Re: Russian tortoise - what's healthy?

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Posted by Joe on February 01, 1999 at 16:10:22:

In Reply to: Russian tortoise - what's healthy? posted by brad on February 01, 1999 at 09:12:01:

:
: Obtained a small (4.25") Russian tortoise
: a few days ago. Haven't taken it into the
: vet yet (will do so soon), but would like
: to get some details before the visit.

Its a good idea to take it to the Vet. Make sure he/she is
experienced with russian torts. Bring a stool sample to
check for worms.

: I read up on it before purchasing, have
: it housed in a 32x20 concrete mixing tub
: with a 95degree hot spot, carefresh bedding,

What is carefresh bedding? If its cat litter get rid
of it immediately. I use rabbit pellets. Marrisa has
a dirt sand mixture.

: UV lighting and 75 degree background temp.
: It has a 13 hour day with nighttime temps of
: about 70. I will move it to larger quarters
: and allow it to free roam a little after it is declared
: healthy. I would also hibernate it next year.

: I'm feeding it a mix of green leafy items (collard
: and romaine) with a small amount of green beans
: and carrots. I add a small amount of calcium/d3.
: When good weather arrives I would substitute
: dandelions, plantain, grass and clover for the
: greens/veggies.

: It is eating well and is active.

: Now to the major concern. Some of its feces have
: been small and firm. Others have had a lot
: of fluid. I assume that an arid land tortoise
: would have little fluid in its excrement. Correct?

Once again I would recommend taking some feces to the vet
to check for worms. My russians feces goes from firm to
soft and runny. The loose ones usually occur when there
is a change such as bringing them in for the winter or
diet.

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: : : : Obtained a small (4.25") Russian tortoise : : a few days ago. Haven't taken it into the : : vet yet (will do so soon), but would like : : to get some details before the visit. : Its a good idea to take it to the Vet. Make sure he/she is : experienced with russian torts. Bring a stool sample to : check for worms. : : I read up on it before purchasing, have : : it housed in a 32x20 concrete mixing tub : : with a 95degree hot spot, carefresh bedding, : What is carefresh bedding? If its cat litter get rid : of it immediately. I use rabbit pellets. Marrisa has : a dirt sand mixture. : : UV lighting and 75 degree background temp. : : It has a 13 hour day with nighttime temps of : : about 70. I will move it to larger quarters : : and allow it to free roam a little after it is declared : : healthy. I would also hibernate it next year. : : I'm feeding it a mix of green leafy items (collard : : and romaine) with a small amount of green beans : : and carrots. I add a small amount of calcium/d3. : : When good weather arrives I would substitute : : dandelions, plantain, grass and clover for the : : greens/veggies. : : It is eating well and is active. : : Now to the major concern. Some of its feces have : : been small and firm. Others have had a lot : : of fluid. I assume that an arid land tortoise : : would have little fluid in its excrement. Correct? : Once again I would recommend taking some feces to the vet : to check for worms. My russians feces goes from firm to : soft and runny. The loose ones usually occur when there : is a change such as bringing them in for the winter or : diet.

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