Worried about slower growth

[Amore]

I have two baby leopard tortoises, 15 months old more or less. One has slowed in growth for the last three weeks. Both kept exactly the same in their seperate indoor enclosures, as it is winter here now. Should I be worried? Both have a uvb tube light and basking lamp during day and night time heat lamp. this is Tiggerthis is Flash

 

[Amore]

Flash has not picked up any weight. Both eating well and pooping well.

 

[Amore]

Any advice would be appreciated

 

[Ramsey]

Hi, few questions for you.

1. What are the average daytime and nighttime temps?

2. What has the growth rate been that you say it's slowed over the past week?

3. Have they had a fecal sample examined for worms and the like?

4. How big are their living spaces?

 

[Tom]

They all grow at different rates and for a wide variety of reasons. I would not worry too much about this, especially at the onset of winter with the shorter days and cooler temps.

 

[JoesMum]

You keep them separately so I assume they're just doing what people do - growing at slightly different rates.

 

[Amore]

@Ramsey
1. Day time, even with basking lamp, uvb and heat lamp max 31C and night time between 21-24c depending on how cold the night
2. Please see photo of my tracking, I have had then from last year plus minus May, but only started tracking now
3. No examination done... must I?
4. Living space 2x 1 ... each living seperate

Thank you for the advice

 

[Amore]

@Tom and @Joesmom

Thank you, just get worried quickly, want happy healthy babies

 

[Ramsey]

@Ramsey
1. Day time, even with basking lamp, uvb and heat lamp max 31C and night time between 21-24c depending on how cold the night
2. Please see photo of my tracking, I have had then from last year plus minus May, but only started tracking nowView attachment 208953
3. No examination done... must I?
4. Living space 2x 1 ... each living seperate View attachment 208954

Thank you for the advice

Hi,

Based on your information, it seems as though you have some healthy babies. If they've only flatlined recently, then maybe it's a seasonal thing as Tom said.

Based on your temps, it seems as though your nighttime temps might be a bit on the cool side.

Many keepers, including myself like to keep a nightime low of 80F/27C. Although a local vet I know raises leopards and keeps them at your same lower temps without issue.

One thing you may also want to consider is getting larger habitats for them, if possible. That may be playing a role.

It doesn't sound like your babies have worms, but it's not a bad idea to get an annual exam and have them do a fecal while at it.

Lastly, the best indicator is their behavior. Sounds like you have had them long enough to learn their habits and behaviors. As long as they are acting their normal selves, you should be good.

Happy torting

 

[wellington]

Your enclosures need a lot of improvements and humidity. Those cages are not for tortoises and does not keep in heat or humidity.
Temps should be no lower then 80F with 80% humidity day and night with a proper basking temp of 95-100F

 

[Amore]

Have plastic covers and humidity is between 70-80% all the time, just took it off to take the photo. Have digital temp and humidity readers

 

[Amore]

In summer basking temp easily reaches 38c , please remember in SA we are in the middle of winter now

 

[Amore]

@Ramsey Thanks so much for the advice, working on outside enclosures for summertime now. Only recently finished skillies enclosure and now working on the babies ones next. They have larger outside "playpins"... just for real sunlight. Appreciate the advice

 

[Amore]

tigger after his/her morning soak

 

[Amore]

all covered up to keep the heat up and humidity in for the day

 

[Amore]

After today's weight checked... Flash has lost weight
Going to soak in carrot juice tomorrow and buy some dewormer this week