Is he pyramiding or just growing???

[TerryTerrapin]

I'm almost certain I'm feeding him too much

These photos were taken two weeks apart

 

[G-stars]

I have limited turtle knowledge but I've never heard of a turtle being pyramided. That's more of a tortoise thing, usually associated with low humidity levels.

 

[ascott]

I'm almost certain I'm feeding him too much

These photos were taken two weeks apart
View attachment 107789View attachment 107790

If you do not offer uv rays and a place to dry out for the tort under a basking spot...then the shell can become unhealthy....yes, turtle do also pyramid....again, humidity and moisture are NOT the only factor in pyramiding....and what a cute little turtle by the way....

 

[TerryTerrapin]

The tank is half open top so there's good air circulation, and although I have a UVB 2.0 lamp he doesn't like to bask a whole lot. He will however climb up onto his rock, stay there for a few minutes, jump back in and repeat!

 

[johnsonnboswell]

If he's not basking, the basking area isn't suiting him somehow. Wrong temp is often the problem. Coil bulbs hurt the eyes, so that's another potential problem.

 

[ETTB1314]

Will them basking too much cause pyramiding too?

 

[TerryTerrapin]

I'd guess he basks frequently but never for long periods, enough to dry off anyway. Water quality is fine and I take him out once a week or so for a good walk around the house for a complete dry-off in case he doesn't do it himself. I do work long hours (12hr shifts) so he may very well be basking while I'm not there, also I'm aware maps are known to be shy baskers.

 

[Moozillion]

Are you talking about that keel down his back? I thought that was informal for types of maps?

 

[Yvonne G]

Moozillion is right on. That type of water turtle is supposed to have those bumps on its keel.

 

[TerryTerrapin]

Im not worried about those keels along his back, I think perhaps the colour of the scutes and growth in between is making me doubt myself that he's ok? He's only 6 months old (ish) so certainly not at all fully grown

 

[ETTB1314]

Are those bumps also normal for all water turtles?

 

[Moozillion]

...obviously, "informal" was supposed to be "normal!" Darn autocorrect!!!

 

[Moozillion]

I don't keep aquatic turtles (yet!) but I think he looks really good!

 

[Yellow Turtle01]

Are those bumps also normal for all water turtles?

The ones on the kneel? No. Only some turtles have a 'ridge' as adults such as this one!