Pyramiding

[klinej50]

My hatchling is pyramiding. I have no idea why he is growing good and has a varied diet. I have read everything on toms treads and everything is set up like he said it should be. I'm in the process of finishing my closed chamber but keep running Into problems. They should be in next week

 

[luvpetz27]

He sure is beautiful!!

 

[klinej50]

Oh thanks[WHITE SMILING FACE]

 

[mikeh]

If you are keeping him according to toms thread, give it few months. Eventually new growth will come in smoother. Doesn't happen overnight.

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[klinej50]

Yeah but his pyramid was barley noticeable when I first got him and it's only getting worse, is this normal?

 

[Levi the Leopard]

From what I understand you have not yet finished your closed chamber. And up until recently they were housed in an open top table, correct?

The growth you see right now reflects the conditions they have been in.

Don't worry. The tort is still small and you have plenty of time to correct the growth. Finish your enclosure, get the conditions stable and in time you will barely notice this.

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[mikeh]

What is your humidity like? Picture of the enclosure?

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Experts here will tell you if he was raised in dry conditions first few weeks it will tale that much longer for piramiding to slow down and new growth come in smooth.

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[Tom]

It should get better with the closed chamber if you are able to keep humidity up better.

Also, what is the source of these tortoises? If their first few weeks were dry and they already had the pattern for pyramiding firmly established, it can be difficult to stop it. It just takes time. Don't stress too much over this. Just house and feed them the best you can. If all else is good, minor pyramiding is not a health issue.

 

[klinej50]

I got them from tortoise supply and only one of my torts is pyramiding. The are in a half open top right now but they mainly stay on the humid side that is 80-90% humidity. Is there anything wrong if one is pyramiding and the other is not?

 

[Tom]

This is one of the great unknowns. It could be behavioral, as in one of them uses the humid hide more, or drinks more water, or something along those lines. It could also be stress. I always say not to keep them in pairs and this is one reason why. I'm pretty sure stress can be a factor in pyramiding.

 

[Levi the Leopard]

Re: RE: Pyramiding

I got them from tortoise supply and only one of my torts is pyramiding. The are in a half open top right now but they mainly stay on the humid side that is 80-90% humidity. Is there anything wrong if one is pyramiding and the other is not?

One might spend more time on the dry side.

I've noticed a few cases so far (in sulcatas, leopards and stars) where pairs are housed together in exact conditions yet one pyramids more than the other. Tom, any thoughts on this? Could the dynamics of a "pair" verses a group play a role here too? The dominant one keeps the other from enjoying the best spots thus one isn't as hydrated and doesn't grow as smoothly?
..just starting to think out loud here..

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[klinej50]

I know tortoises don't have feeling like me do but they stay together a lot like they sleep right next to each other don't seem to mind eating together. I don't see any signs of them not getting along. I thought I did but I asked on here and people suggested it wasn't bullying

 

[Tom]

I know tortoises don't have feeling like me do but they stay together a lot like they sleep right next to each other don't seem to mind eating together. I don't see any signs of them not getting along. I thought I did but I asked on here and people suggested it wasn't bullying

You ask 10 different people you will get 10 different answers. I shared my opinion.

There does not need to be overt, highly visual, biting, ramming and attacking for the tortoise to be stressed by the presence of another tortoise. They are not social, communal or pack animals. They prefer to be alone. When we force them to live together, there are sometimes consequences.

Do you know anyone who keeps chameleons? Chameleon people totally get this for some reason. If a cham can even see another cham in a cage on the other side of the room it stresses them out. Tortoises are much the same. They just don't have the ability to change colors and demonstrate it so well.

And by the way, following each other around and mad dogging each other while invading personal space IS aggression in the tortoise world. Leopards are not usually too rambunctious, but the signs are there none the less.

 

[klinej50]

I do plan to separate them when they are older I know a pair is not a good idea. As long as him pyramiding isn't bothering his health and he is okay then I am happy. Thanks everyone for your opinion and input[WHITE SMILING FACE]