Hatchling Failure Syndrome (Eng. Only)

After I did some research on the web, I was suspecting Tun Tun had hatchling failure syndrome. I discussed this with the vet and he said it was possible. Luckily we found out the cause in a few days.

But here is some info on this topic.

http://www.sulcata-station.org/hatchfail.html

暖燈及紫外線燈 Heat Source and UV Light (Eng. Only)

It is a good idea to expose your tortoise to some real sunlight even if you have UVB bulb. No UVB bulb can compare to the sun. Tortoise needs the sun and vitamin D to prevent Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD). I have also heard that the sun exposure can accumulate. That means if a tortoise should bask 1 hr a day, it is the same as giving in 3 hours on two days and 1 hour another day in a week. I am not sure about if this is true though.





The following site is a very good one and it clears up my confusion on lighting. Please take your time to read it.





http://www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/lighting.html

During my visit to the vet, the vet told me that most UVB bulbs are not doing what they claimed on the labels. I also came across a site testing the bulbs.

http://www.uvguide.co.uk/

Their reports on diff UVB light are very long. I never read them all. I just asked my vet to see if my light is ok. He got a meter to measure too. So I just stick to that brand. It is better to use a good brand. Also those mercury light bulbs that claim to provide heat and light are no good. They are not durable and will die after you turn on and off frequently. I bought many before knowing that and they only lasted for around a month.

So get a good brand for the UVB light bulb and have a separate heat source. Ceramic heating bulbs work really well and they last for a long time. Some people have thermostat to control the temperature in the tank.
You may use a timer to set the light to mimic the sunlight. I turn on my light at 7 am and shut off around 7 pm. Give them 8 – 12 hour of UVB exposure. Half of the time, Tun Tun stay in her cave though.
I have a UVA bulb for Tun Tun too.

More info:
http://russiantortoise.org/uvb.htm
http://zoomed.com/Library/ProductDBFiles/Reptiles%20and%20UVB.pdf (info on UVA and UVB)
http://www.hkherp.org/newforum/viewthread.php?tid=3499&extra=page%3D8 (Chinese 紫外线的波段-UVA/B/C/D)

- 疾病 Diseases

不是所有獸醫都懂得醫治盾臀龜，選擇時應找一位對爬蟲動物熟悉的獸醫，自己也盡力學習有關龜龜的東西。
Not all vets know how to cure tortoises. Be sure to pick one who is familiar with reptiles. Still, learn as much as possible from the web will help you to understand more about your friend.

盾臂龜十分容易患上結石，呼吸道及隆背的問題。
Sulcata are prone to stone formation, respiratory disease and paramading problem.

更多有關不同龜隻疾病的資料（中文）：
More on Diseases for Different Kind of Tortoises and Turtles
http://uwants.com/viewthread.php?tid=5918033&extra=page%3D1 (Chinese)

- 沙門氏菌帶菌者 Carrier of Salmonella

由於龜龜帶有沙門氏菌，請用指定器皿照料龜龜飲食，浸泡等。接觸完龜龜應用肥皂洗手，同時要定期消毒其器皿。

Use designated equipment to handle your tortoise for eating, soaking etc and wash your hand with soap after handling the tortoise. Clean the soaking equipment regularly to prevent salmonella contamination.