Not growing.

[Anyfoot]

I have 10 homeana hatchlings. 1 of them does not seem to be growing. There all between 6 and 4 wks old now. All born between 17 and 20g. 9 of them are now 28 to 32g. This one little guy was born at 19g and now is still only 20g. He eats normal and is active as so are the others, he just is not putting on any weight. So at 4wks old I'm starting to get worried.
I bathe them regularly and from 2 wks old I've fed this guy separately just to make sure he is eating.
Any ideas.

Thanks.

 

[Pearly]

Parasitic worms?... But if he had them wouldn't other babies housed with him have them as well?

 

[Anyfoot]

Dont think it's parasites. I'm going on hols tomorrow, the plan was to split these into 3 set ups when I get back. Groups of 3, 3 and 4. I've just conjured something together quick so this guy can be alone just incase he's feeling intimidated. He eats like an horse though. Maybe the writing is on the wall for this guy. We will see.
30gallon tub. Just letting it settle down before I put him in.

 

[Anyfoot]

Well he's in, all alone. After chasing pillbugs around he ate mushroom, a slug and now tucking into a worm.

 

[Pearly]

Well he's in, all alone. After chasing pillbugs around he ate mushroom, a slug and now tucking into a worm.
View attachment 180618

Omg! He's precious!!!!

 

[Pearly]

Just watch him for any signs/symptoms of illness and FEED FEED FEED!!! And see what his weight does

 

[Anyfoot]

All I can do is feed and keep him hydrated. This is the guy with different colored head to the rest too. Well actually there's another with a 2 tone colored head.

 

[Pearly]

All I can do is feed and keep him hydrated. This is the guy with different colored head to the rest too. Well actually there's another with a 2 tone colored head.

Sometimes that's the best you can do: feed and water them, give lots of tlc and just hope that this gives them foundation to get going stronger on their own

 

[Anyfoot]

Well after 2 wks away from the other 9 hatchlings this guy is now 24g.

 

[Pearly]

Well after 2 wks away from the other 9 hatchlings this guy is now 24g.

Allllright!!!!! He's catching on!

 

[jockma]

I'm glad he's growing! Curious about how it happened though...I wonder why torts seem to eat and poop fine in groups/pairs but still don't grow until separated.

 

[Pearly]

I'm glad he's growing! Curious about how it happened though...I wonder why torts seem to eat and poop fine in groups/pairs but still don't grow until separated.

Stress? Competition?

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

Glad to hear he's putting on weight.
he's gorgeous.

 

[Anyfoot]

I'm glad he's growing! Curious about how it happened though...I wonder why torts seem to eat and poop fine in groups/pairs but still don't grow until separated.

Dont know jockma. I made sure it got its food whilst in the group. but still no growth. This one was constantly climbing the walls too, trying to get out. He's calm now. I've since added 2 of the newest hatchlings in with this guy and he seem ok. All 3 are eating. Got another 2 to put in tomorrow too. So it will be interesting to see if he carries on putting on weight in a new group of 5. Is there already some male egos going on maybe.

 

[jockma]

I'm sure stress/competition for resources is key but I always wonder where those nutrients go in situations like this...I mean food's going in okay, coming out okay, but no weight gain you know? In humans stress causes weight loss because it usually messes up our appetite and digestion but torts seem to truck on fine, they just don't grow. I wish I knew exactly how this happens because it boggles my mind a bit.

Fingers crossed it works out and he keeps getting bigger. Maybe he will feel more secure and less stressed now that he's catching onto the others growth-wise.