Hey everyone im new to the keeping of the alligator snapping turtle i have just acquired a common Ally a pig tailed Ally and a hypo Ally i have read all that i can find online and i am still hungry for more information. i have asked a few people about some of my concerns and i am still wondering how long it should take for an Ally's shell to harden all three of mine are about the size of an oreo cookie and i assume that their shells should still be slightly spongie seeing as most everyone has said so i was just wondering if that was true or not? i just want to make shure that i provide them the best possible care. thanks for all of your time.