tortoise identification

[Turbotort]

Wow that's crazy. I had no idea it was a leopard. But yeah follow what the experts say. In my inexperienced opinion that tort has been dehydrated for a long time. Seems like quite a lot of pyramiding.

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

If the tort is dehydrated then everyday is good.
I think most of us usually soak two or three times a week when the torts hydrated, though we allow them a bowl to soak in themselves if they choose.
Don't think you can do it too many times, but it will stress them if it's too many times in one day for more than 20 minutes or so.

 

[hendry the tortoise]

I am not sure what pyramiding means.should i be worried?

 

[hendry the tortoise]

Okay great i soak only once a day.

 

[hendry the tortoise]

I am a bit worried with his neck. Not sure if it is his markings or if he has a sore. Any ideas?

 

[hendry the tortoise]

Maybe you can see better on this image.

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

Pyramiding is caused by keeping tortoises in too dry conditions, and it's where the scutes of the shell lift up, as in the sort of channels of new growth between each 'plate' or scute on you tortoises carapace. The shell should be fairly smooth and even.
You needn't be worried, as it's not too bad at all yet, but you must keep the humidity high to prevent it getting worse.
See http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/the-end-of-pyramiding.15137/
for details.

 

[Turbotort]

Looks fine to me. Think of Egyptian pyramids. Its usually a sign of being dehydrated for long periods of time so the shell doesnt grow smooth.

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

Not sure about the neck.
Looks okay to my rubbish eyes but you need a leopard keeper or two here, I think.(I don't keep leopards myself).

 

[Neal]

Your pictures make for a cool before and after story.

The neck looks normal to me.

Glad he is in your care now.

 

[bouaboua]

What a difference a bath made......WOW! ! !

Welcome to the forum. Good to have you here.

 

[teresaf]

THIS is a 4 year old pyramided leopard tortoise...

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

THIS is a 4 year old pyramided leopard tortoise...

Interesting patterning and colour, still a lovely tortoise.

 

[teresaf]

Interesting patterning and colour, still a lovely tortoise.

Thanks! That's why I bought him. So pretty. Well, plus they were keeping him in an exoterra tank. He was 10 inches long. He barely fit!

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

Thanks! That's why I bought him. So pretty. Well, plus they were keeping him in an exoterra tank. He was 10 inches long. He barely fit!

Golly gosh!
Silly people.
And thank you for helping him out!

 

[hendry the tortoise]

Hi guys, when soaking our tortoise today he made a no 2 as per norm.. i did however notice that there was a red stripe in it and there looks like there is small black seeds in it as well. Should i be concerned. I uploaded a photo of the seed things not sure if its of any help.. he eats mainly grass and i give him grape leaves and fruit every now and again. Today was the first time that he washed himself while soaking was beautiful to watch!!! Do you soak in the sun or shade?

 

[teresaf]

I would soak in the shade because he is confined but I would make sure that he stayed at a good temperature. not sure what you mean by 'he washed himself'?

 

[teresaf]

What kind of fruit did you get him? Could the Seeds have came from strawberries perhaps?

 

[hendry the tortoise]

He dipped his head in the water and wiped it with his feet.

 

[hendry the tortoise]

No, gave him pineapple but a tiny piece.