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Redfooted tortiouse

22 16:02:56

Question
him 16, and i have a tortoise... lately he has been making some weird noises and sneezing... i was just holding him and noticed that he has a kind of a runny nose... and keeps rubbing the side of his face... and he really hasn't grown since i got him. and him worried. what  should i do?

Answer
Hi Marisa,

It would help if you could tell me specifically how you're keeping your tortoise.  Redfoots require a moist habitat, especially when young, and sometimes respiratory symptoms are due to keeping them too dry (teary eyes and runny nose).  However, if your tortoise is wheezing or gasping, and especially if you see him gaping/yawning and stretching his neck out to breathe, he probably has a respiratory infection and needs to see a vet ASAP for treatment.

Lack of growth is a big concern.  Young redfoots normally have very good appetites and if anything, can grow too fast if not kept in check.  Please post back with more information, and I'll help you make sure he's set up correctly.  I need to know how old he is (and size) and where you got him, type/size of enclosure, substrate, type of basking/UVB bulb(s), temperatures, and diet.  Be as specific as you can, because the more I know the more I can help.