11-01-2015, 04:07 PM | #1 |
Junior Member
Egg
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 19
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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 |
15-01-2015, 07:46 PM | #2 |
Junior Member
Egg
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 19
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Anyone have an idea? I did use the search but couldn't find out lol!
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15-01-2015, 09:28 PM | #3 |
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Incubating
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Isle of Wight
Posts: 193
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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.
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16-01-2015, 12:30 AM | #4 |
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Adult
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: USA
Posts: 14,171
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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
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16-01-2015, 08:21 AM | #5 |
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Adult
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Location: Kent UK
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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)
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17-01-2015, 03:13 PM | #6 |
Junior Member
Egg
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 19
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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!
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17-01-2015, 08:10 PM | #7 |
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Incubating
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Isle of Wight
Posts: 193
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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?
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Lora and pack... 1 husband, 5 dogs, 1 cat.....and Iberas Pickles, Poppy and Pip |
19-01-2015, 09:41 AM | #8 |
Junior Member
Egg
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 19
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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!
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