very small tort! - Page 2

Kirkie · 01-04-2011, 08:40 PM

I have 5 year old tortoises that size. I also have some larger, some smaller.*
Don't obsess over the growth rate.

iona_tortoise · 01-04-2011, 10:03 PM

i would have thought that trying to accelerate his growth would cause problems, most things i have read sugests it causes problems with bone development. Also size varies depending on the area in which they are from. I have read that the same species of tortoise can vary quite greatly so might be worth researching before "building" him up. hope this helps

EJ · 01-04-2011, 10:21 PM

This is another one of those debatable topics. There is no evidence to suggest that rapid growth leads to any kind of physiological problems if the proper nutrition and environmental conditions are provided.

Groth rate is always going to vary depending on variences in nutrition and environmental conditions.

Who's to say what is a good growth rate?

Quote:

Originally Posted by iona_tortoise

i would have thought that trying to accelerate his growth would cause problems, most things i have read sugests it causes problems with bone development. Also size varies depending on the area in which they are from. I have read that the same species of tortoise can vary quite greatly so might be worth researching before "building" him up. hope this helps

**Bindi** · 01-04-2011, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EJ

Groth rate is always going to vary depending on variences in nutrition and environmental conditions.

Who's to say what is a good growth rate?

Absolutely

iona_tortoise · 01-04-2011, 10:32 PM

im not saying deprive him of anything and of course provide all the nutrition he needs. its just torts growth rates are all difrent as observed by most keepers

touie · 01-04-2011, 10:46 PM

If he is healthy why change anything? What SCL does this tortoise have? I took on a tortoise 2 years ago that was younger than my other but quite a bit bigger, 2 years later they are the same size, growth varies!!!

Kirkie · 01-04-2011, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iona_tortoise

i would have thought that trying to accelerate his growth would cause problems, most things i have read sugests it causes problems with bone development. Also size varies depending on the area in which they are from. I have read that the same species of tortoise can vary quite greatly so might be worth researching before "building" him up. hope this helps

Good points. There is a world of difference between good growth rate and good growth. Acheiving a good growth rate is easy, acheiving good growth; harder.

gregnobes · 01-04-2011, 11:00 PM

all tortoises grow different sizes and rates

burnt toast · 02-04-2011, 12:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gregnobes

all tortoises grow different sizes and rates

I have Herman clutch sisters, one is 595grams her sister is 178grams. Same feeding schedule, enviroment etc, one has consistantly been 3 times the size of her sister.

Inca08 · 02-04-2011, 08:46 AM

It's good to know that this little fella will go on to be as healthy as mine given the correct living conditions and nutrition etc...i was informed last night that for at least the last 6 months he has had and uv or heat source apart from a heat mat :O...will that have had an impact on his health at all? im assuming it would...my friend is going to see a vet soon.

01-04-2011, 08:40 PM	#11
Kirkie Senior Member Adult Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 4,887	I have 5 year old tortoises that size. I also have some larger, some smaller.* Don't obsess over the growth rate.

01-04-2011, 10:03 PM	#12
iona_tortoise Member Incubating Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: dundee, scotland Posts: 210	i would have thought that trying to accelerate his growth would cause problems, most things i have read sugests it causes problems with bone development. Also size varies depending on the area in which they are from. I have read that the same species of tortoise can vary quite greatly so might be worth researching before "building" him up. hope this helps

01-04-2011, 10:32 PM	#15
iona_tortoise Member Incubating Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: dundee, scotland Posts: 210	im not saying deprive him of anything and of course provide all the nutrition he needs. its just torts growth rates are all difrent as observed by most keepers

01-04-2011, 10:46 PM	#16
touie Member Hatched Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Portsmouth UK Posts: 426	If he is healthy why change anything? What SCL does this tortoise have? I took on a tortoise 2 years ago that was younger than my other but quite a bit bigger, 2 years later they are the same size, growth varies!!!

01-04-2011, 11:00 PM	#18
gregnobes Senior Member Sub Adult Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Drayton (Oxfordshire) Posts: 1,534	all tortoises grow different sizes and rates

02-04-2011, 08:46 AM	#20
Inca08 Junior Member Egg Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 36	It's good to know that this little fella will go on to be as healthy as mine given the correct living conditions and nutrition etc...i was informed last night that for at least the last 6 months he has had and uv or heat source apart from a heat mat :O...will that have had an impact on his health at all? im assuming it would...my friend is going to see a vet soon.

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