Possible sick Sulcata Tortoise

Question
We have had a 3 to 4 month old Sulcata Tortoise in a cage with a 3 year old Russian Tortoise for about 2 weeks now. When we put it in there it seemed to be in good health and active. The last week or so it seems less active doesn't seem to eat as much and hasn't had a bowel movement in the last three days. It's eyes seem crusted over, especially the right eye. But it seems to come and go. Now it seems like it's mouth is crusted shut. We have tried to feed it hay and dried lettuce but it seems either uninterested or unable to eat it. I have seen it either hiccup or cough a little recently.I have a heat pad under it's cage a heat pad on the side of the cage and a UVA bulb on top. I wonder if it is getting burned but feeling the glass from the inside is warm at best and wouldn't be classified as hot in my opinion. The pads are in the one corner of the cage.the Sulcata spends most of it's time in the one heated corner. I have read that it is better to have them in something more open to let the air flow more freely. I constructed a 4x5 foot tortoise table out of plywood that is roughly a foot tall and open. it has two levels with the top having a kitty litter box built in for burrowing. We haven't used it yet because we are waiting on lights grass seed organic soil ect. via the Internet. The tortoise is quite warm to the touch and seems warmer than normal yet heads right for the heating pads all the time like it is cold. I admit I am a tortoise novice at best and Have learned a great deal from the Internet. My wife lives and breathes turtles and I bought this Sulcata as a surprise gift before learning how big they get compared the the Russian tortoise and now I fear that my incompetence could be to blame for this little guys illness. If you have any suggestions I am all ears because if we lose this little one it will break my wife's heart.    P.S.- I am open to taking it in to the vet, we live in a small town with a vet that isn't very experienced in reptiles more so in horses so if it comes to that we are in for a few hour trip to a vet that we consider more trust worthy. It is 3 to 3 1/2 inches long.

Answer
My main thought is that it is dehydrated. It is a common myth that many tortoises, like Sulcatas, like things very dry. In reality, they spend a decent chunk of time in humid burrows or under vegetation that creates pockets of humidity- especially when young.

The Russian also wants some humidity, so may be dehydrated as well, just not showing it as much since it is older.

The basic treatment for dehydration is fairly simple if started in a timely fashion.

1. Offer warm soaks in shallow water. The water should be pleasantly warm, and about deep enough to go about 1/2 way up the shell. Soak it for about 15 minutes at a time, a couple times a day to start, then ease off as things improve.

You can add up to 50% Pediolyte or Gatoraid to the water to offer electrolytes. As they get better, this is not important. Once they have rehydrated, you can go to weekly soaks or so.

2. Put in a humid hide. Just take a plastic box with a lid big enough for the tortoises to hide in. Cut a big hole in a side, put some dampened material on the bottom (long-fibered sphagnum moss (like Mosser Lee at Lowes or Home Depot in the plants area, where stuff to decorate potted plants is) is a good material to try- cheap, clean, etc.) and park the box in a warm area.

3. Feed some 'wet' material instead of just dry foods. Fresh, dark, leafy greens (especially dandelion greens), cactus pads, etc. Mist them lightly for more moistness.

Symptoms of dehydration include:
- sunken, crusty, or teary eyes
- dry, flaky skin
- feels lighter than they should
- reduced urination and defecation
- thicker urination with lots of solid matter
- behavioral changes- lack of appetite, lethargic
- often seeks warmth even though it dehydrates them further

Signs they are doing better:
- feels heavy for their size
- clear, shiny eyes with no tears
- healthy looking skin- 'plump'
- watery urine, firm bowels
- normal behaviors

Try http://www.sulcata-station.org and http://www.tortoisetrust.org for more ideas for both guys.

Good luck!