pyramiding in larger vs smaller?

[Lilithlee]

I've noticed this; there is a lot more concern with pyramiding in larger tortoise(Leo, Sulcata ect) than smaller ones(Russian, Greeks ect). Any I was curious, it is harder for a smaller tortoise to pyramid than a larger one?

 

[StudentoftheReptile]

This is just my opinion, based on what I've gleaned off this forum the last several months....

I believe that while any turtle or tortoise species is susceptible to pyramiding, it seems to be more of an issue with species with relatively faster growth rates; i.e. sulcatas, leopards, redfoots, aldradas, etc. Furthermore, it is certainly more of an issue within the first year or two of life, compared to later years. That's why proper hydration and humidity is critically important during those developmental months to ensure proper shell growth.

 

[dmmj]

One thing to consider is that leo's and sullies are produced in greater numbers also.

 

[StudentoftheReptile]

One thing to consider is that leo's and sullies are produced in greater numbers also.

Very good point. But perhaps I travel in the wrong circles (or forums), I just don't see many people complaining about pyramiding in their Russians or pancakes or Herman's. Again, that's just my own observations.

 

[dmarcus]

All tortoises have the capability of pyramiding. I have a Hermann’s with a little pyramiding. I think its all about the care and or lack of care that causes pyramiding.

We must also remember that even though we all strive to raise smooth tortoises, it will not always happen and not all pyramiding is bad. When it’s associated with MBD that’s when you need to really worry.

This is just my opinion on the subject...

 

[Tom]

Here's what I think: Typically tortoises are thought of a "desert" animals and kept pretty dry. Some species are thought of as more "desert-y" than others and kept even drier, like sulcatas and leopards. Typically, though not always, most Testudo are not kept on dry rabbit pellets with no water bowl and a hot desiccating lamp and the false assertion that, "they get all the water they need from their food." If a hatchling of any species is raised incorrectly, it will pyramid. Its just that some tend to be raised more incorrectly, more of the time than others.

Having said all of that, it does depend on the species too. Different pyramiding rates are typical, even within the same genus. For example, CDTs are not all that prone to pyramiding while Texas torts really are... Leopards and sulcatas are both very prone to it, but I think that is because historically they have been kept in a very unnatural way due to our ignorance of what hatchlings and babies really need.

 

[Jacqui]

Don't forget the Stars and Radiateds, which are fairly small, but prone to pyramiding, too.

 

[cherylim]

My Hermann's has some pyramiding. It's not major, but it's there. He was kept exactly as Tom said most aren't - on pellets, with no water bowl.

I find it looks nice at the level it's at. Of course, I'm doing my best to ensure he grows smooth from now on. Despite his previous care he was and is very healthy, and the shop that I bought him from now keeps their tortoises in the right environment and I believe are raising them smoother.

 

[ALDABRAMAN]

This is just my opinion, based on what I've gleaned off this forum the last several months....

I believe that while any turtle or tortoise species is susceptible to pyramiding, it seems to be more of an issue with species with relatively faster growth rates; i.e. sulcatas, leopards, redfoots, aldradas, etc. Furthermore, it is certainly more of an issue within the first year or two of life, compared to later years. That's why proper hydration and humidity is critically important during those developmental months to ensure proper shell growth.

Well put!