Tortoise behaviour and weight gain (Q's)

[Millza]

I have recently aquirred a Hermanns Tortoise. Female, 3 1/2 y/o. Her previous owner did not feed her correctly for several months (iceberg lettuce) and did not have a heat lamp or UV bulb on her, although it was in the tank he did not switch it on. I have been giving her warm baths daily as she was very lethargic. She seems to be eating alot, whatever she can get. She had diarrhoea but it has cleared up now.

I was just wondering about her weight, she was 412grams and in a week she has gone up to 452grams? Is this ok as tortoises are not meant to put on masses of weight, I thought that she may have gained weight rapidly because of her previous (non-existant) diet.

Also after she has eaten a few mouthfuls she bobs her head up and down and sways her body. Does this signify anything?

Any information would be greatly appreciated

[jahred]

I was just wondering about her weight, she was 412grams and in a week she has gone up to 452grams? Is this ok as tortoises are not meant to put on masses of weight, I thought that she may have gained weight rapidly because of her previous (non-existant) diet.

The problem with Tortoises is that they rapidity gain and lose a fair bit of weight through drinking/eating and then defecating/urinating. So, whilst that rapid weight gain seems extreme, it would be best to do a few measurements to get an accurate reading (such as when they get up, mid-afternoon, evening etc).

However, some of that gain will be due to the new (excellent) diet she is now on.

[wizzasmum]

[quote=Millza;3756897]

I was just wondering about her weight, she was 412grams and in a week she has gone up to 452grams? Is this ok as tortoises are not meant to put on masses of weight, I thought that she may have gained weight rapidly because of her previous (non-existant) diet.

This could possibly be simply hydration. Weigh her weekly initially and if this continues then you need to take action and feed less. Hermanns are particularly greedy torts and will eat to excess even on correct foodstuffs.
What is her SCL - straight carapace length? This is the measurement from one end of the carapace (upper shell) to the other in a straight line on the ground.

[Millza]

She is roughly 5 inches. I am only feeding her in the morning and evening at the moment, I know she would eat more she acts as if she is ravenous.

I too thought that the weight gain could be from re-hydration as when she came to us she had a tiny dish of brown slime for water!!

Thank-you for your replies.

[Millza]

She is now 470grams?!?! Still quite lethargic though