Hi,

I have two Hermanns tortoises, one male and one female. In the last few weeks the female has developed a light ring of shell which I'm assuming is new growth. I am a little concerned that the ring is a little large and her might be growing too quickly.

They both eat together and appear to eat the same amounts and the male shows no signs of the lighter shell.

Is this normal?

how much weight are they putting on per month. 2-4g for youngsters per month is ideal with older torts expected to put on a bit more.

essential they have monthly weigh ins so you can see if they are growing to quickly

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"The worst sin towards are our fellow creatures is not to hate them, but to be indifferent to them; that's the essence of inhumanity" George Bernard Shaw

She is three years old, and has gained about 15g in the last two months ish..

That is too much to put on in two months, I would cut down on the amount of food you are feeding.

If she is only 3 years old and the right sort of size for her age, then you won't be able to tell what sex she/he really is. What weight is she?

Is there a reason she isn't hibernating?

Thanks very much for your help. He/she is 202g now.

I only bought them about 4 months ago and was told the sexes at the time I bought. Also told not to hibernate them this year as they were still young?

age is irrelevent hun, in the wild they hibernate from hatching practically.

202g if she is 3 years old is a bit to much.

also you need to cut down the food you are giving her if she has put 15g on in two months as it's too much weight gain, slow n steady is best for torts.

hth

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"The worst sin towards are our fellow creatures is not to hate them, but to be indifferent to them; that's the essence of inhumanity" George Bernard Shaw

slow growth is the key to their long life, so cut down the food a little!

as a general rule, the amount of food per serving should be enough to cover the carapace in a 'leafy jacket'

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Thanks very much for your help guys, will cut down the food a bit and keep a close eye on the weights.

Cheers.