Old boy not eating!

[Jilly]

Hello, I'm new to this but need help from fellow tortoise keepers. Alfie is a thigh spurred about 50 yrs old, maybe older, & I've had him for 8 yrs now. He just has not got going properly since he woke up from hib 11wks ago. He's been to the vets & had vitamin shots & been wormed, I'm hand feeding x2 a day, using Reptoboost in his warm baths x2 daily. He is drinking & peeing well & seems active, especially when it's nice enough for him to be out in the sunshine. He does seem to be getting little perkier but just will not eat for himself!! Any ideas gratefully recieved. Jilly

[Jilly]

Thanks

[fantapants]

to rfuk.

what is it you have been trying to feed him on?? and does he live indoors oroutdoors? am sure somebody will be able to help you out withsome advice.

[Jilly]

Thankyou. I've been trying his favorites, dandilion leaves, cauliflower leaves, round lettuce, cucumber , peach, strawberry & apple & even a bit of garden slug he's usually partial to. Not a nibble or even a sniff without coaxing.

[helen2]

If he is active and drinking and he seems to be generally well...I wouldnt worry too much....my Whitei female is slower this year...or plain lazy!!

It may be worth getting a sample of poo checked for worms/protozoa.

Did his hibernation go well??

I wouldnt hand feed him either...personally you could be making a rod for your own back!

PS 50 isnt old!!

[EVIEMAY]

My first Leopard was hand fed which is fine when you have the time - he has to fend for himself now though as we have another 2.

He would still rather be hand fed though - I cant be near him once the food goes down otherwise he wont eat it - he just follows me around hoping I will give in - which I quite often do !!!!!!!!

[Jilly]

Many thanKs for your help ladies, you were right! i have been bathing & feeding Alfie before putting him out in his enclosure, but today I just went for it & put him out with his food & let him get on with it! After 2 hours of nail biting (me!) he just put his head down and woofed a great big pile of grub. What a relief! This is worse than weaning babies!