about pyramiding..

[11iketra1ns]

Hello. About 3 months ago I bought a 3 year old Russian tortoise. I have noticed he has a slight pyramiding and I think it is getting worse. I have been told pyramiding is caused by too much protein in his diet but I have also heard that it is low calcium, low fiber or low humidity. I don't know who to believe as there are so many different ways to prevent pyramiding. What is the best way to stop it from getting any worse?

 

[tortadise]

Welcome.

 

[Cymmie]

I have heard that it is a combination of things that you have to do in order to prevent pyramiding. With RT's I wouldn't keep it too humid, as they don't like humidity a ton... but always provide a humid hide and make sure they are well hydrated by soaking at least two-three times a week (from what I've read). It can be caused definitely by too much protein and therefore they grow too fast. So make sure you aren't feeding alfalfa or legumes. I don't think fiber is a problem and I think too low of calcium would cause MBD not pyramiding.

I don't know for certain if you can reverse pyramiding in a three year old. Someone more experienced will fill in and correct anything I forgotten or said wrong. So don't take my word as the bible of tortoises XD. It's just what I have gleaned from reading through threads on here. Welcome by the way ^^

 

[wellington]

Hello and Welcome. Advice given seems pretty good. Adult RT do need some humidity, about 30-40%. You can't reverse what is already there, but you can stop it from continuing.

 

[Levi the Leopard]

Can you share some pictures?

I like to verify for myself that the tortoise is indeed pyramiding. Especially since this is a Russian.

How do you know it is 3? Was this a Captive Bred baby and you know the hatch date?

 

[Yvonne G]

In my opinion, leopards, redfooteds, sulcatas, to mention the more commonly kept tortoises, required humidity when first hatched and throughout their first year to help maintain a smooth shell.

Also, in my opinion, the Mediterranean species of tortoise do NOT require the high humidity to maintain smooth growth. I THINK that Russians that are showing bumpiness are being cared for and fed improperly. I think that Russians need a good diet, with plenty of calcium PLUS sunshine to grow smoothly, and too much humidity doesn't play a part in it. Don't get me wrong...they need humidity, just not as much as the aforementioned species.

So, if your Russian tortoise is bumpy you need to take a good hard look at your husbandry practices, and try to get him out into the real sunshine as often as possible.

Here's a link to a good care sheet:

http://russiantortoise.net/care_sheet.htm

P.S.

Welcome to the Forum!!

 

[Grandpa Turtle 144]

Hello and welcome to the TFO

 

[11iketra1ns]

Thanks everyone for the help
Here are some pictures of my tortoise (sorry for bad quality)

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