Softer bottom of shell

rostykochergen

New Member
Joined
Apr 30, 2020
Messages
21
Location (City and/or State)
California
Hi everyone!
I had just recently adopted a baby Greek tortoise hatching that is around 8 weeks old, weighing in at 34grams and 1.2oz.

I keep his temps normal, give him plenty of sunshine, as well as plenty of calcium in his food! He poops everyday and gets warm water soaks every morning.

I noticed when I got him (at 5-6 weeks old) that the bottom of his shell in the center was a tad soft. Not spongy, but like a plastic lid feel. Should I be concerned? Or is this normal since he is a hatchling?

thanks!
Rosty K.
 

Tom

The Dog Trainer
10 Year Member!
Platinum Tortoise Club
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Jan 9, 2010
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63,269
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Southern California
Totally normal. It will firm up as he gains size and become more rigid.

Babies shouldn't be outside more than an hour or two a day. It dries them out too much. My general rule of thumb is an hour of sunshine per inch of tortoise.

Calcium supplementation is good, but not too much. A tiny pinch twice a week is plenty. Calcium interferes with the absorption of other important nutrients and trace elements. Best of they get most of their calcium from a good weedy diet.

Its good that you are soaking daily. This is tremendously helpful. Does the baby also have damp substrate and a humid hide?
 

rostykochergen

New Member
Joined
Apr 30, 2020
Messages
21
Location (City and/or State)
California
Okay phew..... I was worried for a second. I figured it was normal for new hatchlings!!!

Only an hour a day of sun is what I do now! Sometimes on the more humid days I’ll put him outside for a couple hours to get some good sun! Yes he has a moist substrate.. what is the rule for that? I know not soaking wet - but also not super dry. And yes he has a humid hide - although it tends to dry out fast. Any advice for that?
Thanks!
 

Andrew01

Member
Joined
Mar 15, 2020
Messages
88
Location (City and/or State)
Las Vegas Nevada
Hi everyone!
I had just recently adopted a baby Greek tortoise hatching that is around 8 weeks old, weighing in at 34grams and 1.2oz.

I keep his temps normal, give him plenty of sunshine, as well as plenty of calcium in his food! He poops everyday and gets warm water soaks every morning.

I noticed when I got him (at 5-6 weeks old) that the bottom of his shell in the center was a tad soft. Not spongy, but like a plastic lid feel. Should I be concerned? Or is this normal since he is a hatchling?

thanks!
Rosty K.

Mine is soft at the bottom also and also a little on the sides but looks like this I am scared
 

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