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New tortoise not eating, sleeping, or drinking? What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Other | Unknown - Other | Female

I got a tortoise 2 weeks ago and she doesn't eat, she's just sleeping and she doesn't like water Is that OK? What am I supposed to do? :(

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on April 12th, 2019

Check the temperature in the enclosure. Low temps can affect activity and appetite in reptiles. You can soak her in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte for 15-20 minutes once orb twice a week. This will provide warmth and hydration. Offer a variety of dark, leafy greens, chopped vegetables and commercial pellets. She will also need UVB lighting, a powdered multivitamin and a powdered calcium supplement. Set up a heat lamp to provide a basking area on one side of the tank. There should be an appropriate temperature gradient across the tank so she can move from warm to cool as she needs. If you can provide the species of tortoise, more specific advice can be provided.

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