Is this considered Pyramiding?

[B0618]

Recently acquired a Western Hermann’s off Morph Market on June 18th. While soaking and looking the little one over, I noticed some of his scutes look a little raised. Is this little one pyramiding or am I just over reacting?

 

[zovick]

Recently acquired a Western Hermann’s off Morph Market on June 18th. While soaking and looking the little one over, I noticed some of his scutes look a little raised. Is this little one pyramiding or am I just over reacting?

No, you are not imagining it or over-reacting; the tortoise DOES have pyramiding.

 

[_The_Beast_]

Recently acquired a Western Hermann’s off Morph Market on June 18th. While soaking and looking the little one over, I noticed some of his scutes look a little raised. Is this little one pyramiding or am I just over reacting?

Yes, there's pyramiding, but while you can't undue it you can take steps to prevent it from continuing my hatchling arrived with pyramiding, so I made sure humidity levels, temps, and heating and UV bulbs were all appropriate so that new growth would be smooth. This plus daily soaks has ensured all Walter's new growth has been perfect and you can really see the difference a year and a half later.

How's your humidity and what bulbs are you using? Folks on the forum can help you in identifying the right ones. Good bulbs, 80% humidity (closed chamber required), and daily soaks will have this little one growing out smoothly going forward

 

[B0618]

Yes, there's pyramiding, but while you can't undue it you can take steps to prevent it from continuing my hatchling arrived with pyramiding, so I made sure humidity levels, temps, and heating and UV bulbs were all appropriate so that new growth would be smooth. This plus daily soaks has ensured all Walter's new growth has been perfect and you can really see the difference a year and a half later.

How's your humidity and what bulbs are you using? Folks on the forum can help you in identifying the right ones. Good bulbs, 80% humidity (closed chamber required), and daily soaks will have this little one growing out smoothly going forward

I have the Humidity at High 60’s near the Basking area and mid 70’s elsewhere at the Moment during the day. Closed Chamber PVC . 50watt basking bulb due to Temps in Enclosure rising too high, 12% T5 UVB, LumenIZE LED light. My Humidity levels jump drastically at Night with lights off into the High 80’s low 90’s that worries me about a possible RI. So, I crack the Enclosure doors to maintain mid to high 70’s and tipping into the 80’s

What is too High of a Humidity?

 

[B0618]

No, you are not imagining it or over-reacting; the tortoise DOES have pyramiding.

Great… Looks like I have some work to do to make sure this doesn’t continue. I should’ve know when the Breeder said he kept the little one on Rabbit Pellets and didn’t have a Problem with Humidity in California….

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

I have the Humidity at High 60’s near the Basking area and mid 70’s elsewhere at the Moment during the day. Closed Chamber PVC . 50watt basking bulb due to Temps in Enclosure rising too high, 12% T5 UVB, LumenIZE LED light. My Humidity levels jump drastically at Night with lights off into the High 80’s low 90’s that worries me about a possible RI. So, I crack the Enclosure doors to maintain mid to high 70’s and tipping into the 80’s

What is too High of a Humidity?

If you can aim nearer 80 during the day that would be good, but your gradient doesn’t sound too badit can take some practice getting the humidity just right. Your set up sounds ideal

Higher humidity at night isn’t a problem don’t worry, completely normal for it to jump up once the lights go out, humidity goes up at night in the wild too. High humidity only becomes an issue if temps are dropping too low at night, what’s your night time lower temp?

 

[B0618]

If you can aim nearer 80 during the day that would be good, but your gradient doesn’t sound too badit can take some practice getting the humidity just right. Your set up sounds ideal

Higher humidity at night isn’t a problem don’t worry, completely normal for it to jump up once the lights go out, humidity goes up at night in the wild too. High humidity only becomes an issue if temps are dropping too low at night, what’s your night time lower temp?

My Temps at Night Near 73-74F on the Cool side and somewhere near 75-76 on the Hot Side.

 

[Maggie3fan]

My Temps at Night Near 73-74F on the Cool side and somewhere near 75-76 on the Hot Side.

80 to 90 on the hot side, never below 75

 

[B0618]

80 to 90 on the hot side, never below 75

At Night for a Hermann's Tortoise?

 

[Maggie3fan]

Personally to me...that ain't pyramiding, nor the begging of it...that is evidence of the rabbit pellets tho..
pyramiding is not simply a humidity and heat thing...it is a diet problem, a lack of exercise and a small enclosure problem...Your tort had a dry beginning, worry more about exercise and soaking now... add a good diet and you're good to go...about the temps...I am very old fashioned and the only species I let cool off at night are Russians or Gopherus agassizzi...that doesn't mean I am right...it simply is what I do in rehab...keep them warmer and they don't get sick...
also...cool temps with humidity are what causes an URTI...for me...no temps lower that 75 with all that humidity...but...there again, I deal mostly with already sick animals...I'm scare to death of 70 degrees with humidity...

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

My Temps at Night Near 73-74F on the Cool side and somewhere near 75-76 on the Hot Side.

They’re ideal

 

[Fluffy]

What size is this tortoise? Hard to tell from the pictures but it makes a huge difference on how they are kept.

 

[B0618]

What size is this tortoise? Hard to tell from the pictures but it makes a huge difference on how they are kept.

It was hatched sometime in ‘24. Never got an actual date…. Starting to realize I may have should’ve went elsewhere purchasing the little one.

The picture should give its size a reference. I’ve never measured or have weighed it yet. Been trying to keep handling to a Minimum to allow it to adjust to new surroundings.

 

[Maggie3fan]

They’re ideal

that's too cold for the baby I just saw...small tort...this from HermanniChris

Ambient room temperature should hover around 80-85F during the day and can be allowed to drop into the low 70s at night. T. hermanni are capable of withstanding much cooler nighttime temperatures but if they are very young, it’s wise to not let it drop that low just yet.

 

[Fluffy]

It was hatched sometime in ‘24. Never got an actual date…. Starting to realize I may have should’ve went elsewhere purchasing the little one.

The picture should give its size a reference. I’ve never measured or have weighed it yet. Been trying to keep handling to a Minimum to allow it to adjust to new surroundings.



View attachment 392480

Oh yes, just a little one. All the advice you've been given is spot on. There's nothing there that looks all that bad. Just maintain warmth, humidity and a good diet and all should be well.

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

that's too cold for the baby I just saw...small tort...this from HermanniChris

Ambient room temperature should hover around 80-85F during the day and can be allowed to drop into the low 70s at night. T. hermanni are capable of withstanding much cooler nighttime temperatures but if they are very young, it’s wise to not let it drop that low just yet.

The coldest op said it goes is 73 which sounds perfect