Fecal impaction is often used interchangeably with bowel obstruction (intestinal obstruction). An intestinal obstruction refers to a blockage caused by foreign objects (pebbles, substrate, hair, etc.), while impaction only refers […]
Health
How To Treat Mouth Rot in Tortoises (Infectious Stomatitis)
Tortoises have naturally occurring bacteria in their mouths, manifesting as mouth rot when the immune system ceases to function efficiently, commonly due to ongoing stress. An infection (usually bacteria, but […]
How To Heal A Cracked Tortoise Shell
Tortoises can get cracked shells due to a bad fall, conflict with other animals, attacks by predators, and certain illnesses and diseases. A tortoise will need immediate treatment and ongoing […]
Tortoise Skin Changing Color – Why It Happens!
A tortoise that changes color in patches, especially over a relatively short period, usually has a sickness, infection, or disease. However, there are times when a gradual full-bodied color change […]
Why Has My Tortoise Stopped Eating?
Tortoises shouldn’t eat every day, let alone several times a day. They should eat for 5 days and avoid eating for 2 days, known as ‘starve days.’ However, it’s rarely […]
17 Common Warning Signs a Tortoise is Dying (or Very Sick)
Tortoises have long lifespans, but this doesn’t make them invulnerable to life-threatening illnesses, diseases, and injuries. So, we have to be aware of the signs of a dying tortoise. Toward […]
How Do I Know If My Tortoise’s Beak Is Too Long?
Looking at a tortoise from the side, you’ll see a hard and sharp overhang over the mouth. This is known as the tortoise’s beak, which is responsible for breaking off […]
What Makes A Tortoise Shell Soft?
Tortoises can develop soft shells due to a calcium deficiency or phosphorus surplus, causing Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD). It can also happen if they have a vitamin D3 deficiency or […]
How To Care for A Dehydrated Tortoise (in 4 Easy Steps)
According to the Movement Ecology Journal, tortoises can withstand hot and arid environments. While it’s not ideal for tortoises to go without water for long periods, sometimes they have no […]