Strange shell formation

pixiecore

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So I recently received this young Hermann's tortoise and his carapace has an odd segmentation. I don't really mind as he is going to be used in an outreach program so being 'b grade' isn't a big deal, but the breeder won't answer my e-mails and I wanted to know if I should expect any unusual shell growth or if there's anything I should do to help him along? He has the essentials - UVA/UVB, calcium supplement/cuttlebone, and gets regular soaks, etc.Chompy.jpg
 

G-stars

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This is the first time I've seen something like this. It's like two scutes merged into one big scute.
 

bouaboua

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Hello and Welcome.

I'm not sure what we human can do in the helping part of his scute situation. As I read your post, looks like you know what you're doing. I don't think this little one will become a deformed monster or anything like that but for sure to be a unquiet looking one.
 

pixiecore

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He certainly is special to me! Not a lot of people around here keep tortoises and I'm really glad I can help kids learn about our cool friend torties. As long as his shell doesn't grow weirdly out of control, I'm fine with his unusual appearance.
 

Yvonne G

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Some of us prefer the aberrant scute patterns.
 

HermanniChris

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He should grow just fine, this is actually quite common where scutes will fuse but it's more commonly seen on the vertebral scutes.
 

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