Leopard Tort Weight

[AJPotato]

First off, thank you to everyone who posts on here... as a new tort owner this forum has answered a lot of questions and eased a lot of worries But this is my first actual post as I need specific advice lol.

Just over a month ago I got my 9 month old Leopard tortoise, Butters, weighing in at 100 grams. I was told by the breeder he should gain 2 grams a week... so he should have gained about 10 grams... he's gained 26. I thought I was being careful with his diet and I keep the greens varied... he does get a small daily raspberry as I put all his calcium powder on it as he's sure to devour the whole thing haha.

I'm concerned he's overweight and may develop health problems and shell issues... although I've seen other posts saying this rate of growth is normal. Want to make sure he's getting the best start of a very long life, so if any experienced owners could chip in here it would be appreciated

I have attached a photo from his first week with me, and one taken the other day... he nearly takes up my whole palm now! Thank you

 

[Yvonne G]

I think he could use a bit more humidity in his enclosure, and are you using reptile carpet in the shelter portion of the tort table? If he's using that part at night, that's where he needs moist substrate to help his shell grow smoothly.

I don't ever worry they're growing too fast. I just hope they clean their plate!

What brand/type of lights do you use?

 

[AJPotato]

I think he could use a bit more humidity in his enclosure, and are you using reptile carpet in the shelter portion of the tort table? If he's using that part at night, that's where he needs moist substrate to help his shell grow smoothly.

I don't ever worry they're growing too fast. I just hope they clean their plate!

What brand/type of lights do you use?

Inside the shelter portion is lots of spgagnum moss... he loves snuggling into that haha so it is pretty humid in there. I spray the main area with water every day to make sure it's not too dry in there ?

I was advised to use an Arcadia D3 basking lamp - 100w.

So his weight and growth rate is normal for his age?