Questions regarding a 5 month old leopard tortoise

[hongmoko]

Good day,

Would anyone comment on the condition of the tort from the pictures attached?

I know leopards naturally have shells that "look" a little pyramided.

But I would like to know if the one pictured shows abnormal shell growth.

I was told that he/she is about 5 months old.

Regards,

Brian

 

[diamondbp]

Brain, it looks like a typical leopard tortoise that was kept to dry for the first months of its life. With proper care that pyramiding can be corrected(not reversed) and you still have the potential to grow out a nice smooth shelled leopard. Daily warm soaks, shell misting, and a warm humid enclosure should help out tremedously. I love how incredible domed it is.

 

[T33's Torts]

He is pyramided. Can't assess the damage without having the tort in front of me.

 

[Tom]

I know leopards naturally have shells that "look" a little pyramided.

No they really don't if they are raised correctly.

This one was not. It has significant pyramiding starting and it is very small for its age. This suggests dry conditions, or possibly being kept outdoors all day long.

 

[hongmoko]

Thanks for the info!

 

[Neal]

The tortoise is showing signs of severe pyramided growth. The scutes appear to be raised more than they are growing outwards.

Is this one that you are thinking of purchasing or already have?

Leopards do pyramid in the wild, but I think that the way this one is started is quite a bit more extreme than what might occur naturally.

 

[Sh3wulf]

I'm not an expert by a long shot, but can speak from my personal experience. Our tort Benny was kept dry for his first 5-6 months before I found the forum and corrected this. He's a lovely large domed shell baby now with only slight signs of the original pyramiding. Good luck if you decide to proceed, and I hope you will read about all the experiences here, there's so much to be gained