Horace's shell

[filalisa]

Hi all,

Horace is approx. 6-7 yrs old and about 25-30 lbs. His shell does have pyramiding but I noticed after viewing pics from when I got him (2 summers ago) that it is not as severe as it was then. I had no idea that he wasn't supposed to be lumpy :0)what is the best way to feed him over the winter? Last winter he just hung out in a secluded corner under a small dog house in the spare room. When he was up and about I fed him greens and some veggies. He never really hibernated, is this normal? I did have a heat light in one area, but did not realize humidity was needed. He did get a soaking when he was active. I seen in a thread that "vitashell" was kind of frowned on, I use this product, what would be better. I am going to try and post some pics of him. The pics with the blue and white stripe background is when I got him. the injuries are from my dog trying to eat him :0( You will notice massive pyramiding in these pics. The ones outside were taken today.

thanks Lisa

 

[wellington]

He looks better then when you got him. Some like the vita shell some don't. It's all preference. If its been working for you continue using it. As for winter feeding, add Mazuri, optunia cactus pads, hays and grasses if possible. Sullies do not hibernate/brumate. His lack of activity might have been the area you had him was not warm enough for him or maybe not light enough. If you can house him outside with a heated garage or shed for him to retreat to and warm up he would be happier. He should have a basking spot of 95+ with also a warm area of 75-80 and then can be a little cooler at night. Also he needs water available 24/7.

 

[cemmons12]

Read Tom's threads when you get some time. A lot of good info on there about feeding and temps and stuff. Like Barb said, I would start him on Mazuri. I have fed it to Cooper since he was like 10 months or so and he just loves it, as does Ophelia my Russian.

 

[filalisa]

He looks better then when you got him. Some like the vita shell some don't. It's all preference. If its been working for you continue using it. As for winter feeding, add Mazuri, optunia cactus pads, hays and grasses if possible. Sullies do not hibernate/brumate. His lack of activity might have been the area you had him was not warm enough for him or maybe not light enough. If you can house him outside with a heated garage or shed for him to retreat to and warm up he would be happier. He should have a basking spot of 95+ with also a warm area of 75-80 and then can be a little cooler at night. Also he needs water available 24/7.

I tried all last winter to get him to eat dry grass, hay, and dry tortoise pellet like food, he hates them all. What is Mazuri and where do I get it? I tried mixing the hay and grass with kale and romaine and soaking it, he just picked out green and left the hay lol. He is very spoiled. This winter ought to be interesting, he's a lot bigger now LOL.

thanks, lisa