A shell question.

mango · 22-07-2006, 11:45 AM

I’m not sure of the correct word for the bit of the shell that I’m trying to describe. It’s what I would term ‘the skirt’. The very edge of the top part of the shell. On my small Hermann, this seems to join the plastron, but on the Horsefield, it is bigger and flares out over the plastron. I hope that makes sense!

Anyway, I have noticed as he grows, that this ‘edge’ looks quite transparent and thin. Does this mean that I am not giving him enough calcium and vitamins? Thanks.

**egyptiandan64** · 22-07-2006, 01:33 PM

If you could post a few pictures that would help a great deal

. Different tortoises though have different amounts that their marginal scutes flare. The very edges of the marginal scutes should be see thru as they are just scute material with no bone underneath.

Dan

mango · 23-07-2006, 10:06 AM

Marginal scutes! That's the term!

It is only the very edge, just under 2mm thick, so hopefully he is ok then. I will try and get a pic though just to be sure.
Thanks Dan.

22-07-2006, 11:45 AM	#1
mango Member Incubating Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: UK Posts: 188	A shell question. I’m not sure of the correct word for the bit of the shell that I’m trying to describe. It’s what I would term ‘the skirt’. The very edge of the top part of the shell. On my small Hermann, this seems to join the plastron, but on the Horsefield, it is bigger and flares out over the plastron. I hope that makes sense! Anyway, I have noticed as he grows, that this ‘edge’ looks quite transparent and thin. Does this mean that I am not giving him enough calcium and vitamins? Thanks.

22-07-2006, 01:33 PM	#2
egyptiandan64 Super Moderator Adult Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: USA Posts: 14,171	If you could post a few pictures that would help a great deal . Different tortoises though have different amounts that their marginal scutes flare. The very edges of the marginal scutes should be see thru as they are just scute material with no bone underneath. Dan __________________

23-07-2006, 10:06 AM	#3
mango Member Incubating Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: UK Posts: 188	Marginal scutes! That's the term! It is only the very edge, just under 2mm thick, so hopefully he is ok then. I will try and get a pic though just to be sure. Thanks Dan.

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