Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've had 30 of 31 redfoots hatch with no problems this season. The one that has problems seems to lack an internal rib and the plastron dips in. We have all had some hatchlings who have minor dips but this one is excessive. Has this happened to any of you guys or gals? I'll try and take a pic of it later today and post it.----thanks Richard
-----
Richard -amazoa-

"Changes in behavior occur when the pain of staying the same outweighs the pain of change."

see pics

-----
Richard -amazoa-

"Changes in behavior occur when the pain of staying the same outweighs the pain of change."

I would say that was just from the egg fold and if you keep in in a small container with moistened substrate it will smooth out within a week.

>>see pics
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>-----
>>Richard -amazoa-
>>
>>"Changes in behavior occur when the pain of staying the same outweighs the pain of change."
-----
Ed @ Tortoise Keepers
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

EJ The tortoise has been out 2 weeks now and these pics were taken today. The top pic gives the best perspective of the depth of the dip. I have been soaking it and during the first week it sat on wet paper towels absorbing it's yolk. I hope your right but this is a deep dip, unlike folds I've also seen in new hatchlings....Thanks for your observation - I hope your right! later Richard
-----
Richard -amazoa-

"Changes in behavior occur when the pain of staying the same outweighs the pain of change."

2 weeks is a long time for that to work now but try it anyway. When I run into that I keep them in a covered (with holes) deli cup with moist paper towel or cloth towel for 24/7 for at least a week or more.

I'll bet it will straighten out over time.

Ed

>>EJ The tortoise has been out 2 weeks now and these pics were taken today. The top pic gives the best perspective of the depth of the dip. I have been soaking it and during the first week it sat on wet paper towels absorbing it's yolk. I hope your right but this is a deep dip, unlike folds I've also seen in new hatchlings....Thanks for your observation - I hope your right! later Richard
>>-----
>>Richard -amazoa-
>>
>>"Changes in behavior occur when the pain of staying the same outweighs the pain of change."
-----
Ed @ Tortoise Keepers
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

-----
Richard -amazoa-

"Changes in behavior occur when the pain of staying the same outweighs the pain of change."

That dip also seems to occur where the air pocket in the egg sometimes develops. Because the ribs are not quite formed yet they are quite plastic and seem to take on the shape of the moist space available in the in addition to being folded.

Ed

>>EJ The tortoise has been out 2 weeks now and these pics were taken today. The top pic gives the best perspective of the depth of the dip. I have been soaking it and during the first week it sat on wet paper towels absorbing it's yolk. I hope your right but this is a deep dip, unlike folds I've also seen in new hatchlings....Thanks for your observation - I hope your right! later Richard
>>-----
>>Richard -amazoa-
>>
>>"Changes in behavior occur when the pain of staying the same outweighs the pain of change."
-----
Ed @ Tortoise Keepers
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

I am about 100% sure that this is the most common cause of shell dents in hatchlings.

Richard,
EJ is right. That will eventually smooth out in time. I have had hatchlings simliar or even worse that grew out just fine.
No worries. Besides, by the time it is five inches the affected area would be tiny compared to the rest of the carapace.
But I think you will find that in a month or so it will be barely detectable.

It's nice to hear you think the little fellow will recover from this dip. There is no lack of activity or feeding response. I'll add the extra humidity and hopefully see improvement in the near future. Thanks for fielding my question..........Richard
-----
Richard -amazoa-

"Changes in behavior occur when the pain of staying the same outweighs the pain of change."

We buy hundreds of CB tortoises a year and see this every year or two. They always resolve themselves. No special care required. They go in with the normal population, they sell last, but they always straighten out before they sell. Usually inside of six months.

The dip you illustrate is in the carapace of the tortoise.

Nice pics!
-----
AMAZON REPTILE CENTER

NAMED BEST REPTILE STORE IN LOS ANGELES

Thanks for correcting my terminology problem. I knew going from a snake breeder to a tortoise breeder would have its challenges.
You guys have made me less apprehensive about the carapace ability to straighten out-----Enjoy Memorial Day!
-----
Richard -amazoa-

"Changes in behavior occur when the pain of staying the same outweighs the pain of change."