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Old 06-04-2015, 06:40 PM   #1
Splinter
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Default Hatchling Weight Gain

Hi all,

I've been weighing "the boys" now and again, could someone please check these results and say if it looks about right?

They are both Marginated and seem perfectly happy/healthy, just want to make sure there is nothing obviously wrong with the numbers.

Tort: Timmy.
07/03/15 17G
18/03/15 17.4G 44MM
27/03/15 19.6G
06/04/15 22.3G 47MM

Tort: Bertie.
07/03/15 21.5G
18/03/15 21.1G 46MM
27/03/15 24.3G
06/04/15 28.4G 49MM


The leghths are rough measurements but the weight should be pretty accurate.

I have been weighing them after drying them, after their bath, but before getting fresh food.

Currently feeding once per day, mix of weeds/plants they are allowed (as per tortoise table website and variations per day). Occasional soaked pre-alpin.

Thanks for reading

Last edited by Splinter; 06-04-2015 at 06:50 PM.
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Old 07-04-2015, 03:05 AM   #2
egyptiandan64
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Timmy should be 30g for that size and Bertie should be 33g for that size.

Danny
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Old 07-04-2015, 08:55 AM   #3
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if you haven't had them very long then they could have been a bit underweight when you got them, anyway I'd not start feeding more as they seem to be gaining weight fine and I'm sure they'll soon catch up. Hopefully they'll be able to go outside where they can graze when they want soon but one meal a day is fine, if they're leaving a bit of food then their getting enough if clearing up every bit then add a little more.
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Old 07-04-2015, 09:55 AM   #4
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As long as they are eating well and kept hydrated, and not putting on too much weight, then its fine. Tortoises vary just like we do:0)
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Old 07-04-2015, 01:17 PM   #5
Splinter
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Just did a bit more exact measuring (find this a bit tricky!) and Timmy is about 45/46MM and Betie is about 49/50MM.

To be honest I made this thread as I was a bit worried I may be over-feeding and they may have been gaining weight too fast!

Thanks for the replys, as long as people don't think their weight gain is too fast, think they'll be fine, as they seem perfectly healthy/active/eating well.

They were from a lady that uses this forum and I'm sure they will have been healthy when I got them, just want to make sure they stay that way!

Last edited by Splinter; 07-04-2015 at 01:20 PM.
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Old 15-06-2015, 06:41 PM   #6
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Hi again,

Timmy is now 33G and Bertie is 45G.

Having read that weight gain should be 2-4G per month, are mine growing too fast?

There seems to be loads of conflicting info online about ideal weight gains and feeding methods

I feed once per day after their bath and provide enough that they are sure to leave some, they usually eat more of it later on, even if it's a bit dry by then. A decent mix of plants, weeds and flowers, currently mostly fresh, but occasionally some pre-alpine soaked and poured over the fresh food.

Thanks

Last edited by Splinter; 15-06-2015 at 06:46 PM.
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Old 15-06-2015, 06:45 PM   #7
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Weight should never be judged against a period of time but by the size of your tortoise.

Danny
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Old 15-06-2015, 08:56 PM   #8
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Yes there are different views on the feeding subject! If your tortoises are gaining weight and eating well then that's a good sign.

I normally feed one large meal a day and only feed more if I think the tortoise really needs to be built up. I think your feeding approach sounds about right.

Sometimes tortoises gain weight in bursts and this might be quite natural. So don't stress too much over some weight gained over a couple of months as they might go a month or two without gaining another time.
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Old 15-06-2015, 09:33 PM   #9
Splinter
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Cheers both
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Old 15-06-2015, 10:15 PM   #10
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Hi - could I just ask Danny if there is some sort of chart available that shows what weight to length ratio a tortoise should be?
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