Soft shell...

[r6paul]

Just bathed MeShell & Herman Jr,

they both have a mild case of soft shell on there under shell

So i guess the previous owners didn't take much care of them. They now have nutrobal and limestone flour sprinkled on their weeds and there is a cuttlefish bone in there.

Poor guys, will have to keep a closer eye out. Eyes and nose seem fine though.


Paul

[fantapants]

try not to use the two supplements at the same time. a good method is to alternate the use of each one. and make sure that there is a good uvb source so they can metabolise the calcium. Its not unusual for them to have a little give in there shell, luckily its easily fixed if its caught early enough. sounds like they are settling in well!

[r6paul]

Ok thanks, will only use 1 a day and alternate then. Thanks.

Yep the seem fine. Herman Is lazy and MeShell loves to explore. Both eating well, not drinking so much though.

Just barthed both and both poo'ed which is good.


Going to ring the people i bought them off to make them aware



Paul

[Andy n Claire]

was it a shop or breeder?

[r6paul]

Originally Posted by Andy n Claire

was it a shop or breeder?

'breader' but that term used lightly. I think their tortoises gave birth and they wanted rid. After putting the deposit down i found out they had been raised in a viv, and fed on fruit and veg everyday. I was not happy to say the least.

Although i am glad i've got them now so that i can get them to the best they can get and keep them healthy.

[James_T]

Tortoises don't give birth, they must of atleast hatched them with some kind of plan.

[helen2]

How old are the littlies? What do they weigh?

I have some hermanns ...age unknown....heathrow confiscations and they weigh around 40g to 60g and some of them have a little give in the shell still...

[den_bish]

My 1 year old horsfield still has a bit of give in his shell - the vet said not to worry as it can be perfectly normal at is age and size (weight 67g)

[-EJ]

the number one cause of soft shell is first... temperature... second... hydration... and, of course... diet.

This is why I highly recommend the T-rex tortoise diet. There is no need to worry about anything else. Feed this diet... as much as it will eat in one sitting... twice a week in addition to whatever dark leafy greens you like. Provided you got the temperatures and hydration right... 85-90F on the high/basking side and 75-80 on the low/resting side along with a shallow water dish with clean fresh water provided daily you should be all set.

It is as simple as that. No UVB needed with the above mentioned advice but it wouldn't hurt either.

Be careful of the supplements... it taxes both the liver and the kindneys if you are not careful.

Ed

[Andy n Claire]

Originally Posted by -EJ

the number one cause of soft shell is first... temperature... second... hydration... and, of course... diet.

This is why I highly recommend the T-rex tortoise diet. There is no need to worry about anything else. Feed this diet... as much as it will eat in one sitting... twice a week in addition to whatever dark leafy greens you like. Provided you got the temperatures and hydration right... 85-90F on the high/basking side and 75-80 on the low/resting side along with a shallow water dish with clean fresh water provided daily you should be all set.

It is as simple as that. No UVB needed with the above mentioned advice but it wouldn't hurt either.

Be careful of the supplements... it taxes both the liver and the kindneys if you are not careful.

Ed

i personaly dont like the t-rex diet have tried it with my hermans when i had them it smelt like dog food as you have to moisten it going off the lable.also i prefer the weeds as they are fresher and not have colouring in them theese pellets are multi coloured, thats my reasons,as for no uv i think its crap no diet changed what uv the tort recives, through the shell.
supplements are fine,just use a small sprinkle on food just dust food as you would salt on ur own food,but with moderation of corse

theese are my opinions and views,

claire