Re: baby sucata always sleeping??

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Posted by Marissa on February 13, 1999 at 22:17:09:

In Reply to: baby sucata always sleeping?? posted by Vinny on February 12, 1999 at 16:02:37:

Hi Vinny,

Lethargy could be a symptom of many things, but first I would have a fecal sample tested and cultured for parasites/worms. If that is negative and the tortoise appears healthy by the vet (pref a herp vet), then try to take the tortoise out each day for short supervised romps inside or outside if it's warm enough (over 72F). Direct sunlight is also good for them, but don't bring outside if it's too cool. Make sure your enclosure is furnished interestingly enough so the tort doesn't get bored. Have hidey areas and areas where he can't see all the way to the end (i.e. with rocks, etc.). And just to add my own disclaimer...sulcatas in the wild spend up to 85% of their time "hanging out" in scrapes and burrows...waiting for the heat of the day to dissipate. If your tortoise spends a lot of time hiding that is normal...if he is sleeping all this time, maybe not. Make sure you have a hidey area for him to go into in the cool zone...they feel most comfortable when surrounded by a hide box on at least three sides..good luck! - Marissa

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: Hi Vinny, : Lethargy could be a symptom of many things, but first I would have a fecal sample tested and cultured for parasites/worms. If that is negative and the tortoise appears healthy by the vet (pref a herp vet), then try to take the tortoise out each day for short supervised romps inside or outside if it's warm enough (over 72F). Direct sunlight is also good for them, but don't bring outside if it's too cool. Make sure your enclosure is furnished interestingly enough so the tort doesn't get bored. Have hidey areas and areas where he can't see all the way to the end (i.e. with rocks, etc.). And just to add my own disclaimer...sulcatas in the wild spend up to 85% of their time "hanging out" in scrapes and burrows...waiting for the heat of the day to dissipate. If your tortoise spends a lot of time hiding that is normal...if he is sleeping all this time, maybe not. Make sure you have a hidey area for him to go into in the cool zone...they feel most comfortable when surrounded by a hide box on at least three sides..good luck! - Marissa

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