Carapacial diffirences in my THB

[GHOME]

Hello and thanks for looking at my question about my 2 Hermann's They are supposed to be 2006 hatchings from 2 different Breeders.
I have been observing the both very carefully for the last 6 weeks, I have noticed Geri/Gerry and Billie/Billy pardon my names do not know what sex they are,
Geri is 80mm Shell and weighs 79grms and Billie is 78mm and weighs 79grms when I Bought Billie he was 62grms and has put this weight on in 5wks to 79-81g.

Does this sound OK for weight or are they under weight? any advice would be much appreciated.
Getting back to my question regarding the Shells Geri has a perfect Domed Shell and Billie has a more Flattened Shell is this normal.

Kind Regards
Gary

hi gary

the weight gain is a good one over a period of 5 weeks

could you post pictures of the carapace please

[GHOME]

This is Billie the Flat Shelled one

Often it is a genetic thing. I can spot my Aphrodite's babies a mile off, they are less domed too. I have one left here from last year that I am saving for someone and despite exactly the same feeding, housing as the others she is far less domed.

Just had a closer look at the pic and I'm wondering how you are keeping them. The shell appears to have started to pyramid. These torts are actually a lot heavier than my one year olds, almost double the size. Are they outdoors as the one in the pic looks like a tort that is housed indoors, possibly in too dry conditions. Just an observation you understand

[GHOME]

Hi Sue the pair are kept outside from 12pm and returned back to the tort table around 6pm depending on the weather (raining or snowing)

at the moment they are on a diet of dark green lettuce (wild rocket) and weeds that i bought off Shelled Warriors Ebay site.
I am trying to get them off the Lettuce and just keep them on the weeds.
Billie has not had a poo since i got him/her but her weight is fluctuating from 3-6grms so i think it is a secret nibbler UHhhhh

Originally Posted by GHOME

Hi Sue the pair are kept outside from 12pm and returned back to the tort table around 6pm depending on the weather (raining or snowing)

at the moment they are on a diet of dark green lettuce (wild rocket) and weeds that i bought off Shelled Warriors Ebay site.
I am trying to get them off the Lettuce and just keep them on the weeds.
Billie has not had a poo since i got him/her but her weight is fluctuating from 3-6grms so i think it is a secret nibbler UHhhhh

So they are actually warmer at night than in the day, and less humidity at night than in the day? Personally I think they would be higher humidity over night in the wild and lower temps overnight too, so maybe this is a factor in their growth.

[GHOME]

Good point but because I have only had them for about 6wks I do not want to throw them in at the deep end not knowing if they were kept outside nor inside so just to be on the safe side I will introduce them to the Outside run gradually, then let them out less in the Autumn then try to get them to hibernate for the fist time or should I give it a miss this year and let them hibernate next year?

[EJ]

Gary, Growth in a reptile (tortoise) is going to depend, first, on the environmental conditions. The tortoises metabolism is directly dependent on the environmental conditions... specifically the temperature. Then there are genetic differences... just like in people, different tortoises have different metabolisms. Then there is the factor that I've never really see addressed and that is the personality, which can be seen as a genetic factor... some like to eat and some seem not to.

So to answer your question I like to use the analogy of a water filled balloon or plastic bag. (ratios and graphs are too specific which really does not work in biology). Imagine or take a plastic bag and fill it with water to the size of your tortoise. That should be the ideal weight for the size. The idea is not to measure it but feel it for a general idea. About 10% is lung but you are really not going to notice that. Over time you will 'know' what the good weight is when you pick them up.

Being too specific (I wanted to us another word) is going to drive you nuts and is totally unnecessary.

Originally Posted by GHOME

Hello and thanks for looking at my question about my 2 Hermann's They are supposed to be 2006 hatchings from 2 different Breeders.
I have been observing the both very carefully for the last 6 weeks, I have noticed Geri/Gerry and Billie/Billy pardon my names do not know what sex they are,
Geri is 80mm Shell and weighs 79grms and Billie is 78mm and weighs 79grms when I Bought Billie he was 62grms and has put this weight on in 5wks to 79-81g.

Does this sound OK for weight or are they under weight? any advice would be much appreciated.
Getting back to my question regarding the Shells Geri has a perfect Domed Shell and Billie has a more Flattened Shell is this normal.

Kind Regards
Gary