Timmy and his shell ridges

[Vic with timmy tortoise]

Hello I'm a new tortoise owner and new to this site. I've had Timmy since early August. He is 13 years young. He has some ridges on his shell which I think may be more pronounced than when I got him. I'm looking for an opinion please to see if these ridges are normal or a sign perhaps that I'm maybe not keeping him as I should. I'm worried it could be a sign either of the start of pyramiding, or perhaps too much growth or not having the right humidity. I'm a new tortoise mum so might be over worrying. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you in advance. Vicky and Timmy

 

[zovick]

Hello I'm a new tortoise owner and new to this site. I've had Timmy since early August. He is 13 years young. He has some ridges on his shell which I think may be more pronounced than when I got him. I'm looking for an opinion please to see if these ridges are normal or a sign perhaps that I'm maybe not keeping him as I should. I'm worried it could be a sign either of the start of pyramiding, or perhaps too much growth or not having the right humidity. I'm a new tortoise mum so might be over worrying. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you in advance. Vicky and Timmy

Actually, your tortoise looks quite good. At what humidity is his enclosure and do you soak him at least a couple of times weekly?

 

[Vic with timmy tortoise]

At the moment it's 70 but i'm not sure I trust the hygrometer. I've only had it since Sunday and it looks like a toy from a christmas cracker. He had a full soil change sunday so this is only recent, beforehand the soil would have been dryer. Always has couple of soaks more if needed, but only for few minutes before trying to escape

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Hello I'm a new tortoise owner and new to this site. I've had Timmy since early August. He is 13 years young. He has some ridges on his shell which I think may be more pronounced than when I got him. I'm looking for an opinion please to see if these ridges are normal or a sign perhaps that I'm maybe not keeping him as I should. I'm worried it could be a sign either of the start of pyramiding, or perhaps too much growth or not having the right humidity. I'm a new tortoise mum so might be over worrying. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you in advance. Vicky and Timmy

Hello and welcome from a fellow uk member!timmy is adorable!

At 13 years old, Timmy has very unlikely done any growing in your care, he’s likely fully grown. He has minor pyramiding, probably from being raised a bit too dry, but it hasn’t happened under your care and is purely cosmetic in his case

At the moment it's 70 but i'm not sure I trust the hygrometer. I've only had it since Sunday and it looks like a toy from a christmas cracker. He had a full soil change sunday so this is only recent, beforehand the soil would have been dryer. Always has couple of soaks more if needed, but only for few minutes before trying to escape

That’s an okay reading, though you’re right not to trust the monitor, it sounds like you have one of those analog gauges, definitely go digital for the most accurate.

For the substrate I don’t recommend the soil mixes you can get, they tend to have sand mixed in, which causes its own issues, but it always creates quite a muddy consistency when trying to add the dampness needed, I don’t like top soils either because there’s no way to know each and every ingredient.
If wanting a ‘soil’, I’d use coco coir, personally I don’t like it on its own cause it can get a bit dusty on top, I’d add an orchid bark layer, or use orchid bark on its own.

Hopefully you might like checking out these threads and find them useful

This thread covers correct equipment(uvb, heating bulbs, lighting etc, definitely double check bulb types, folks unfortunately sold the wrong ones often), correct levels, appropriately maintaining the humidity, safe substrates, there’s lots of visual examples for everything, and a really handy diet link to check out!

Housing adult Russian and Hermans indoors

Hello there! In this thread I’m going to include some information an example of an appropriate indoor set up for an older Herman/russian. As much as it’s encouraged to have tortoises in a safe outdoor enclosure, I understand being from the uk myself, that some climates make it difficult to...

tortoiseforum.org

This includes lots of inspiration for an adult set up both indoors and out! The indoor bit has some good ideas to tackle indoor space whilst still providing the needed roaming room! Check comments too, I’m always adding to it, I have a huge back log I need to add. I know the recommended adult size is intimidating to some, especially if you’ve been lead into thinking ahe’ll be fine in a smaller set up(very common) but tortoises long term health really does rely on lots of roaming room. If you’re unable to go that big, go as big as you can.

Enclosure inspiration

Howdy folks! Hope everyone is well! As you all know, I’m a big fan of making threads that cater more towards visual learners like myself, I’ve really been wanting to create a thread full of adult enclosure inspiration for a while now, I’ve managed to find some great references over time! I do...

tortoiseforum.org

Now that housing thread discusses an open top set up, which is fine for adult tortoises, but I will say, knowing how cold our uk winters get, for those who don’t brumate their temperate species, they can really struggle keeping their temperates where needed, a cover can come in really handy for maintaining your heat, the most efficient closed set ups are melamine/pvc vivs. A place called Southdown aquatics actually does custom sized vivs in the uk

Visual inspiration

Hi guys! I’ve had some lovely messages complimenting me on my care sheets I made for all the visuals they include! That makes me so happy because as a visual learner myself, that was my goal🥰 I’ve recently had some requests for some more visual inspiration for set ups that can house babies/...

tortoiseforum.org

Lastly, this one here is probably most important to go over and keep on hand, it’ll help you avoid the wrong bulbs, substrates, housing etc, I always encourage double checking purchases on the forum too before buying

Common keeping errors

Hello everyone! I’d been a long time lurker on this site long before joining just under a year ago now, over that time I’ve seen these husbandry issues come up time and time again, sometimes with dire consequences☹️ I thought this thread might serve as a good visual guide for these common...

tortoiseforum.org

Phew! Really hope this all helps! I know it’s a lot to go over sorrybut take all the time you need! They’ll always be folks to help with any further questions! We can break things down bit by bit, and help step by step. Welcome to the forum

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Also keep those soaks to at least 20 mins, I know some hate itbut it’s definitely for their own good to keep hydrated and give them a chance to poop

 

[Vic with timmy tortoise]

Hello and welcome from a fellow uk member!timmy is adorable!

At 13 years old, Timmy has very unlikely done any growing in your care, he’s likely fully grown. He has minor pyramiding, probably from being raised a bit too dry, but it hasn’t happened under your care and is purely cosmetic in his case

That’s an okay reading, though you’re right not to trust the monitor, it sounds like you have one of those analog gauges, definitely go digital for the most accurate.

For the substrate I don’t recommend the soil mixes you can get, they tend to have sand mixed in, which causes its own issues, but it always creates quite a muddy consistency when trying to add the dampness needed, I don’t like top soils either because there’s no way to know each and every ingredient.
If wanting a ‘soil’, I’d use coco coir, personally I don’t like it on its own cause it can get a bit dusty on top, I’d add an orchid bark layer, or use orchid bark on its own.

Hopefully you might like checking out these threads and find them useful

This thread covers correct equipment(uvb, heating bulbs, lighting etc, definitely double check bulb types, folks unfortunately sold the wrong ones often), correct levels, appropriately maintaining the humidity, safe substrates, there’s lots of visual examples for everything, and a really handy diet link to check out!

Housing adult Russian and Hermans indoors

Hello there! In this thread I’m going to include some information an example of an appropriate indoor set up for an older Herman/russian. As much as it’s encouraged to have tortoises in a safe outdoor enclosure, I understand being from the uk myself, that some climates make it difficult to...

tortoiseforum.org

This includes lots of inspiration for an adult set up both indoors and out! The indoor bit has some good ideas to tackle indoor space whilst still providing the needed roaming room! Check comments too, I’m always adding to it, I have a huge back log I need to add. I know the recommended adult size is intimidating to some, especially if you’ve been lead into thinking ahe’ll be fine in a smaller set up(very common) but tortoises long term health really does rely on lots of roaming room. If you’re unable to go that big, go as big as you can.

Enclosure inspiration

Howdy folks! Hope everyone is well! As you all know, I’m a big fan of making threads that cater more towards visual learners like myself, I’ve really been wanting to create a thread full of adult enclosure inspiration for a while now, I’ve managed to find some great references over time! I do...

tortoiseforum.org

Now that housing thread discusses an open top set up, which is fine for adult tortoises, but I will say, knowing how cold our uk winters get, for those who don’t brumate their temperate species, they can really struggle keeping their temperates where needed, a cover can come in really handy for maintaining your heat, the most efficient closed set ups are melamine/pvc vivs. A place called Southdown aquatics actually does custom sized vivs in the uk

Visual inspiration

Hi guys! I’ve had some lovely messages complimenting me on my care sheets I made for all the visuals they include! That makes me so happy because as a visual learner myself, that was my goal🥰 I’ve recently had some requests for some more visual inspiration for set ups that can house babies/...

tortoiseforum.org

Lastly, this one here is probably most important to go over and keep on hand, it’ll help you avoid the wrong bulbs, substrates, housing etc, I always encourage double checking purchases on the forum too before buying

Common keeping errors

Hello everyone! I’d been a long time lurker on this site long before joining just under a year ago now, over that time I’ve seen these husbandry issues come up time and time again, sometimes with dire consequences☹️ I thought this thread might serve as a good visual guide for these common...

tortoiseforum.org

Phew! Really hope this all helps! I know it’s a lot to go over sorrybut take all the time you need! They’ll always be folks to help with any further questions! We can break things down bit by bit, and help step by step. Welcome to the forum

Wow! I'm absolutely blown away with your reply. Thank you so very, very much. It was incredibly kind and generous of you to spend your time sending such a detailed and extremely helpful message. I will absolutely take the information on board and in doing so hopefully ensure Timmy is as happy and content as he can be, particularly over these winter months when access to outside is limited. (Im overwintering him having only had him a short time). The analogue hygrometer will be getting replaced with a digital one and I'll give the change of substrate a try. Already the soil replaced just on Sunday is drying out, despite regular misting. I'm also going to change his bath to one with higher sides so hopefully he will enjoy a soak. I still need to digest the info in the links but I'm happy to follow recommended advice. It is slightly daunting being on this new tortoise mummy journey, I just want the little lad to be happy and healthy, but it is hugely reassuring to know that I have this excellent forum to turn too and I'm overwhelmed with the kindness of your post. From Timmy and myself, a massive thank you to you. Sending lots of best wishes and thanks, vicky

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Wow! I'm absolutely blown away with your reply. Thank you so very, very much. It was incredibly kind and generous of you to spend your time sending such a detailed and extremely helpful message. I will absolutely take the information on board and in doing so hopefully ensure Timmy is as happy and content as he can be, particularly over these winter months when access to outside is limited. (Im overwintering him having only had him a short time). The analogue hygrometer will be getting replaced with a digital one and I'll give the change of substrate a try. Already the soil replaced just on Sunday is drying out, despite regular misting. I'm also going to change his bath to one with higher sides so hopefully he will enjoy a soak. I still need to digest the info in the links but I'm happy to follow recommended advice. It is slightly daunting being on this new tortoise mummy journey, I just want the little lad to be happy and healthy, but it is hugely reassuring to know that I have this excellent forum to turn too and I'm overwhelmed with the kindness of your post. From Timmy and myself, a massive thank you to you. Sending lots of best wishes and thanks, vicky

No problem at all, I sure hope it all comes in helpful for you

Yeah with the substrate, coir is a safe soil alternative, but it can be a bit tricky to maintain in my opinion, because naturally it can dry out on top quite quickly, and when the tortoise loosens it all up it can dry out quicker too, I personally find it too messy. I think it makes a nice base for people and I can see why people use it for their tortoise who really enjoy burrowing, but personally I think a thick layer of fine grade orchid bark can work just as well, I’ve found it easier to maintain, but that’s just me, you might like the coir.
It will always naturally dry out under the lamps no matter what is used, it’s normal for your top layer to be dry, just monitor how damp it’s staying lower down, this can take a little experience to get just right, it’s all a learning curve, you’ll soon start figuring out the right amount of water to add, how often, and how often it needs mixing. The key with the mixing is making sure there’s no standing moisture at the bottom, that will start becoming smelly if too much water is added. You’ll get there I promise, he’s not at an age where humidity is a huge deal, as long as your substrate isn’t dry all the way through or getting dusty, he’ll be good whilst you figure the ratios out

Yes absolutely take all the time you need, I know first hand how daunting it can all feel, especially with how much misinformation is out there, if there’s anything in there, or elsewhere, you read and have questions on, ask away here, at anytime! They’ll always be someone along to help, everyone here loves talking tortoiseswe all started somewhere, so never feel like there’s any question not worth asking, congratulations on adopting Timmy! He’s very lucky to have found such a caring owner

 

[_The_Beast_]

Wow! I'm absolutely blown away with your reply. Thank you so very, very much. It was incredibly kind and generous of you to spend your time sending such a detailed and extremely helpful message. I will absolutely take the information on board and in doing so hopefully ensure Timmy is as happy and content as he can be, particularly over these winter months when access to outside is limited. (Im overwintering him having only had him a short time). The analogue hygrometer will be getting replaced with a digital one and I'll give the change of substrate a try. Already the soil replaced just on Sunday is drying out, despite regular misting. I'm also going to change his bath to one with higher sides so hopefully he will enjoy a soak. I still need to digest the info in the links but I'm happy to follow recommended advice. It is slightly daunting being on this new tortoise mummy journey, I just want the little lad to be happy and healthy, but it is hugely reassuring to know that I have this excellent forum to turn too and I'm overwhelmed with the kindness of your post. From Timmy and myself, a massive thank you to you. Sending lots of best wishes and thanks, vicky

Your reply makes me sooooo happy Timmy is a lucky dude!

Also, he may never love soaks. That's ok, they're still worth doing. My Russian tortoise hates baths but I'm bigger so I find if I give him baths in the morning before he's fully booted up he's a bit more relaxed (unless the water gets too cool... That induces immediate rage and, honestly, fair enough).

 

[COmtnLady]

Welcome to the Forum!

You found the place that has the best info!

So many sources elsewhere repeat the old info that only had one-size-fits-all, marginally acceptable, outcomes. The expert members here have discovered much better ways, through hands-on experiences and controlled studies over the last thirty or forty years.

For your own peace of mind don't listen to the "advice" given by other sources (like: pet shops, social media sites, people at reptile shows, official sources - eg: many government and university links, many of the YouTube videos, lots of the care books you can borrow from a library or buy, and even most veterinarians). They're still using old info that doesn't work as well. Settle in here instead.

Everyone here will do their best to help you help your tortoise have the most optimal and healthy life possible.

Read the info in the links offered. All those head-exploding details will show you how to help your tortoise thrive. And poke around the site. This is a living, evolving, encyclopedia of tortoise care knowledge!!

And, ask questions.

Hint:
Run it by the other members before you buy new equipment or whatever - their expertise will save you a lot of time, stress, money, and damage to your tortoise.




Welcome aboard!