Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Exactly how much give is normal in a Red foot's shell. He is firm but if you press on the shell there is a slight indentation. He went to the vet last week and we were told he won't be completly solid until he is full grown. True? What are other peoples tortoises like to squeeze?

He is about 4" long, kept indoors (its canada!), 80F amb, 85F spot, medium humidity, 5.0 UV Reptile bulb.
He eats pear, mellon, apricots, grapes, dandelions, tomato, cactus fruit, squash, and 7% soy protein twice a week.

I don't know what they 'should' be but they can be rock solid in one year for many species.

I have found 4 inch tortoises in the wild that were squishy but I'll bet there is a difference among different species.
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Ed
Tortoise_Keepers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

In my experience, RF's shouldn't be squishy at that size... You may want to add more UV to its enclosure via compact flourescent and/or a supplement with D3.