Slow growing tort?

[herpgirl24]

So after seeing a few other posting of how much their little hatchlings have grown, I am a little concerned about Tippy. I got him last Dec and he has not grown much. I did not start weigh/measure until March and he was 38g now he is 85g. He now measures 2 5/8", not sure how much smaller he was when I got him since I was measuring wrong .

Maybe it has to do with his deformed plastron? You can see the creasing in the second photo, that is what his plastron looks like but worse.

He is definitely eating well and very active. He was outside all summer and ate weeds and such.

Here are a few recent pics. Will try to get some of his belly tomorrow..

 

[dmarcus]

It could have something to do with the care Tippy got before you took over.

Since there is some growth even if its a little it does mean things are going in the right direction for him.

 

[herpgirl24]

Oh wow, dug up the pics from when I first got him and his plastron looks 100X better now! He may now be growing fast but he sure smoothed out a lot!

When I got him he was only 4 weeks old and I am pretty sure he was kept way too dry!


Tippy back in Feb/March

Tippy Now!

His tail is so tiny!

And a few more pics for fun!

 

[dmarcus]

The before and after pics shows how much he has grown and smoothed out very nicely, you have done a wonderful job with him so far!!!!!

 

[Maggie Cummings]

If he were mine I would most certainly have him tested for parasites. I would make sure to keep his humidity at 80% or higher. I would feed him a high calcium high protein diet and one that is quite varied. I would make sure he has a new UVB bulb when he comes in for the winter and I'd keep him on cypress mulch and make sure it is kept moist. He really needs high humidity and a good diet as I think he has had a rough start and it looks like he may pyramid. I'd treat him as tho he were sick, meaning to make sure you do everything necessary for his health. I really would make sure to sprinkle powdered calcium over his food at least 3 times a week. Put bird vitamins in the water every time you soak him...I guess that's all I can think of for now. The calcium and the checking for parasites are the 2 most important things I guess...

 

[herpgirl24]

I give calcium on his food 2-3 times a week and soak him often. I also spray his hide every night so it is nice and humid.

 

[Weda737]

Frankly I think he's beautiful. You're doing the best you can and that's awesome.

 

[ascott]

I think he is beautiful! ! Hey...if they did not have their own character they would be boring.....everyone of the little diffs make them awesome.....he is beautiful...and there is something good to be said for slow and steady and pacing ones self

 

[yagyujubei]

I think that you need to start feeding him some Mazuri everyday. He's pretty small still.