Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a trio of BTS. They must be about 5 years old by now.
They were captive bred and have been kept indoors their entire
lives. They had plenty of soft bedding to burry under. They
have been kept together for years with no problems. They all
have every toe and not even a scratch on their entirre bodies.

I recently put them outdoors in a large enclosure (see below).
I have noticed that they have been steadily and progressively
"beaten up". It looks like scruffing up of the scales. No blood
no puss and nothing that looks like a bite mark. I have noticed
some minor aggression...just a bit
of huffing and puffing. Now I have notived that one animal is
missing the very tip of his tail. I found the tail tip while
doing a head count and cleaning.

Could this scruffing up be due to their new environment? They
are now digging in dirt and under rocks not fluffy
animal bedding. They have bred in the past therrefore they
reached sexual maturity already.

Any suggestions?

Thankk you for the help.

Brian

n/p
-----
Edward
Carpe diem

I raise my iguanas, turtles and BTSs outdoors all year long and i think that is very good for their health.They never became sick!When its too hot they hide inside their hiding places or soak in the water bowl!They look so happy!And its much more easy for me too because i dont have to worry about uvb and uva lights.I think sun gives them more energy. My BTSs fight but never (until now)hurt each other. All of them have their full tail and all their toes! I think they are male and female because their fights are not very aggressive.Only puffing and bullying each other!

SOUTHERN FLORIDA CORUCIA RESEARCH CENTER (SFCRC)

Location: LEE/1.

Hi Brian,

In our experience with BTS here; there is no evidence to suggest that Bts kept outdoors is automatically linked to aggression. when it's mating time, Things can get every aggressive in any Venue. Females, in particular, seem to get the brunt of scars.

Sincerely,
Brian
SFCRC

I appreciate the feedback. I am hoping that all I am seeing
is the result of animals living in a more natural environment...
digging and climbing and falling and squeezing under rocks and
such. It is rare that you find a wild animal that is free of
scars and abrasians.

Thank you,

Brian

SOUTHERN FLORIDA CORUCIA RESEARCH CENTER (SFCRC)

Location: LEE/1.

Hi Brian,

Your welcome any time. Your pictures looked great if i didn't mention it earlier.

Sincerely,
Brian
SFCRC