The urate should look firm moist and white along w/ the dark moist and firm--- that will tell you if hes hydrated -- look for the white - are you taking basking temps w/ a digital probe ? that is the most accurate way besides the infrared heat gun-- if you leave the veggies in the tank for him please put them on the cooler side of the tank it will stay hydrated longer
Karrie
That's good that he's eating some and has been active. At 8 yrs.old they are past the middle of their life and getting up there,10-12 is considered an average lifespan. But his being 8 would not cause his condition, that was just extreme neglect, hopefully he doesn't have an underlying illness. So far so good though.