White lines in my tortoise shell !!!!!
- Thread starter Ricardoleopard
- Start date
Hello! To me they look like new keratin growth. It should darken over the time.
- Joined
- Nov 17, 2013
- Messages
- 5,064
It is normal new growth. New shell growth appears as white lines between the existing scutes, and as Alex said above, it will darken over time.
Littleredfootbigredheart
Well-Known Member
Agree with the above, completely normal
Whilst you’re here, don’t suppose you’d updating us on how he’s kept now? It’s nice to check in with new members
did you manage to make some of the needed changes with set up?
Whilst you’re here, don’t suppose you’d updating us on how he’s kept now? It’s nice to check in with new members
did you manage to make some of the needed changes with set up?
As mentioned this is new shell growth, I recommend weighing weekly and keeping a log this helps to show you, weight loss and gain. Your aiming for smooth slow growth with correct setup inc light, heat, hydration, fresh diet and calcium to help strong shell, bone, beak and claw growth. Enjoy your shelled warrior.
No, you shouldn't be worried about the new growth. You should be worried about how you are going to house this tropical tortoise in your climate as it keeps growing.
Ricardoleopard
Member
Hey Tom I was thinking about buying this enclosure. Would you recommend it, or do you think a bigger one would be better?
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Ricardoleopard
Member
Feeding her has been very difficult. I bought some cat grass, but she doesn’t seem to like it. I even cut it into small pieces, but she still prefers eating the romaine. I also got some dandelion seeds and other safe seeds for her, I'm just waiting for them to grow.
Littleredfootbigredheart
Well-Known Member
Bigger is always better but this kind of closed chamber can work great
That is a good one to start a baby in, but its only going to last about a year or so and then you will need something larger.
If you can find one over there made of expanded PVC instead of wood, it will hold up much better with all the moisture and humidity.
It takes time to introduce new foods. They usually won't just walk up and eat something they are not familiar with.
Mince up a tiny amount of the cat grass super fine. Then mince up some romaine and spray it with water. Then mix it all together. There should only be a few tiny flecks of minced grass. Almost none at all. Keep doing this daily and gradually add more and more of the new better stuff. Most people stat with way too much of the new food. They want them to "eat" the new food, but they aren't going to do that. They are going to eat their old familiar foods, and some tiny morsels of the new stuff will be accidentally ingested with it. Over time, they get used to the new smell, taste and texture.
Repeat this process for each new food. It can take weeks or months of effort, but it's worth it in the long run and your tortoise will live for decades. After introducing a bunch of new foods this way, it will get easier and easier to keep introducing new foods.
Dandelions are like nectar to them so if you go out for a walk there are lots in the fields and parks at the moment. Growing yourself is good as well. I just take the flower head and they are soon consumed.
