Re: New tortoise... stressed??

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Posted by Joshua on October 30, 2001 at 08:18:49:

In Reply to: Re: New tortoise... stressed?? posted by Lloyd on October 30, 2001 at 07:58:29:

Thanks.. as a turtle(Non-tortoise0 keeper for many years, I understnad the need to let them get adjusted. In this case, I just wanted to actually see her head, to make sure her eyes were clear.. beign that she wouldn't come out of her shell with me around, I had to do this to evaluate her condition. She is now in her enclosure where she'll remain untouched for the next week ro two, to allow her to adjust... then I'll begin the long process of building trust. Thanks for your input... I'll get some pics up in the near future.

Joshua

: Joshua,
: The most important thing to do at this time is to reduce the stress as much as possible. Don't handle the tortoise until she gets settled in and make sure she has hide areas in both the warm and cooler part of her enclosure. Make sure she can stay warm at all times if she wants to. I have seen tortoises with waterly discharge from the face when on a high moisture diet, after your guy gets settled in consider giving her a diet based on grasses and edible weeds (I know - not easy advice in winter). Tortoises learn to recognize their keeper and respond accordingly. After she gets to know and trust you she should not be shy and will probably come to you to see if you have any food for her. Let her do this in her own time.
: Good luck with your new friend.
: Lloyd
: :

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: Thanks.. as a turtle(Non-tortoise0 keeper for many years, I understnad the need to let them get adjusted. In this case, I just wanted to actually see her head, to make sure her eyes were clear.. beign that she wouldn't come out of her shell with me around, I had to do this to evaluate her condition. She is now in her enclosure where she'll remain untouched for the next week ro two, to allow her to adjust... then I'll begin the long process of building trust. Thanks for your input... I'll get some pics up in the near future. : Joshua : : : Joshua, : : The most important thing to do at this time is to reduce the stress as much as possible. Don't handle the tortoise until she gets settled in and make sure she has hide areas in both the warm and cooler part of her enclosure. Make sure she can stay warm at all times if she wants to. I have seen tortoises with waterly discharge from the face when on a high moisture diet, after your guy gets settled in consider giving her a diet based on grasses and edible weeds (I know - not easy advice in winter). Tortoises learn to recognize their keeper and respond accordingly. After she gets to know and trust you she should not be shy and will probably come to you to see if you have any food for her. Let her do this in her own time. : : Good luck with your new friend. : : Lloyd : : :

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