Sad day

[BrianA123]

We had a sad day the other day. Our year and a half year old sulcata died. We can't figure it why. Although we think something might have been wrong with him genetically as we were feeding and sunning him regularly, but he never seemed to grow.

Although we had a sad day we had a happy day the next. We picked up a 2 year old. He's is a little pyramided, however the previous owner was doing what he needed to stop further propagation. I've attach a picture of the two together.

 

[Lilyloveslettuse]

I'm SOOOO sorry Brian!!! But your new tortie looks healthy.

 

[wellington]

So sorry for your loss.

 

[BeeBee*BeeLeaves]

WOW. Huge difference for being just 6 months or so apart. They do not even look like they are both sulcatas.

Congrats on the new tortoise. Happy. I am so very sorry about the passing of that little one. RIP lil one.

It might be yet another example of very dry beginnings that can and will affect their little bodies so negatively. Hot + humid = happy and healthy seems to keep proving itself to be the key to thriving!

 

[Maggie and Torie the Tort]

Sorry for your loss.

Congrats on the new tort!

 

[BrianA123]

Thanks everyone. For how long should I keep him hot and humid. I would like to keep his pryamiding from getting any worse. Should I keep him humid or is it past the "critical" point?

Thanks.

 

[wellington]

Humid to 80% until 8 inches. Then give him a good warm humid hide to sleep in. At 8-10 inches they can go outside all day for sure.

 

[sibi]

If you are trying to stop the pyramiding, you'll need to keep the humid hide. Remember that the damage done can't be undone; however, since he is only 2 years old, he'll have quite a bit of growing still. Keeping his hid humid does two things: avoids dehydration and helps smooth out new growth over time. If you provide a humid hide in an outside enclosure, you'll help prevent further damage. My sullies started to pyramid when they were a few months old. They are nearly two years old now and I still provide a humid environment to prevent dehydration since I don't think they drink enough water. They are now in an outdoor enclosure, and I still provide a humid hide for them. I will continue this indefinitely. Now, that's what I do. You do what works for your tort.

As a side note, did you ever bring Brian to a vet? Was be ever tested for parasites? Sometimes parasites can cause stunted growth and will eventually kill. Just a thought. Sorry for your loss. It would be wise to follow up with a vet visit for parasite /worms for your new tort.