underweight

[Ozric Jonathan]

Feeding a lot of nutrition in the form of fortified pellets will make the whole tortoise grow more. So in my opinion the length is going to increase as well as the weight. I agree that they could be good for underweight tortoises in so far as the mineral, vitamin and protein input will be optimised relative to random meals of weeds that contain widely varying amounts of everything. But I do not agree that pellets fatten them up - you just get overall growth that is quicker.

The other important factor in weight gain and growth is temperature. Higher temperatures, as long as they are safe, mean a faster metabolism and a hungrier tortoise that grows quicker.

Some active male tortoises might be lighter than we expect and still healthy.

[pagan queen]

[quote=

The other important factor in weight gain and growth is temperature. Higher temperatures, as long as they are safe, mean a faster metabolism and a hungrier tortoise that grows quicker.

Some active male tortoises might be lighter than we expect and still healthy.[/quote]
I think Herbie eats less in the summer because he is outside. Although it is warm, it's not as warm as it is under his basking lamp so he doesn't eat as much. He definitely eats more when he's inside on cooler days than outside on warm days. My juvenile doesn't eat outside much either. I give them both some weeds when they come back in in the evening after they have had a bath and basked for a while.

[kkenny]

Originally Posted by Ozric Jonathan

Feeding a lot of nutrition in the form of fortified pellets will make the whole tortoise grow more. So in my opinion the length is going to increase as well as the weight. I agree that they could be good for underweight tortoises in so far as the mineral, vitamin and protein input will be optimised relative to random meals of weeds that contain widely varying amounts of everything. But I do not agree that pellets fatten them up - you just get overall growth that is quicker.

The other important factor in weight gain and growth is temperature. Higher temperatures, as long as they are safe, mean a faster metabolism and a hungrier tortoise that grows quicker.

Some active male tortoises might be lighter than we expect and still healthy.

I agree with a lot you have said here, that's why I limit the pellets to twice a week and not too many then either.
Thanks but I am still not sure there is a lot more I can do,

[pagan queen]

Many people who have had underweight torts have used pellets with success. Take your pick out of the advice you are given or ignore it, your tort, your choice.