Baby Sulcata Tortoise

Question
I just got a baby sulcata tortoise a couple of days ago and I've noticed that one of its eye are shut and a little swollen, it's moving less but still eating, it is also rubbing at it's eye with it's leg what does that mean and how can I care for it?

Answer
Hi Angele,

If you can tell me how you're keeping your tortoise, I can help more--enclosure type and size, type of substrate, type and brand of lighting (heat and UVB, if you're using two bulbs), temperatures on warm and cool side, and diet.  

Hatchling tortoises are very prone to dehydration, and most likely that's the issue here, but if you give more information I can help you with your husbandry.  Also keep in mind that even small sulcata need a lot of room, and you will need even more room sooner than you think.  It's not too early to start planning a large outdoor enclosure with heated shed for when he's too big for keeping inside.

A good website for sulcata care is www.africantortoise.com.