty of shade is always available. : Natural sunlight works wonders. : Redfoots enjoy taking a soak, so it's important it has constant access to clean/shallow water. : A shallow dish, easy to enter and exit for the tortoise to soak in or drink from when he chooses to. : A flat tupperware LID works well for tiny torts. : And keep up the humidity in the enclosure. : Check out Beasley the Redfooted Tortoise web site linked below, if you haven't already. Plenty of good info at the site. : Hope this helps, let us know how it goes. : Terry.

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