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The local resue group just dropped off 3 leopard torts, 1 large sulcata, and a hatchling Greek to my house last night all are eating well and look good except that they have soft shells. Actually the baby greek's is so soft that you can see red spots all through his shell and he's shell is leaking fluid. I have never had a tort with a soft shell before. I have given them cuttle bones to chew on and sprinkled calcium on their food. I also put them out in my yard for a couple of hours this morning. Boy did they love the clovers. Anyways I am looking for advice as to how to harden thier shells up. What do you guys recommend?

Thanks
Casey

>>The local resue group just dropped off 3 leopard torts, 1 large sulcata, and a hatchling Greek to my house last night all are eating well and look good except that they have soft shells. Actually the baby greek's is so soft that you can see red spots all through his shell and he's shell is leaking fluid. I have never had a tort with a soft shell before. I have given them cuttle bones to chew on and sprinkled calcium on their food. I also put them out in my yard for a couple of hours this morning. Boy did they love the clovers. Anyways I am looking for advice as to how to harden thier shells up. What do you guys recommend?
>>
>>Thanks
>>Casey
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Ed @ Tortoise Keepers
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

The one with the redspots is most certainly septic.

If they are eating they do have a chance.

I suggest soaking daily with a calcium supplement (calcium gluconate or the like) Keep the temps 80 or better. Keep them humid (even the leopards) Seek antibiotics for the septic infection. I use Baytril and Flagyl in combination (last resort) (See a vet about dosages).

>>The local resue group just dropped off 3 leopard torts, 1
large sulcata, and a hatchling Greek to my house last night all are eating well and look good except that they have soft shells. Actually the baby greek's is so soft that you can see red spots all through his shell and he's shell is leaking fluid. I have never had a tort with a soft shell before. I have given them cuttle bones to chew on and sprinkled calcium on their food. I also put them out in my yard for a couple of hours this morning. Boy did they love the clovers. Anyways I am looking for advice as to how to harden thier shells up. What do you guys recommend?
>>
>>Thanks
>>Casey
-----
Ed @ Tortoise Keepers
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

Thanks, I have bumped up thier temp and already I notice a big difference in the greek his shell is no longer leaking and the red spots are almost completely gone. They all eat like champs ao I am hoping I have caught them in time. How quickly should I see an improvment in thier shells? So I can get an idea on when and if I should try a more intense treatment.

Erin

MAZURI! It seems to have a magical combination of ingredients that hardens hatchling's shell very well. If dietary deficency is to blame then I'd start loading them uf with some Mazuri (of course with fresh food and walks in the yard too...)

-Ian

I will try the Mazuri I have it at work. I am giving they fresh greens everyday coated with mineral all. Also giving the calcium soaks. And Man do they love thier walks in the lawn! I'm tryig to get them out for at least an hour everyday but its touch with my work schedule. Thanks for the advice!!!

Casey