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Why is my tortoise pyramiding???

replover Aug 14, 2006 12:45 AM

Hey people I've had my baby sulcata for a few months and it has grown somewhat. It was slightly pyramided already from bad care at the pet shop feeding only vegie produce. So I thought hey, under my care I'd save it.

I've been feeding him weeds, grass, high fiber low protein foods and stuff 70%, and vegetables only 30%. Occasionally some treats like pumkin and peppers like once a month. The humidity is lowish in the tortoise table about 50% but the hide has a sponge in it that I try to keep wet as possible. It has water tray that allows him to soak in there and he does so every day. I give him calcium supplements 2 - 3 times a week and multivitamins/minerals 1 per week. He has a mercury vapor bulb and a gradient temperature from hot to cool side.

But it seems that it's pyramidding is getting worse. It doesn't have serious pyramidding when you look at it but the front half of his shell I can feel when I touch it that the lumps and groves in between are deeper than before.

Come to think of it, he has seemed more lazy, basking more and eating less, since I noticed the pyramiding but I don't know if that's my mind playing tricks or if it is real. But the shell is definitely more bumpy than before.

Replies (4)

EJ Aug 14, 2006 05:21 PM

You're either trolling or you are really curious. (I'd have been banned for such a question)

Why I responded to this is that you mention that he is basking all the time which gives me the hint that it is not warm enough.

Me, as well as many, believe that the form is a result of the 'proper' heat and hydration.

Temperature range should be 80 to 100 F. That is a range that the tortoise has access to. It should be soaked on a regular basis or daily if it is a younger animal. It should have a water bowl available at all time(the water bowl sould be filled with clean water on the same schedule).

I believe that dehydration is the number one killer in these animals and it is not as simple as one might think without making these an aquatic tortoise for the fist few years.

(hope this helps)

Ed

>>Hey people I've had my baby sulcata for a few months and it has grown somewhat. It was slightly pyramided already from bad care at the pet shop feeding only vegie produce. So I thought hey, under my care I'd save it.
>>
>>I've been feeding him weeds, grass, high fiber low protein foods and stuff 70%, and vegetables only 30%. Occasionally some treats like pumkin and peppers like once a month. The humidity is lowish in the tortoise table about 50% but the hide has a sponge in it that I try to keep wet as possible. It has water tray that allows him to soak in there and he does so every day. I give him calcium supplements 2 - 3 times a week and multivitamins/minerals 1 per week. He has a mercury vapor bulb and a gradient temperature from hot to cool side.
>>
>>But it seems that it's pyramidding is getting worse. It doesn't have serious pyramidding when you look at it but the front half of his shell I can feel when I touch it that the lumps and groves in between are deeper than before.
>>
>>Come to think of it, he has seemed more lazy, basking more and eating less, since I noticed the pyramiding but I don't know if that's my mind playing tricks or if it is real. But the shell is definitely more bumpy than before.
-----
Ed @ Tortoise Keepers
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

replover Aug 16, 2006 10:01 PM

I have absolutely NO idea why you would think I am trolling with my question. I asked a question related to tortoises, about a problem I have with mine that I didn't know the cause or how to solve (at the time). Why would I be trolling? This is what the forums are for.

Thanks for your answers. He already does have the right temps (As you stated) and all the other things you mentioned since I got him.

He's ok now.

EJ Aug 16, 2006 10:27 PM

Among tortoise keepers this is a controversial topic (pyramiding). Did you read the rest of my post? I'm sorry if I offended you but this is a very interesting and argumentitive topic.

What caught my attention was you said he had the 'right' temps. The right temps are the temps the tortoise decides it needs. I don't know what that is. So, to make sure it is provided I provide a range of 80 to 100 F so the tortoise is given acess to the temps it decides it needs.

Ed

>>I have absolutely NO idea why you would think I am trolling with my question. I asked a question related to tortoises, about a problem I have with mine that I didn't know the cause or how to solve (at the time). Why would I be trolling? This is what the forums are for.
>>
>>Thanks for your answers. He already does have the right temps (As you stated) and all the other things you mentioned since I got him.
>>
>>He's ok now.
-----
Ed @ Tortoise Keepers
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

replover Aug 17, 2006 11:42 AM

Your post didn't offend me. I just didn't understand why I was considered trolling. I thought I asked a legit question.

Anyway yes he has warm spot of 97-99 degrees and cool end low eighties should be close enough.

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