Pics and details on Pellet fed tort/Cameo

[Catwoman63]

Yes don't get paranoid about it Becci, as long as you are giving Darwin what he needs then he will do fine x

[becciwales]

Ha ha, thank you. I'm doing my best for him definitely a learning curve xx

[Suze65]

Originally Posted by Catwoman63

Lovely pictures from everybody, lovely grown torts.

I think we can become too obsessed about perfectly smooth tortoises, I don't think it's a problem to have slight bumpiness, as long as the conditions are right, and they are happy and healthy, slight bumpiness is not a concern.

My Tyler is slightly bumpy yet he was and is kept in the exact same conditions I have kept Lilly, so by my observation some may be prone to bumpiness, I do however agree with hydration, and lack of D3 that contributes or could be a major cause of soft bones (as I recently found out I have D3 deficiency and if not treated then will end up with osteomalacia or osteoarthritis) same for tortoises I suspect lol x

Yes, I agree! we mustn't become too obsessed with bumpy shell! but I do think we ow it to our torts to try our best to get their shells to grow well, it's in our hands and they have no control over it. And yes I do agree some individuals are more prone to pyramiding than others.

[Shelled Lady]

Originally Posted by Catwoman63

This is my Lilly, she is around 5 years old and I've had her from 6 months old, she is 16cm x

I have to say that this is the only tortoise that looks smooth, so well done. However, as long as your tortoises are healthy that's the main thing. Not all my youngsters are perfect but certainly look better for being outside. One I have had for 40 years has a perfectly smooth shell but he grew up outside with no lamps.

In the past they never grew lumpy because they all lived outside during the summer and then hibernated when it grew cold. So it is a combination of low humidity and heat lamps that seem to be the main problem, plus of course eating too much and little exercise if they live in viv and tables for some time.

[becciwales]

Originally Posted by mediterraneansuze

Yes, I agree! we mustn't become too obsessed with bumpy shell! but I do think we ow it to our torts to try our best to get their shells to grow well, it's in our hands and they have no control over it. And yes I do agree some individuals are more prone to pyramiding than others.

I definitely think we should do our best for them, we owe it to any pet we have. x

[Suze65]

I do agree, Bevs tort is blummin amazing looking

[becciwales]

Yes, beautiful. They all are though. I love seeing others pics. It's hard to imagine Darwin big like that but he's growing

[Catwoman63]

Originally Posted by Shelled Lady

I have to say that this is the only tortoise that looks smooth, so well done. However, as long as your tortoises are healthy that's the main thing. Not all my youngsters are perfect but certainly look better for being outside. One I have had for 40 years has a perfectly smooth shell but he grew up outside with no lamps.

In the past they never grew lumpy because they all lived outside during the summer and then hibernated when it grew cold. So it is a combination of low humidity and heat lamps that seem to be the main problem, plus of course eating too much and little exercise if they live in viv and tables for some time.

Thank you very much, she is my first tortoise and very special to me.

Lilly hibernated for the first time last year, before this she was kept indoors on a table and outside all summer. I must say since little Tyler who is just over a year and half, his new growth since living outside in a tort shed and garden is a lot smoother, but I'm not concerned about his slight bumpiness x

[Catwoman63]

Originally Posted by mediterraneansuze

I do agree, Bevs tort is blummin amazing looking

Thank you suze, she is my first and favourite x

[pagan queen]

Just caught up with this, been busy.
With regard to spraying the soil. I only spray once a week because in a viv the soil stays wet longer and spraying too often caused too much humidity, med torts don't need as much humidity as other torts. The cool end stays damp for quite some time. I used to bathe Cameo every day until this summer but found she had been sitting in her water bowl so didn't want to stay in her bath. She even sits in the one she has in her outdoor enclosure. I don't feel her shell is any worse, and better than some a lot smaller than her I have seen on here that are kept on tables. As Emma said, there has been no change between the first pictures and the recent ones.

Cameo holds herself well clear of the floor when walking, is energetic and full of life. I have had no problems with feeding, as many do on here and she seems very happy and active. I am very happy with her progress and will continue with the husbandry that I have found works for us. I am not suggesting my way is the right way but it's not wrong either, it works and I have 2 healthy, happy torts and that is what matters.