Smooth shells?

[ibizathetort]

I still think it's the keritin fairy

[EJ]

Keratin in pyramided tortoises is usually no thicker than the keratin in nonpyramided tortoises.

Originally Posted by Kirkie

The myth has some legs to it even in the context of the premature cell death through dehydration theory. Keratin is a protein, its production requires protein. If its being laid down fast, in theory the more new keratin thats exposed to drying conditions, more is going to die off and build up. It could accentuate the pyrammiding through sheer volume of keratin being formed.

[Bindi]

Originally Posted by JasonRimmer

so what is the main requirement a Tortoise needs to keep it's shell smooth?

The Million Dollar Question

I believe it's all about getting the right balance - hydration (both through liquid consumed and humidity) heat, diet - get all of those in the right ratios and you'll get a smooth tortoise. Just don't ask me what ratios

I've probably forgotten something else as well

[EJ]

There is no way you can make a connection between shell form and protein intake of any wild population. There are way too many unknowns.

Originally Posted by Ozric Jonathan

Its been suggested that pyramiding in some wild tortoises could be due to a locally rich food being available.

As far as the mediterranean species go, the possible connection between protein intake and pyramiding leads many of us to conclude that these animals must have a low protein diet.

[Petrus]

Here's an interesting question. Is there a certain age that the risk of pyramiding ceases? If so, what is that age?

[Kirkie]

Originally Posted by EJ

Keratin in pyramided tortoises is usually no thicker than the keratin in nonpyramided tortoises.

Oh yeah, I seen the pic's. So does the bone structure shape the keratin layer or does the bone conform to the pull of the keratin?

[EJ]

Most likely conforms to the shape of the keratin.

Originally Posted by Kirkie

Oh yeah, I seen the pic's. So does the bone structure shape the keratin layer or does the bone conform to the pull of the keratin?

[Petrus]

Sorry, posting this again in case it gets missed.

Here's an interesting question. Is there a certain age that the risk of pyramiding ceases? If so, what is that age?

[Kirkie]

As its a growth associated disorder, you'd have to presume that an adult tortoise, where annual growth is inperceptable , that it would not be a risk.

[Petrus]

If caught early, it can become less noticable, cant it?