Plastron Shrinking?

[Ian Dawson]

My 2016 babies are showing signs of plastron shrinkage, 2017 babies are ok up to now. I have read a number of threads mentioning this and it seems as though I may be overheating the enclosure. I use the 'Tortoise Life' sand/soil substrate that is always moist and have a heat mat under their hide and a UVB bulb at the open end. I bathe them every other day and sprinkle their food with water as well as calcium powder. they wont be with me for much longer as they are going to their new homes for Xmas. I'm thinking of switching their heat mat off during the day. Anyone else overcome a similar problem

 

[Markw84]

I don't ever like heating a tortoise from below. They are not "programmed" to sense heat from below to heat their core body temp. It will often cause the plastron to grow abnormally and deform as the heat damages the cells. Sand as a substrate also contributes to the heat transmission, as well as being a poor substrate choice in general.

 

[JoesMum]

I agree with Mark. Raised with the correct humidity - which requires a moust earthy substrate not sand - and heat from above not below there should be no issue.

It sounds like yours may be too dry

 

[wellington]

I agree with above. We always say not to use a heat mat under them. You should also be using a thermostat to regulate the heat.

 

[Taylor T.]

You need a MUCH larger enclosure. Is that a 20 gallon tank? 8'x4' would be more appropriate.

I also see at the top of the photo that you are using a coil type bulb. These have been known to cause eye issues in reptiles.

I agree with the above about heat mats.

 

[Ian Dawson]

Thanks guys.. I sort of had an idea it was the heat mat causing the problem. Will the plastron sort itself out in time if I stop using it? The substrate is from Pets at Home it is designed and named 'Tortoise Life' for use with torts, it was recommended by my vet who insisted on me using it for the youngsters. I have more eggs in incubation and will go forth with no heat mat.
Many pet stores and vets give conflicting advice and its a minefield when it comes to who to listen to.

 

[Ian Dawson]

You need a MUCH larger enclosure. Is that a 20 gallon tank? 8'x4' would be more appropriate.

I also see at the top of the photo that you are using a coil type bulb. These have been known to cause eye issues in reptiles.

I agree with the above about heat mats.

Thanks for your reply.
Yes it is a 20ltr tank, they do get out to walk about safely quite a lot but mostly eat and sleep in the tank. Again I mostly use what is recommended at the time of purchase, the adults tanks I use a blue UV strip light.

 

[JoesMum]

Thanks for your reply.
Yes it is a 20ltr tank, they do get out to walk about safely quite a lot but mostly eat and sleep in the tank. Again I mostly use what is recommended at the time of purchase, the adults tanks I use a blue UV strip light.

“Get out to walk” isn’t good.

A tort out of its enclosure is away from the heat, humidity and UVB it needs to be healthy.

A tort is happiest and healthier with all 4 feet on the ground in a properly sized and properly setup enclosure.

They should never be allowed to roam the floor of your home. You only have to be distracted for a moment and:
- They escape or get stepped on (both are seen too often on TFO)
- Hair or ‘dust bunnies’ that block the digestive tract are ingested accidentally
- Their excellent colour vision leads them to try something that definitely isn’t food. They’re not very bright. I have watched mine trying to eat red circles printed on a newspaper.

If outdoors, make sure the area is securely fenced and protected from whatever predators are in your neighbourhood.