food amounts and sleep levels

Question
Hi I have just brought a 1 year old spur thigh who is beautiful. When we got her 3 weeks ago she was really active and investigated her vivarium lots, its 4 foot I have chippings and hemp substrate and have put some slate in there for her to climb on too. She hasnt had a poo for the last 2 days and just seems to be sleeping lots. Im a little worried she isnt eating enough. I give her dandilion leaves and clover leaves. She basks most of the day only really waking to eat and then back to basking. She has been like this for the last 3-4 days. Do you think she is ok? Im just worried that Im not feeding her enough or she isnt eating enough.

Answer
Hi Christina,

I'm not sure if you have a sulcata or a T. graeca--here in the States people tend to refer to sulcata as spur thighs.  Anyway, for a young tortoise my advice wouldn't be too much different, except that you want to feed a sulcata more grasses/hay (soft hay at this age).  Get her out of the vivarium if it's completely enclosed, first of all.  You need good air circulation in there, and many vivs won't provide that.  If you can get a good temperature gradient (the viv is large and open) with a basking spot of 90ish degrees and a cool area of 70-75 degrees, then you're good.  I use a substrate mix of coir and playsand for my hatchling Russian tortoises (horsfields).  You do need some moisture in the substrate to prevent dehydration from the basking light, as well as a water dish at all times big enough for her to get into.  That may be some of the problem.  Lethargy is usually due to being too hot or cold, dehydration, or parasites, if no other symptoms are present.  Check the temperatures, get some moisture in the warm area (not cool and damp), and then take her to a good herp vet if needed for a fecal check.  You also need to work on getting a better diet for her.  Dandelions and clover are fine, but more variety is better.  Try plantain, mallow, sow thistle, violas, nasturtiums, hawkweed, abutilon flowers, etc.  I'm going to link a guide to UK weeds that may help.  http://www.tlady3.clara.co.uk/weedgallery/index.htm