What to Do If Your Tortoise Refuses to Eat?

Like other reptiles, tortoises are sensitive to their environment and can occasionally refuse to eat, especially after hibernation. Refusal to eat is a distressing animal behavior for the owner of any pet to see, but as tortoises are uncommon pets there is a lot less information available about tortoise care than there is about caring for dogs and cats. If a tortoise refuses to eat, a pet owner should take a number of steps immediately in consultation with a veterinarian.

  1. Prevention

    • Prevention is better than the cure. The most common time for a tortoise to stop eating is after hibernation. Post-hibernation anorexia can be caused by poor environmental conditions during the hibernation period, most commonly when the animal has been kept in too cold a place. Tortoises are quite susceptible to the cold and can catch frost bite. When the frost bite thaws, it can have a terrible effect on the tortoise's eyes. The best way to stop this happening is to ensure the area where the tortoise will hibernate over the winter is at a constant warm temperature. Check the bedding regularly with a thermometer. The optimum temperature varies from species to species.

    Rehydration

    • If your tortoise refuses to eat, the most important thing is not food, but water. In most cases after rehydration the tortoise will start feeding again. Place the tortoise in a bowl of water so the water level reaches just below its chin and it should start to drink. It is best to warm up the water slightly, and remember not to overfill it as tortoises cannot swim. Rehydration is the only option for most tortoise owners, and this should be done as soon as a feeding problem is identified.

    Veterinarian

    • When any pet gets sick the most important thing to do is call a veterinarian. It can be difficult to find a veterinarian who has experience with tortoises. When a tortoise owner first obtains her tortoise, she should look for a local veterinarian who is familiar with tortoise care. Then, in times of emergency, a veterinarian experienced in tortoise health care will be able to give a much more accurate diagnosis and will have the correct tools for getting the tortoise eating again.

    Force Feeding

    • Do not try to force feed the tortoise if it is not eating. This is likely to cause more damage and may even kill the animal, as tortoises have sensitive renal systems. After you have tried the rehydration tactic, a veterinarian may decide to force feed the animal with a tube into the stomach, but this is a decision and a task that should only be carried out by a professional.