If your Russian tortoise isn’t eating, there could be a number of reasons why. It could be sick, stressed, or simply not hungry. It’s important to figure out the cause so you can take steps to get them back on track. In this post, I’ll discuss some possible causes and tips to help get your Russian tortoise to start eating again.
While tortoises can technically survive without food for weeks or even months, this does not mean that it is healthy for them to do so. When tortoises do not eat, they are not able to get the nutrients and energy they need to stay active and healthy.
How Long Can Tortoises Go Without Eating?
Tortoises are some of the longest-living animals on earth, with many species living to be over 100 years old. So it’s no surprise that these reptiles can go for long periods of time without food. How long exactly can tortoises go without eating?
Well, it depends on the individual tortoise and its circumstances. If a tortoise is healthy and has access to plenty of water, it can probably go three months or more without food. However, if a tortoise is sick or injured, it may only be able to survive for a few weeks without eating.
In general, it’s best not to let your tortoise go too long without food.
Common Reasons for Your Russian Tortoise Not Eating
Brumation
If your tortoise is not eating, it may be because they are preparing to brumate. This is when they slow down their metabolism and hibernate for the winter. Their appetite will decrease and they may even lose some weight.
Temperature
Another reason could be that the temperature is too cold for the tortoise. They need a warm environment to digest their food properly. If the temperature is below 65 degrees Fahrenheit, your tortoise will not be able to digest its food properly.
Constipated
Another possibility is that your tortoise is already constipated. This can happen if they have eaten something that is hard to digest or if the temperature is too cold for them to properly digest their food.
Waking Up From Hibernation
One potential reason could be that your Russian tortoise is just waking up from hibernation. It can take some time for them to adjust back to a regular routine and appetite.
Stress
Another possibility is that your tortoise is experiencing stress from a change in environment or routine. This can lead to a loss of appetite.
When your tortoise is feeling stressed, there are a few things you can do to help:
First, try to identify what is causing the stress. If it is something you can remove from the tortoise’s environment, do so.
If the stressor is something that cannot be removed, like another animal in the home, try to provide the tortoise with a hiding place where it can feel safe.
Offer your tortoise its favorite food that it enjoys and make sure it has access to water. A healthy diet will help your tortoise cope with stress.
Finally, give your tortoise some time to adjust to any changes in its environment and be patient while it adapts.
Health Issues
Finally, it’s possible that your tortoise isn’t eating because of some underlying health issue. Usually, it is one of three illnesses: intestinal parasites, respiratory infection, or mouth rot. If you’re concerned, it’s always best to consult with a vet to rule out any potential problems.
Intestinal parasites
Intestinal parasites are the most common issue. They are usually passed to the tortoise through contaminated food or water and can cause weight loss, anemia, and diarrhea. If your tortoise is not eating and you suspect intestinal parasites, take a stool sample to your vet for testing.
Respiratory infections
Respiratory infections are another common reason why a tortoise may stop eating. These can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi and often lead to wheezing, lethargy, and a loss of appetite. If you think your tortoise has a respiratory infection, take them to see a vet as soon as possible.
Mouth rot
Mouth rot is a common infection in reptiles and can cause your tortoise to lose its appetite. The infection is caused by bacteria that invade the mouth and throat, and it can be deadly if left untreated. If you think your tortoise has mouth rot, take it to a vet immediately.
Tips to Encourage Your Tortoise to Eat
There are a few things you can do to help your Russian tortoise eat:
Make sure the temperature is right. Tortoises like it warm, so if the temperature in their enclosure is too cold, they may lose their appetite.
Try soaking your tortoise in warm water for 20-30 minutes. This will help rehydrate your tortoise and make it more likely to eat.
Offer them a varied diet. If they are only eating one type of food, they may get bored and not want to eat as much.
Try giving them some of their favorite foods as well as new foods to see if that makes a difference.
If your tortoise is constipated, you can try giving it high water content vegetables like lettuce, cucumber, and kale. These vegetables will help keep your tortoise hydrated and may make it more interested in eating.
Lastly, you can take them to the vet. If there is something wrong with your tortoise, they may not feel well enough to eat. If the vet does not find anything wrong, they may be able to give you some additional tips.
