Help with baby hermanns shell - is she okay?

[Olive_Hermann]

Hello,

We’ve had Olive for a month now and learning more each day, she is 4 months old. My question is: Hermann Tortoises have five vertebrals on their carapace but Olive has six. Should I be concerned? Has anyone else seen a tortoise with six vertebrals?

Many thanks,
Jay

 

[method89]

Shes fine. She has split scutes which are only a cosmetic issue

 

[Aloysius Taschse]

The tortoise rescuer that I got my sulcata Kiwi from had one like this, but there were two pieces on the back of the shell above the tail. I don't think it will affect the health. By the way, Olive is an adorable tortoise!

 

[Olive_Hermann]

Wow, I didn’t think we would get to the bottom of it that quickly! Appreciate your help very much. I am relieved she is okay. Thank you.

???

 

[Olive_Hermann]

The tortoise rescuer that I got my sulcata Kiwi from had one like this, but there were two pieces on the back of the shell above the tail. I don't think it will affect the health. By the way, Olive is an adorable tortoise!

Aww Kiwi, that is such a sweet name! Aren’t they adorable.