My New Hermann

[Joanne]

Hi Guys,

Got this fella yesterday and he is stomping around his enclosure, eating and drinking.

I just wanted to ask about his shell... am I right in thinking that he has a pyramidded shell?

Also, on his plastron, it isn't smooth, it sort of goes in. I don't want to disturb him too much to get a picture just get, but just wanted to know what causes that?

I bought him off a private breeder, although he has only been breeding for a couple of years and this guy is off his first clutch. He is a September 2011 hatchling.

When I asked how often he soaked the tortoises, he said he didn't, he just provided them with a big dish of water.

Will the shell smooth out in time?

Thanks

 

[kathyth]

I can only say that he is beautiful!

 

[Joanne]

Hahahah, thank you. When I went, there were 3 for sale and I wanted to take them all, they were all very different too. We decided on the fastest in the end... he likes to run about!

 

[wellington]

There is some pyramiding. If he is not too old, you can get new growth to grow in smoother. Just get him housed correctly a good diet, and plenty of sunshine. If the plastron is concaved, it may be a sign that he, is a he

 

[Joanne]

We're in the process of building an outdoor enclosure, so he should get plenty of sun (fingers crossed) when summer arrives. He's 18 months old. Should I bathe him every day, or just a few times a week?

 

[diamondbp]

Congrats , you will soon fall deeper in love with your Hermanns, they are awesome!

 

[janst]

Hi he is lovely my two have shells just like yours. I soak mine every couple of days, today I put them in our bath and watched them for ages they kept ducking their heads and blowing bubbles, it was very amusing to watch, they seem much more active after a good soaking.
Janet

 

[Joanne]

I'll have to try him in the bath. I didn't want to stress him out too much today, so I only soaked him for 5 minutes, although he seems nonplussed by everything. I'm surprised at how quickly he seems to have settled.