Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi I just noticed that my baby leopard has a soft shell. I have been giving him plenty of calcium dust on his food. What could be causing this? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Unfortunately, too many things. What is your UV source? What is the daily length of exposure to UV? I may catch some crap for asking, but what are you feeding him? Anything high in oxalates or phytates (eg, Spinach, Chard, Mustard/Beet Greens, peas, beans, etc)?

>>Hi I just noticed that my baby leopard has a soft shell. I have been giving him plenty of calcium dust on his food. What could be causing this? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

My UV source was a zoomed bulb that has both uva and uvb light but it hasn't been on him for a couple weeks because my mom droped it and broke it and we haven't been able to get a new one. Could that be the problem? Because this was definitely not an issue before. Also I feed him a mix of Romaine Lettace, Timmothy Hay, and Grass. Any help will be greatly apprecaited.

Oh and I also sprinkle some Rep-Cal Phosphorus Free Calcium with vitman D3 powder on his food everyday.

2 weeks without UV probably wouldn't do it (though I'd remedy that quick). The diet sounds good. I haven't a clue.

Are there any ulcers or areas on the shell that look infected? You will likely need to see a vet if the shell has become softer over time.

good luck.

No the shell looks perfect. The top and bottom are firm it's just if you squeeze on the sides it's a little bit soft. I went and got a uva and uvb bulb for him today so if this keeps happening I will take him to the vet. Thanks for the help.

A softening shell is nothing but bad news, so it's good that you noticed it when you did. Having the UVB back on him is a step in the right direction.
Here's a few steps you might try:
-Start feeding him a few Mazuri pellets every day. Petsmart now carries it. It's around $10. Put a few pellets in a small dish, add water to soften it & dust it with Repti-Cal 3 times per week.
-Discontinue the Romaine lettuce. Although they really like it, there is actually very little nutritional value in it for your tortoise.
-Vitamin A is a necessary compound for the overall health of your tortoise. This is found in carrots & dark, leafy greens such as Collard greens. Both are readily available & should be shredded so that your baby tortoise can easily eat it.
-Put a thermometer in the enclosure you have him in. Whenever there is something wrong with your tortoise, try to keep the temperature at 90 degrees both night & day.
-Spend some time reading the information on africantortoise.com This site has a list of what you should be feeding & good general care info.

Good luck with him & let us know how you make out. If he appears to be getting worse, call a locat vet & ask for a recommendation where you can take him in your area, as there are only a small percentage of vets who handle reptiles.