Baby sulcata weights

[Skip K]

Looking for input of baby sulcata growth rates. We got two together then another about 1 1/2 months later ( long story). They all arrived with serious dehydration issues. It took a while but this issues have been corrected...at least there are no more gritty urates...or urates at all for that matter. They seem healthy, active and are growing steadily. We have had two of them for 7 months and weigh respectively 177 and 145 grams. The youngest weighs about 115 grams ( 5 1/2 months in our possession ). I can’t tell how old they were actually when we got them as they looked fairly recently hatched when they arrived but the last one we got...the health certificate said it was 5 months old when shipped which I really can’t believe ( picture enclosed ). I’ve read in previous threads they should be between 300 - 400 grams minimum just from the time we have had them. I read in previous threads that starting out dry ? ( breeder) causes issues and am curious as to what short term or long term effect this will have. Here is the supposedly “5 month old” baby about 2-3 weeks after receiving him/her. Diet is zoomed, spring mix, hibiscus, cactus, collard greens, dandelion and the occasion bit of melon ( about once a month)

 

[nicoleann2214]

Looking for input of baby sulcata growth rates. We got two together then another about 1 1/2 months later ( long story). They all arrived with serious dehydration issues. It took a while but this issues have been corrected...at least there are no more gritty urates...or urates at all for that matter. They seem healthy, active and are growing steadily. We have had two of them for 7 months and weigh respectively 177 and 145 grams. The youngest weighs about 115 grams ( 5 1/2 months in our possession ). I can’t tell how old they were actually when we got them as they looked fairly recently hatched when they arrived but the last one we got...the health certificate said it was 5 months old when shipped which I really can’t believe ( picture enclosed ). I’ve read in previous threads they should be between 300 - 400 grams minimum just from the time we have had them. I read in previous threads that starting out dry ? ( breeder) causes issues and am curious as to what short term or long term effect this will have. Here is the supposedly “5 month old” baby about 2-3 weeks after receiving him/her. Diet is zoomed, spring mix, hibiscus, cactus, collard greens, dandelion and the occasion bit of melon ( about once a month)

I don’t believe that the tortoise is 5 months old, very small. Can you see if it still has the unbiblical scar or if it is still there? I believe that’s a good indicator. @Tom

 

[Skip K]

I don’t believe that the tortoise is 5 months old, very small. Can you see if it still has the unbiblical scar or if it is still there? I believe that’s a good indicator. @Tom

Oh he’s a lot bigger now since he has been with us. That pic was about 5 1/2 months ago...around when we first got him. The health certificate said it was a 5 month old

 

[Chubbs the tegu]

Yes starting out dry can cause issues. But once they pass the 60 gram mark u should be safe as long as u fixed the care. They do all seem pretty small for their age.

 

[Skip K]

Yes starting out dry can cause issues. But once they pass the 60 gram mark u should be safe as long as u fixed the care. They do all seem pretty small for their age.

Part of the issue...might be because of the incredible state of dehydration they arrived in. Soaking them when they arrived...2 passed gritty urates and the other a huge urate stone. It took some time...but the urate passing became less and less until they basically don’t pass urates at all now. I fed ALOT of wetted spring mix and gave them nothing dry to help with the dehydration. I have reason to think that Mazuri ( which came shipped with them) contributed to the dehydration. As I have fed soaked Mazuri maybe 3 times in the months we’ve had them...and the baby that passed the stone...who hasn’t had urates for some time now...has passed gritty urates ( although small) not long after each time during their soaks. Soaked zoomed...no issues. Shells are solid and no pyramiding...and they eat like there is no tomorrow. Very active. Poops are well formed. Might be my imagination...but growth...although constant from the beginning...seems to have taken off about the same time the urate issues were resolved ( about a month or so into living with us)

 

[Chubbs the tegu]

Part of the issue...might be because of the incredible state of dehydration they arrived in. Soaking them when they arrived...2 passed gritty urates and the other a huge urate stone. It took some time...but the urate passing became less and less until they basically don’t pass urates at all now. I fed ALOT of wetted spring mix and gave them nothing dry to help with the dehydration. I have reason to think that Mazuri ( which came shipped with them) contributed to the dehydration. As I have fed soaked Mazuri maybe 3 times in the months we’ve had them...and the baby that passed the stone...who hasn’t had urates for some time now...has passed gritty urates ( although small) not long after each time during their soaks. Soaked zoomed...no issues. Shells are solid and no pyramiding...and they eat like there is no tomorrow. Very active. Poops are well formed. Might be my imagination...but growth...although constant from the beginning...seems to have taken off about the same time the urate issues were resolved ( about a month or so into living with us)

Keep up the good wrk man!

 

[Chubbs the tegu]

Ur gonna have ur hands full in no time

 

[Skip K]

Ur gonna have ur hands full in no time

Lol...my son will be the steward of our all torts in time. They’ll be his responsibility! All our pets will outlive me. One son is the tort lover the other will get the African Grey. Never would have the animals I have...if I didn’t have family to pass them on to. Would be heartbreaking to think they would be put up for adoption when my time comes. They are truly family!

 

[Chubbs the tegu]

Lol...my son will be the steward of our all torts in time. They’ll be his responsibility! All our pets will outlive me. One son is the tort lover the other will get the African Grey. Never would have the animals I have...if I didn’t have family to pass them on to. Would be heartbreaking to think they would be put up for adoption when my time comes. They are truly family!

If they die they make good cereal bowls

 

[Chubbs the tegu]

Nothing like eating some cocoa puffs out of a sulcata shell