Baby Theodore Update!

I wanted to share some updated pictures of my cherryhead, Theodore. I have had him almost 3 weeks and am completely head over heels for thus little guy. He eats soooo good and it so friendly and curious. He has gone from 50 grams to 66 grams. He is about 2.6".

Also I have noticed some lighter spots on his shell. Is this normal, like an early sign of marbling, or something I should be concerned about?

The picture on the blue towel is from about a week ago. The outside one was just taken and was his first (and probably last) outdoor excursion this year.

Growth and normal.. and a hint (to me at least) to verify current calcium in diet and up it a bit if I think it's lacking (more greens or cuttlebone w/backing removed)

Very nice looking cherryhead!! Your little guy is starting to marble already I use a cuttlebone and scrape the calcium from there on to there food every few days.

Hi Michael,

What is a clue for a calcium deficiency? This is my first baby I've raised so I don't really know what to look for for that.

I do put calcium on his food every 2 or 3 days and do feed some dandelions and kale. I also have a cuttlebone in there but I don't think he's touched it.

I don't think you'd want to get to the point of noticing a deficiency, so I don't know w/o looking it up. If you keep a cuttlebone in there I'd change it out once it becomes less white. If he's not touching it then he's probably not needing extra in his diet.. but keep it in there... just the same.. I don't recall the cah ratio of Kale but dandelions are great, THAT BEING SAID.. dandys are a diuretic and will give the little tort the squirts... BUT once that happens you can dial it back a bit, if you have a steady supply..

Gotcha! I thought you meant something about his shell looked like he might need more calcium but I guess you meant because he is growing! Lol.

He gets spring mix in the morning and weeds at night. We are going into winter here so there will be less weeds. I do have some stuff started inside for the tortoises so hopefully it will be enough!

winter here too, yeah I wasn't implying a deficiency-- just proof of growth, speaking of winter.. I don't know what your reptile experience is but once the heater comes on humidity levels for redfoots is a challenge, BEWARE..

Used to have lizards but tortoises are new territory. I do run a whole house humidifier in the winter because of my allergies and his tank is almost fully enclosed except for a few vent holes on top. The humidity has been holding steady so hopefully it stays that way!!

Plus I'm a sissy so my Heather has been on for weeks already lol

Your tort looks great, nice smooth growth you have there! Keep up the good work.

Thank you (=