pyramiding in indian stars
- Thread starter blondmyth
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- Dec 9, 2011
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looks like perfect growth for age
I have seen unnaturally pyramided Indian stars. That one looks fine.
- Joined
- Dec 9, 2011
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The issue of pyramiding in Indian stars seems to cause new keepers much concern. Navigate through the 'Similar Threads' discussions below for a fuller understanding of what is natural and what is unnatural growth. The natural 'pyramided' growth of Indian Stars is not metabolic bone disease. We probably shouldn't even apply the term 'pyramiding' to natural growth in Indian stars because that term has become loaded and causes so much confusion and concern to the uninitiated.
- Joined
- Dec 9, 2011
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See the thread below from ben32hayt 'Pyramiding in my star' from Apr 9, 2013 to see what an Indian star with MBD looks like.
hows does this one look?
I don't view pyramiding as a form of MBD. It can be caused by simple dryness in the air and its irrelevant to health. Since it can be caused by a single environmental parameter, is it really a metabolic process in that case? When a kid wears braces and the teeth and bone shift, is that a metabolic disease? I think not. In other words a tortoise can be exceptionally healthy and fed very well on a correct high fiber, high calcium diet, get plenty of sunshine and good hydration and still pyramid.
In some cases it truly is just cosmetic and its not harmful to the tortoises at all. Should we strive to grow them smooth, healthy and "natural" looking? Yes. I think we should. All of the pics you've shown look pretty good to me. Perfect? No, but not bad at all. I would examine how well these specimens were cared for and look less at the state of their carapace. Were they fed correctly, well hydrated, good UV source, kept away from infection by other tortoise species, proper temps and humidity, large enclosures for exercise, etc...
In some cases it truly is just cosmetic and its not harmful to the tortoises at all. Should we strive to grow them smooth, healthy and "natural" looking? Yes. I think we should. All of the pics you've shown look pretty good to me. Perfect? No, but not bad at all. I would examine how well these specimens were cared for and look less at the state of their carapace. Were they fed correctly, well hydrated, good UV source, kept away from infection by other tortoise species, proper temps and humidity, large enclosures for exercise, etc...
