There aren't many CB bowsprits in the US, so the sample set is very small but up until the baby I have pictured below, I have not seen a smooth one. The first one I raised started to grow smooth but after about 4 months, suddenly began to pyramid with no change in environment or diet. I don't use basking lamps with hatchlings and they were being raised in high humidity closed chambers with daily soaks. I suspected it was a desiccating effect from the UV bulb and the grow bulb I was using.....a Reptisun T5 HO 10.0 UVB bulb and a 6500k AgroBrite grow bulb. I had the fixture set at a height that gave me a UVI reading on a Solarmeter 6.5 of ~3.0.
I have used this same exact setup for radiata for years with perfect results. Yet another difference in this species.
I decided to raise the lights such that I was getting a UVI reading of 1.0 and then started supplementing a bit more with calcium/D3. I also packed the enclosure with fake plants such that the tortoise had to purposely seek out direct light if it wanted it. This baby is only 6 months old but the results are promising!
I have used this same exact setup for radiata for years with perfect results. Yet another difference in this species.
I decided to raise the lights such that I was getting a UVI reading of 1.0 and then started supplementing a bit more with calcium/D3. I also packed the enclosure with fake plants such that the tortoise had to purposely seek out direct light if it wanted it. This baby is only 6 months old but the results are promising!