Soft shell, not lifting body

[Sambright]

Hi all, I’m new here. My tortoise billy is 4yrs old. He’s shell has become a little soft, also I am worried as he can’t seem to lift himself resulting in him struggling to move as much, he’s shell is basically touching the floor as he drags he’s legs. He’s eating pretty well. Does anyone know what could be wrong and what I could do to help please?

 

[Tom]

Hi all, I’m new here. My tortoise billy is 4yrs old. He’s shell has become a little soft, also I am worried as he can’t seem to lift himself resulting in him struggling to move as much, he’s shell is basically touching the floor as he drags he’s legs. He’s eating pretty well. Does anyone know what could be wrong and what I could do to help please?

Metabolic bone disease. MBD. This comes from a lack of D3 and/or poor diet. Weak UV lights or the wrong type of bulbs, and a diet of grocery store greens will do this. In your climate a strong UV source is essential. What are you using for UV, and what do you feed the tortoise?

Unfortunately, pet shops give terrible advice and sell you the wrong products. Here is the correct care advice:

The Best Way To Raise A Sulcata, Leopard, Or Star Tortoise

I chose the title of this care sheet very carefully. Are there other ways to raise babies? Yes. Yes there are, but those ways are not as good. What follows is the BEST way, according to 30 years of research and experimentation with hundreds of babies of many species. Babies hatch during the...

tortoiseforum.org

Questions are welcome.

 

[wellington]

Please post pics of the enclosure, equipment using and what temps are and humidity.
Mbd and/or too small enclosure could all be the problem.

 

[zolasmum]

Welcome from Devon. I'm so sorry that Billy is struggling. Could you list what he eats and if you are giving him any vitamin supplements - and you didn't say what kind of tortoise he is. A photo would be good, too.
Best wishes
Angie