Hi All,
Many thanks for the replies. I'm grateful for all the voices of concern. I've had Lucy for getting on for 40 years. This last year has been tough for both of us: I've been unwell and incapacitated, so husbandry has suffered and Lucy has had a lot less attention and hand-feeding than usual. I suspected Lucy was light, but yesterday's weight (I must confess the first taken for a few years) was a shock.
I'm happy to report, however, that the weighing procedure yesterday was in error. Apologies for the misinformation and for possibly wasting your time. Performed correctly, her true weight is 3.94kg, straight carapace length 274mm.
The Jackson's ratio calculation was something I was shown many years ago by a representative of the British Chelonia Group. Since I started checking against this in 1992, Lucy has consistently been circa 0.2. I'm frankly surprised to see the references that suggest that much higher weights would be expected, though I'm disinclined to panic after so many years of stability and apparent good health.
My understanding now is that the 3.94kg weight is low, but not unconscionable for hibernation. Is that reasonable?
I've included replies to a few specifics below:
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Originally Posted by Shelled Lady
Well having weighed my old Spur Thigh last year and this year, now at 2080g, I would say he will be spot on with another 2 weeks wind down.
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What's the carapace length of your male spur-thigh?
Quote:
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It could be that the original weight of 3.8k might have been a mistake. Do you actually know that she has not been eating much this year Nick? Does she seem fit and healthy?
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The old weights are reliable as, I believe, is the new figure today. I do know she has been eating less this year; she's always shown a propensity to eat less if left to her own devices rather than being hand-fed, even if the same stuff was available. There's nothing other than her weight that has given major cause for concern. She's seemed a bit miserable some of the time, but I'd attribute that to the weather and lack of company!
Quote:
Originally Posted by JoesMum
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Looks good. What are Joe's vital stats?
Quote:
Originally Posted by JoesMum
Having re-read your post, I agree you should be going to a vet and hibernation is NOT an option.
Whereabouts are you? Maybe we can recommend someone
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Although there may be no immediate crisis, a recommendation for someone with specialist expertise would be terrific. We're in Derby, East Midlands.
Prior to the re-weighing this morning, I had wondered if Joe would like a girl-friend for the winter? She's a looker <g>.
Nick