Indent on plastron

AbbyLee22

Member
5 Year Member
Joined
Oct 27, 2014
Messages
98
Location (City and/or State)
New Mexico
I have a question about something I noticed on one of my babies today. He has an indent on the right side of plastron about thumb sized. This side appears to be slightly more soft than the other. I noticed it after their soak today. He appears to be acting normal, he pooped in the soak and immediately went to dinner. He's only about 12-14 weeks and I know their shells are pliable for the first year or so, but this just seems off. I tried to get pics, let's see if this helps.

The next two are the indented side


This is the other, normal side


No other changes. Temps are great (basking 100f, cool end 83-85, humid hide 85-90, general enclosure around 95-98) and humidity in enclosure never drops below 70 and is typically at 85 or higher. Humid hide at 95+. Diet is varied, dandelion, kale, collards, spring mix, Timothy grass plus several things planted that they graze on. They are soaked at LEAST daily for 30 minutes, sometimes twice daily for 30 minutes. I add the TNT tort supplement from Carolina pet supply 2-3 times a week. Thanks for any comments or suggestions.
 

Yvonne G

Old Timer
TFO Admin
10 Year Member!
Platinum Tortoise Club
Joined
Jan 23, 2008
Messages
93,391
Location (City and/or State)
Clovis, CA
I can't see it. Just keep offering calcium-rich foods with a calcium supplement occasionally, and keep using your UVB light. It should be ok, but keep you eye on it.
 

wellington

Well-Known Member
Moderator
10 Year Member!
Tortoise Club
Joined
Sep 6, 2011
Messages
49,661
Location (City and/or State)
Chicago, Illinois, USA
I think I notice what your talking about. I wouldn't worry about it unless it changes or his behavior changes.
 

AbbyLee22

Member
5 Year Member
Joined
Oct 27, 2014
Messages
98
Location (City and/or State)
New Mexico
Thanks for the reassurance. I was convinced he had an injury or something. And this morning, ITS GONE! The strangest thing...
 

Levi the Leopard

IXOYE
10 Year Member!
Joined
Oct 1, 2012
Messages
7,958
Location (City and/or State)
Southern Oregon
I've seen this in some of the leopards babies I've dealt with. I think it's from dehydration. They'd get the indent, I'd soak them and right away it would be gone.
 

AbbyLee22

Member
5 Year Member
Joined
Oct 27, 2014
Messages
98
Location (City and/or State)
New Mexico
I noticed it right after a soak, so maybe that 'pushed it out'

I soak daily for 30 minutes, but I guess back to morning soaks also. Poor babes :/

I think too with this larger enclosure they don't go to the water dish as often as when it was smaller. To them that must be a long walk or something. Although I've never seen them in it, It's always dirty with bedding in the afternoon. Silly babies will be the death of me... Worry, worry, worry.
 

diamondbp

Well-Known Member
10 Year Member!
Joined
Nov 17, 2012
Messages
3,331
I agree to increase it's soaking. Not necessarily time soaking but perhaps soaking twice a day rather than once. I've recently switched from one 30min soak in the morning to two 15 minute soaks(one early morning and one late afternoon) and seem to be getting more activity overall. My older leopards (beyond 6-8months) only soak once a day.

And as Yvonne and the others said, step up the calcium supplements and MAKE SURE TO PROVIDE the proper uvb lighting. I recently added another uvb tube light to better aid their development instead of just a single solar glow bulb.

Best of luck to you, its a beautiful hatchling
 

AbbyLee22

Member
5 Year Member
Joined
Oct 27, 2014
Messages
98
Location (City and/or State)
New Mexico
Thank you. Yes maybe putting a second UVB on the other end might be a good thing. The enclosure is long and maybe their not getting enough. Anyone for these beauties!!!! :0)
 

New Posts

Top