[Suze65]

I have read about tortoises having slightly bumpy scutes in the wild, ( one persons observation, not a scientific research ) in areas where there seems to be less water to drink, so the amount they have available to drink + humidity + nutrients all goes towards smooth shell growth. Also ( and I'm probably very wrong ) I have read that when the torts in the wild hide under woody shrubs, this constant brushing against the shell also contributes towards smooth shell growth ( maybe that's the oils ) .

Just another point for anyone who still thinks too much food is the problem, just recently my sister in law went on a walking holiday in the southern peloponese, she noticed ( in April) a plentyful supply of " wicked weeds" . So they can eat as much as they like at that time of year, and the temps were warm ( not hot ) and some days quite cool .