Kang and Rue

[Tom]

Is it because I started raising Rue in dry conditions that she is not growing as fast as Kang?

Yes. Absolutely. 100%.

I've seen this over an over with many species. Insects, lizards, snakes, and tortoises.

A few years ago I raised a bunch of South African black throated monitor lizards, Varanus albigularis, on deep damp substrate and gave them all humid hide boxes. I also soaked them in tall tubs 3-4 times a week. They all reached 4 feet (122cm) in their first year eating mostly insects. I raised them dry, as instructed by the books, experts, and websites in the past, and they took 2 or 3 years to reach that size.

Same story for all my tortoise species. Good hydration keeps them healthy and thriving.

 

[CarolM]

Yes. Absolutely. 100%.

I've seen this over an over with many species. Insects, lizards, snakes, and tortoises.

A few years ago I raised a bunch of South African black throated monitor lizards, Varanus albigularis, on deep damp substrate and gave them all humid hide boxes. I also soaked them in tall tubs 3-4 times a week. They all reached 4 feet (122cm) in their first year eating mostly insects. I raised them dry, as instructed by the books, experts, and websites in the past, and they took 2 or 3 years to reach that size.

Same story for all my tortoise species. Good hydration keeps them healthy and thriving.

Thanks Tom. Will Rue always be small or just take way longer to get to adult size?

 

[Tom]

Thanks Tom. Will Rue always be small or just take way longer to get to adult size?

No one knows the answer to that. Some eventually catch up and others remain smaller forever. Many variables involved.

In any case it is a striking reminder of why the monsoon season methods work. They can survive dry conditions, but that doesn't mean that dry conditions are good for them.

 

[CarolM]

Thanks Tom. Will Rue always be small or just take way longer to get to adult size?

Not to worry. I re read your answer and understood. So basically Kang, Clark and Harry will all overtake Rue and she will take a long time to catch up. If only i had known about you guys from the get go. So sorry Rue. [emoji17]

 

[CarolM]

No one knows the answer to that. Some eventually catch up and others remain smaller forever. Many variables involved.

In any case it is a striking reminder of why the monsoon season methods work. They can survive dry conditions, but that doesn't mean that dry conditions are good for them.

I have now learnt that to poor Rue's detriment. Hopefully doing it correctly now will help her to do much better. Even if it takes longer.

 

[Tom]

I have now learnt that to poor Rue's detriment. Hopefully doing it correctly now will help her to do much better. Even if it takes longer.

My Daisy was a dry started slow grower. She's now 10 years old, 60+ pounds and produces the largest clutches of any sulcata I've ever heard of.

 

[CarolM]

My Daisy was a dry started slow grower. She's now 10 years old, 60+ pounds and produces the largest clutches of any sulcata I've ever heard of.

Well then there is hope for Rue yet. [emoji3] Depending on which sex she decides to be of course. [emoji23]

 

[CarolM]

My Daisy was a dry started slow grower. She's now 10 years old, 60+ pounds and produces the largest clutches of any sulcata I've ever heard of.

Thanks for the reassurances. Always appreciated.

 

[CarolM]

It has been a while since I posted a photo [emoji6]
Ye ye. I know you are tired of photo's from the top. So here are 4 of underneath.[emoji23] [emoji23] I love their patterns underneath and it is definitely easier to tell who's who in the zoo.![emoji217] [emoji217]

 

[Toddrickfl1]

It has been a while since I posted a photo [emoji6]
Ye ye. I know you are tired of photo's from the top. So here are 4 of underneath.[emoji23] [emoji23] I love their patterns underneath and it is definitely easier to tell who's who in the zoo.![emoji217] [emoji217] View attachment 243260View attachment 243261View attachment 243262View attachment 243263

Harry has a look like "Put me down woman"

They're beautiful!

 

[daniellenc]

I love their plastron it’s so pretty!

 

[CarolM]

Harry has a look like "Put me down woman"

They're beautiful!

Whaha. He does doesn't he. Thank you.

 

[CarolM]

I love their plastron it’s so pretty!

Thank you.

 

[Jay Bagley]

Can't get enough of these guys. Look fantastic every time

 

[CarolM]

Can't get enough of these guys. Look fantastic every time

Thank you Jay. [emoji3]

 

[CarolM]

Home sick today with a cold or flu. So took advantage and letting the little ones enjoy some sun. Even Blue has come out to enjoy the sun. We hardly ever see Blue in winter. So glad he decided to join in, in the sunning.

 

[CarolM]

Love Rue's patterns.

 

[Toddrickfl1]

Love that pic of Harry!
Feel better Carol!

 

[CarolM]

Love that pic of Harry!
Feel better Carol!

Thanks Todd.

 

[mrnewberry]

Home sick today with a cold or flu. So took advantage and letting the little ones enjoy some sun. Even Blue has come out to enjoy the sun. We hardly ever see Blue in winter. So glad he decided to join in, in the sunning.View attachment 243939View attachment 243940View attachment 243941View attachment 243942View attachment 243943

Such pretty tortoises.