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Turtles/Runny nose

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Expert: Jeannie - 11/6/2009


Question
Hi I have a small red foot tortoise who seems to have a runny nose and watery eyes, I'm assuming it has to do with temperature or humidity but I'm not sure. Any ideas?

Answer
Hi Quinn,

I could help more if you give me more information:  type and size of enclosure, substrate, type of heat and UVB bulb(s), temperatures in warm and cool area, and diet.  Redfoots require a fairly high moisture/humidity enclosure.  Watery eyes is an indication that your tortoise is being kept too dry, and very likely that's the cause of the runny nose as well.  As long as you don't see any signs of respiratory distress (gaping or "yawning," stretching the neck out, etc.), I would start with increasing humidity and then go from there.  I use a mix of cypress mulch and sphagnum moss in the enclosure for my small redfoots.  I tilt the enclosure up a few inches so that when I pour water in it will collect at the warmer end and create a warm, boggy area that is very moist.  At the cooler end I have an area with dry moss so they can choose where they want to be.  Hope this helps--if you want to give me more information or have any questions about setting up your enclosure, please reply back.

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Jeannie

Expertise

Questions regarding husbandry of Russian tortoises and other Mediterranean species, sulcata, and redfoot tortoises; general tortoise care; box turtle care. If I can't answer a specific question, I can provide sources for further research. Please note: I am not well experienced with aquatic species. I've worked with them in rescue, but I don't keep or breed them. If you ask a question about red-eared sliders or other aquatic species, I may not be able to provide you with the specific information that you need, although I can give researched answers and direct you to websites that may help further. I also have contacts in rescue that I can use if necessary. Disclaimer: My advice is not a substitute for vet care. If I think your tortoise/turtle has a specific medical condition or injury that warrants a vet visit, I'll tell you so, and if possible I'll help you locate a vet. If I do advise consulting a vet, please do it for the health and safety of your pet.

Experience

I have kept and bred Russian tortoises for over ten years and have other Mediterranean species plus redfoots. Have kept box turtles in the past. I've worked with other tortoise species at a local rescue, mostly sulcata but some leopards, California desert tortoises, yellowfoots, and box turtles. I have also worked with aquatics in rescue, but don't keep them in my collection.

Education/Credentials
My knowledge is based on hands-on experience keeping, breeding, and working with tortoises and turtles.

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