In more severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. Shell fractures, severe infections, or gastrointestinal obstructions are instances where surgery might be required. Although the thought of your pet undergoing surgery can be quite daunting, remember that veterinarians are trained to perform these procedures with the utmost care and consideration for the well-being of your tortoise. New tortoise owners should do as much research as possible in terms of the correct type of food for their particular tortoise species as well as how much and how often to feed them. For example, baby tortoises will require smaller meals but need to be fed more often than adults. If your tortoise’s enclosure is unhygienic, then bacteria is more likely to grow which is one of the leading causes of shell rot in tortoises. Besides providing enrichment items that are brightly coloured to give tortoises visual stimulation, tortoise owners also need to pay attention to the lighting in their tortoise enclosure. Like other captive wild animals, tortoises benefit from being exposed to a natural day-night cycle rather than being left in darkness or left in bright lighting twenty-four hours a day. Clean the enclosure frequently to get rid of any debris. This stops bacteria and fungi growing, and irritating the eyes.

To prevent bad smells from your tortoise enclosure, make sure to give the enclosure a thorough cleaning once a week. This is also a good time to introduce your tortoise to some enrichment time outside of their enclosure while you give it a good scrubbing. If the shell is soft but no infection is present, increase UVB lighting and provide proper dietary calcium. In case of infection, the vet will need to clean the affected area, which may include removing loose or damaged shell pieces. Prevents boredom: Animals that aren’t provided with enough enrichment can become prone to boredom. This boredom leads to behavioural issues such as depression, repetitive behaviours, aggression towards other animals, and even self-injury. (Source: NPR).As a tortoise’s lifespan draws to a close, there are essential steps you can take to ensure its remaining days are as comfortable and peaceful as possible. Caring for a dying tortoise involves not just medical care but also a focus on the creature’s quality of life. Recognizing the Signs Swollen eyelids on one side only may be due to an infection, or to an injury such as a scratch from a companion’s claw or a burn from a heat lamp. If both sides are affected, this could indicate Vitamin A deficiency. These conditions may be accompanied by debris in the corner of the eye, which can be flushed out, or by a white plaque on the cornea. Veterinary treatment is advisable. By following these tips and making smart choices about what we eat, we can work towards healthier lives. Every little change helps! And if all else fails, running away screaming like a banshee is an A-OK prevention method. Frequently Asked Questions 1. Why are my tortoise’s eyes watering?

Provide a mixture of vegetables to prevent over-dependence on one dietary ingredient and to reduce any potential anti-nutrient properties of individual vegetables. Temperature, humidity, lighting, and ventilation are all important factors when creating an ideal environment for a tortoise. Optimal ranges are 75-85°F, 40-60%humidity, UVB lighting, and adequate ventilation. Suboptimal conditions are <70°F or >90°Ftemperature, <40%humidity, and insufficient exposure to UVB light or poor air circulation. Tortoises feel emotions. Science has shown that reptiles like tortoises openly display basic emotions such as fear, anger, and pleasure. They speculate that reptiles are likely to display a wider range of emotions than humans can interpret. This emotional range means they can be deeply affected by boredom and discomfort. (Source: Texas A&M University). Without the right conditions, your tortoise can develop metabolic bone disease which will cause your tortoise’s shell to become weak and more susceptible to damage First thing every morning it is very important to start their day with a nice warm bath. Sitting a tortoise in water allows it to put its head beneath the water to drink. Tortoises are also able to absorb water through the vent in their tail (cloaca).

Nutritional Value of Spinach for Tortoises

Be sure to drink lots of water. It helps with digestion, nutrient absorption, circulation, and temperature control. Metabolic bone disease in a tortoise results in a soft shell that does not grow properly. Tortoises affected by MBD will also suffer from soft and weak bones that make it difficult for them to walk. Without treatment for MBD, a tortoise will die a slow and more than likely very painful death. Abnormal Shell A hot spot or basking spot should be provided on a thermostat of 32 to 35 centigrade. A cooler end should also be provided for the tortoise to escape the full heat from of no less than 20 degrees. Shell rot refers to an infection of your tortoise’s shell. It can also be called ulcerative shell disease and any shelled reptile, including tortoises, terrapins and turtles, can all suffer from it.