Shelled Warriors Forums
 

Go Back   Shelled Warriors Forums > Tortoise Information > Mediterranean Tortoises - Information & Questions

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 11-01-2015, 05:07 PM   #1
Pee-Wee
Junior Member
Egg
 
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 19
Default Baby horsefield

Hi guys,

I'm just wondering at what age should a baby horsefield have a hard shell?

My pee-wee wasn't kept in very good conditions and I've been told he was 1 when I got him in August. (5cm plastron)

He's still got a bit of 'give' in his shell. Is this normal?

Thanks
Pee-Wee is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 15-01-2015, 08:46 PM   #2
Pee-Wee
Junior Member
Egg
 
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 19
Default

Anyone have an idea? I did use the search but couldn't find out lol!
Pee-Wee is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 15-01-2015, 10:28 PM   #3
veggie86
Member
Incubating
 
veggie86's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Isle of Wight
Posts: 193
Default

I don't know, but interested as my little one is about the same age/size and her plastron has a bit of give in it.
__________________
Lora and pack...

1 husband, 5 dogs, 1 cat.....and Iberas Pickles, Poppy and Pip
veggie86 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16-01-2015, 01:30 AM   #4
egyptiandan64
Super Moderator
Adult
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: USA
Posts: 14,171
Default

It really should be hard by now. Try to give Nutrobal at least 5 times a week sprinkled on the food. Also a good quality pellet like Mazuri, Nutrazu or Komodo will help.

Danny
__________________
egyptiandan64 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16-01-2015, 09:21 AM   #5
sandy
Senior Member
Adult
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Kent UK
Posts: 12,144
Default

Sometimes the plastron (under shell) has a little give in it, this can be normal. But the carapace (over shell) should not have any give in it at all.
This is due to lack of calcium and UV:0)
__________________
< > 60+, keeping ibera, graeca and box turtles
\0/
/_\

http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/tortoisefriends
sandy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17-01-2015, 04:13 PM   #6
Pee-Wee
Junior Member
Egg
 
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 19
Default

Ah thank you for your help. He was previously in a viv in a very cold caravan! Since I've had him he's had supplements, uv & I have recently introduced Nutrazu.. When I first got him he had a few days outside & weeds. He did loose a little weight too. With the changes I've made when would you expect to see an effect in his shell? He's bit too spongy but he isn't what he should be!

Thank you
Pee-Wee is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17-01-2015, 09:10 PM   #7
veggie86
Member
Incubating
 
veggie86's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Isle of Wight
Posts: 193
Default

I gave Pip a squeeze today, she's got a bit of give in her plastron, but it's definitely not 'spongy' and her carapace is hard. When I got her two months ago the back end of her carapace was a bit soft, the bit over her 'shoulders' was hard but it got softer further back. Since I've had her she's been under new UV and has calcium or nutrabol every day. I guess it depends how soft your little ones shell is, but that might give you an idea of how long it takes to correct?
__________________
Lora and pack...

1 husband, 5 dogs, 1 cat.....and Iberas Pickles, Poppy and Pip
veggie86 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19-01-2015, 10:41 AM   #8
Pee-Wee
Junior Member
Egg
 
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 19
Default

Ah I see, Thank you �� he's ok on top jury underneath he's a bit bouncy.. I will see how he gets on in a couple of months after his supplements etc.. Can't wait to get him back out in the sunshine again too! ��
Pee-Wee is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT +1. The time now is 01:06 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.