Health problems with my tortoise?

by Gabriel
(Las Vegas, Nevada, US)

My tortiose's shell is really soft and he/she doesn't eat alot but I think it drinks a lot. It is also peeing alot. It hasn't pooped for a while. It is 3-4 years old and we have had it living inside instead of outside because of the neibors cats. Could my tortiose have health problems or something else?

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Apr 22, 2010
 Health problems with my tortoise
by: Susan

Hi, the only reason for a soft turtle or tortoise shell is lack of calcium in the diet....now other than adding calcium powder to food, romaine lettuce is one of the best sources of calcium and vitamin A for the eyes, and other nutrients that are healthy. Now I have a turtle, so I use fortified calcium pellets, and I have even shaved a cuddle bone and rolled the food in the shavings, I also add it to the water...Also we have lots of UVB light which helps the calcium absorb into the turtles bones..I have also always hand fed my turtle daily and still do, not too much protein, but loves his romaine especially on daily basis and he has a very hard shell....no fungus as I do a daily water change, now tortoise are not always in water, but they drink, water, and calcium can be added.....I assume he gets natural sunlight every day..I hope I have been of some help to assess the problems. Best of Luck,sincerely, Susan.
Apr 20, 2010
 Your sick African Tortoise
by: Anonymous

Sounds like its time for a visit to the Vet. It should be eating and a soft shell is not a good sign. Hope it gets better soon!

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