Sad/Grumpy/Depressed Hermann

[angegats]

Please Help, I think i have tried everything.

Up until a few weeks ago my 6yearold Hermann was happy and active in his table (he had been overwintered as I only got him n August and he had not hibernated before, I will be hibernating this year.)
He enjoyed the years early hot weather outside, He has a great table, with lots of climbing, always fresh water. His Lamp is a UV/heat lamp only 9months old but I changed that for a fresh lamp in case that is what is making him not leave his flower pot.
I also lowered it slightly in case it was the change in heat that is making him depressed.
He has a fresh diet, and addition of calcium powder. I have now put his table in front of the french doors to make it as bright as possible to tempt him out.

He is staying in his pot all day unless brought out and put under his lamp and bathed n warm water by me (which i am doing every day) he sunbathes eats very little then goes back to bed. His eyes and and nose are clear and he is weeing and pooping.

Any suggestions?????

Thank you Angela and Family of Stitch the depressed Tort. (been about 2-3 weeks of this behavior)

[Easter Bunny]

I had a tortoise that was acting like that and found out he had a heavy worm load.Since worming he is a completely different tortoise, 1ST up in the morning, charges around like a looney, eats and generally seems much happier.

Have you had him tested for worms?

[angegats]

Thank you for worming suggestion, is there any natural remedies that you can recommend or is that a vet job?

I have had stitch for 9months cool end is 20 and under light 30.

Thanks, hoping to get my happy tortoise back that is waiting for breakfast in the morning.

[TillyTortoise]

Originally Posted by angegats

Thank you for worming suggestion, is there any natural remedies that you can recommend or is that a vet job?

I have had stitch for 9months cool end is 20 and under light 30.

Thanks, hoping to get my happy tortoise back that is waiting for breakfast in the morning.

What is your night time temperature. I also suggest making your basking temp higher.. 32-35c will be great

[JoesMum]

I agree the basking temp needs to be nearer 35C

A worm check is also essential

While things are not going well, a daily soak should be done to ensure your tort does not become dehydrated.
My soaking tips are:
1. Soak first thing before your tort has warmed up properly to reduce escape attempts.
2. Use a high sided bowl or box so your tort can't see out
3. Use enough warm (not hot) water to just come over your tort's plastron (undershell). Get the temperature right and your not-warmed-up tort is more likely to lounge and absorb the heat.
4. Soak for a good 20 minutes. Don't worry if you don't see him drink; torts can absorb water through the skin. The length of soak is important.
5. Your tort may wee and/or poop in the water - it's more likely to concern you than him. You can change the water if it's truly disgusting. Don't worry if your tort eats his poop; it's said to improve gut flora!
6. Feed straight after the soak. Joe is always hungriest straight after his.


What is the min temp overnight? If it gets too cold, that can cause problems too.

[Easter Bunny]

If he's not getting up like 'Tilly' said, it might be your night time temps.
If my night time temps drop to low my tortoises don't get up either, so I have an infrared bulb for night now.

Regarding the worming, You can either get a vet to check or I use this service http://www.wormcount.com/ they will check the poo sample and advise if medication needed.

xx

[angegats]

Thanks everyone.
I will move away form the door and up his basking area to 35, I have been bathing everyday and as suggested this is when he eats, but only little.

Re. worming I would like to take him to a vet for my peace of mind which i think i shall book in the morning, Do i need to take a poop sample with me?

[Easter Bunny]

Originally Posted by angegats

Thanks everyone.
I will move away form the door and up his basking area to 35, I have been bathing everyday and as suggested this is when he eats, but only little.

Re. worming I would like to take him to a vet for my peace of mind which i think i shall book in the morning, Do i need to take a poop sample with me?

Your vet will need a poo sample to check x

[Alan1]

temperature would need to be higher than 30c but that said, it would still come out and sit under the bulb if background temp was warm enough. I find that overwintered torts still do at some point have a period of being less active. my one that has been active all winter is now much less active and my other one did it the other way round, inactive a lot through winter and going mental now.

putting a table by a window that gets direct sunlight can be deadly, the temps could rocket to way over 50c