Shell condition!

[philipgreece]

Hello all! I wanted to check about my tortoises and if someone has an opinion! I have 2 russians and I would like to show you my Wilma's shell for today because im a little bit concerned! My wilma is 4 years old and she is 510 grams! I feed her only once per day and I try to give her as more as exercise that i can! the shell isn't soft but only at the end where the tail is that its a little bit flexible!I bought a ready library for this year but i don't know if the space is enough! The dimensions are 5x2 feet! I tried everything to leave her alone out in nature and she insists to eat unknown greens and small rocks and if she discovers feces from other animals she will go after them! Danny also the same! Please let me know because my vet is 7 hours away from my island! Thank you all!

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

The parts I think you’re talking about that are a little flexible personally look like newer growth to me, which should harden up over time, hang tight on what others think though

It’s a nice sturdy enclosure you’ve built, I’d try and expand it if you can, they ideally need at least 8x4ft spaces each, most go bigger than that outdoors, but I’d made that the minimum to aim for

 

[philipgreece]

The parts I think you’re talking about that are a little flexible personally look like newer growth to me, which should harden up over time, hang tight on what others think though

It’s a nice sturdy enclosure you’ve built, I’d try and expand it if you can, they ideally need at least 8x4ft spaces each, most go bigger than that outdoors, but I’d made that the minimum to aim for

I really wanted to build a good construction but they ask a lot of money! For This summer i bought this and for the next summer i Will build them a large one! I worry about her size shell if its ok for her body because i see it a little bit small!

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

I really wanted to build a good construction but they ask a lot of money! For This summer i bought this and for the next summer i Will build them a large one! I worry about her size shell if its ok for her body because i see it a little bit small!

She has a decent growth line, so she’s still getting bigger

 

[Sarah2020]

Ensure calcium is in the diet of fresh leaves. I recommend leaving in a cuttlefish fish bone similar to what is provided for parrots so it has access to calcium as required, regular warm shallow soaks are beneficial for hydration. I see lots of growth lines, can you get some coconut oil and wipe on the shell this helps moisturise the new growth.

 

[philipgreece]

Ensure calcium is in the diet of fresh leaves. I recommend leaving in a cuttlefish fish bone similar to what is provided for parrots so it has access to calcium as required, regular warm shallow soaks are beneficial for hydration. I see lots of growth lines, can you get some coconut oil and wipe on the shell this helps moisturise the new growth.

I give her calcium 2 times per week! Too many growing lines yes!!did i do something wrong? I also give her 2 times per week soaks for 30 minutes! Maybe i overfeed her sometimes! Is her shell dry do you think?

 

[Sarah2020]

Grow lines are perfect.! Like humans they grow and as they do, the new shell is created =scutes. Most important is your aiming for smooth shell not pyramids. Soaks, diet, humidity, enclosure space etc.. will all help achieve this. Could you add an extension the enclosure you have? 2 side by side with an access way?

 

[philipgreece]

Grow lines are perfect.! Like humans they grow and as they do, the new shell is created =scutes. Most important is your aiming for smooth shell not pyramids. Soaks, diet, humidity, enclosure space etc.. will all help achieve this. Could you add an extension the enclosure you have? 2 side by side with an access way?

The enclosures are fixed! I know they need large space but at least i sometimes release them in nature and always I'm with them! Is this enough at least?

 

[Sarah2020]

Tortoise roam and need space to walk and stretch monitored release is ok however there are examples on here of someone bring distracted and tortoise escape. I have a long brick enclosure with wire and substrate underneath and a movable grill on top to stop aerial attack. It is not expensive to build but location is key as needs sun and shade. Have a think what is possible?

 

[philipgreece]

Tortoise roam and need space to walk and stretch monitored release is ok however there are examples on here of someone bring distracted and tortoise escape. I have a long brick enclosure with wire and substrate underneath and a movable grill on top to stop aerial attack. It is not expensive to build but location is key as needs sun and shade. Have a think what is possible?

My space nature here is very safe and i give them exercise and im always above them! I always check the area about bad things on the ground and I expose them in early morning where the sun is still harmless! I have many trees for shade and they can cool down!!