Sorry to be Pain again ! But I'm looking at the new run and as most of you will know I now need to make a run for all the torts while trying to keep them apart as there's. 2 leopards and 2 graecas , I've got a shed that I can split in two for the night times and can keep them in 2 separate runs but I'm still worried about the proximity ? Ie how close is too close ? I was thinking of putting a path in between them so they would be approx a foot apart , is the bacteria airborn ? If I keep my hands cleaned with alcohol gel between everyday care would this be ok ? I'd rather get it right first time and the power and security cameras are already in the shed so ts a lot more practical and safe , thanks again Carl

Hi Carl
Firstly no-one is ever a pain by asking questions, it is people like yourself that keeps this site going.

Contamination is transferred by bodily fluids, and any physical contact either by sharing the same environment or cross contamination from owner. The safest way to separate is to treat it like a quarantine procedure. These include washing hands or wearing different disposable gloves each time you handle the tortoises, also footwear from one enclosure to another, do not share baths food or drinking facilities, clothing, if you hold the tortoise close to you, and of course any other utensils you are using to maintain the gardening area, it is really looking at any cross contamination from one pen/tortoise to another. Sounds like a good idea with the path in between, allows you access too. Sounds like you are really getting a good set-up going there, it would be great for you to post some photo's so we can see. I have a security camera in my garden, does give you peace of mind, sad though isn't it that we have to deem it necessary to do so?
Jane

i was hoping it would be from touc / sharing things

ive got all new bowls / cleaning stuff etc and thought i would put a tray with f10 on the path or in the shed so i could clean my shoes on the way in / out and have bought 2 pairs of flip flops 1 for each run, as soon as ive got it all set up i will post some pics

im still a bit worried about miko as shes woke up last thursday as the temp was over 16 deg but she seems really down and altho she likes her baths shes not active or eating ! pete was the same when he woke up a few months back but as there new to me and i had to force him around as you said not to let him go back down after he woke up i thought it mite have just been him but obviously not , i give her until 2moro then get her the vets for a check up

thanks agains Jane

Carl

Hi Carl
Have you tried reptoboost in the water? it is a glucose powder, that gives a them a sugar burst, especially if you have missed the burst of glycogen that they produce when first waking up . He really should be eating by now, have you tried to tempt him with some cucumber, sometimes the naughty foods are the ones that get them going? I would still take him to the vet if you are worried, always best to be safe than sorry, and tort specialist vets are really the only ones that can determine what is wrong and give the appropriate treatment/advice.
Well done you for making sure your torts are looked after properly. Ask if you think of any else, always happy to help if I can
Jane

hi Jane

ive tried her with cucumber and brococli and the usual treats but no interest at all, got her booked in the vets for 5 tonight so fingers crossed !

i was looking for the reptoboost or similar last night after reading a few pages on waking them up and problems

thanks again

Carl

Hi Carl
Hope it all goes well tonight, please let us know what he says

Jane

well even more confused now just when i thought i was getting somewere !

he said dont worry , dont force them into anything , 2 to 3 weeks is normal for a tort to come round just bathe her and lower the temp as 85 in the hot end is too hot ?

i tried the vet in the vet section chester high road and they said they dont treat torts anymore !

i bathed them both for 40 mins when i got home and they were both drinking lots so il give her a few more days without the food as long as shes drinking then may have to make a big journey to another specialist vet

the only noticeable thing is she really rubs her eyes a lot ? they seem fine and clear but if you tickle her under the chin she closes her eyes and seems to love it and stops scratching her eyes !

willl keep you posted

thanks again Carl

Hi
As long as they are drinking that is fine, but i would not leave them more than just over two weeks. Try hand feeding just to get them started.  My Molly rubs her eyes alot when she first comes out, but it does settle down, as long as there is not any discharge.
Jane

Got home this evening and she was worse then yesterday so I ran her to a different vet that someone recommended , there not tort specialists but are apparently very good , they said she looked a bit dehydrated as the skin around her neck was a bit stiff ? They've kept her in and are going to tube feed her until Friday , fingers crossed until then

Hi Carl,

How are the torts doing?

Vivienne

Hi , still a little bit worried about her as she's still really slow and doesn't want to each much , ive seen her eating little here and there but not everyday , I'm keeping an eye on her weight and still bathing her everyday but if she doesn't pick up by Tuesday she's going back the vet for another check up , il keep you updated ,thanks again

Hi , still a little bit worried about her as she's still really slow and doesn't want to each much , ive seen her eating little here and there but not everyday , I'm keeping an eye on her weight and still bathing her everyday but if she doesn't pick up by Tuesday she's going back the vet for another check up , il keep you updated ,thanks again

Well I thing I've figured out the not eating problem ! They've obviously had a previous owner who's had them on not the best diet , noticed yesterday that she was really picking the lettuce out and leaving the rest so I got an iceberg lettuce and she was going at it hell for leather , il keep eating for now and keep mixing some healthier stuff in over the next few weeks ! Keep you updated , thanks

Ahh thats good news! Yes, as you say best to start mixing the lettuce with the weeds!!

regards Vivienne