His shell is too small

[Jodie]

My newest hatchling is odd. I believe I incubated too hot. I am getting a lot of split scutes. I have adjusted my temps. The newest, for a minute, I have another pipping, looks like his shell is too small for his body.
Will this correct itself. He is hunch backed as well.

 

[yillt]

Hello. First of all, very cute tortoise and lovely markings. I have only ever seen this in obese adults so I would suggest waiting for a more experienced member but I have heard of something where the shell stops growing in the egg. It could possibly be that. This does look rather bad, but try not to be to worried just yet. Because there could be an easy cure. Good luck

 

[diamondbp]

interesting, I have never seen that in my sulcata hatchlings.

 

[Yvonne G]

If you're keeping that baby on moist substrate or paper towels, that might be the reason he's swollen. They absorb quite a bit of moisture through the yolk when kept on moist substrate. Once the yolk has fully resorbed, he should look more like he fits his shell better. I love his markings. I don't think I've ever seen leopards where the marginal scutes were devoid of any color like that.

 

[Jodie]

Thank you Yvonne.

 

[leigti]

Congratulations on the new baby, and the other one coming along soon. I hope this little guy does OK. It still amazes me how small they are.

 

[Jodie]

The next one is out n is perfect. Thank you. Up to 9 now.

 

[leigti]

Keep us updated on this little guy though. At least one of the kids better hurry up and move out of the house soon so you can make a room into a tortoise nursery.

 

[Jodie]

Keep us updated on this little guy though. At least one of the kids better hurry up and move out of the house soon so you can make a room into a tortoise nursery.

Agreed!

 

[wellington]

Wow jet looks like a porker. Keep us posted on what he looks like when the yolk is gone. Congrats on the babies. Sure wish the rest of mine would hatch.