Testudo graeca nabeulensis Growth

lmichaels_22

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I am new to tortoises but love all critters. I got two Testudo graeca nabeulensis from Chris this summer. Born July 1 & 3.
I have taking measurement and notes and will try to attach a clip of my Excel sheet.
Just wondering on how fast these guys will grow. I'm not in a hurry mind you, just wondering.
Do any of you keep growth/health data? If so do my guys look like the are doing OK?
Thanks!

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PA2019

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My 3 are 12,12,13 grams, but I only got them 4 days ago. I’ll post some growth data after a month and we can compare and contrast.

Your data thus far looks great. Nice steady growth that is similar for both.That’s interesting since when keeping pairs together there is always one that outcompetes the other. I think they are growing wonderfully. I hope to have similar data to report next month!
 

lmichaels_22

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Thanks! Trying to do what I can with my limited knowledge. But keep reading, and researching all the time and find something interesting to learn about keeping tortoises. It's nice to have a forum like this and Facebook Groups to learn so much on.
Thanks again!
 

PA2019

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Thanks! Trying to do what I can with my limited knowledge. But keep reading, and researching all the time and find something interesting to learn about keeping tortoises. It's nice to have a forum like this and Facebook Groups to learn so much on.
Thanks again!


Would you mind sending me your excel spreadsheet? I love the layout and would like to use it for my 3 as well.
 
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Yossarian

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Would you mind sending me your excel spreadsheet? I love the layout and would like to use it for my 3 as well!

Usually not a great idea to put your email address on a publicly searchable forum like this. Spammers use scraping software to pull that kind of data. Best to keep personal details in PM.
 

lmichaels_22

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Would you mind sending me your excel spreadsheet? I love the layout and would like to use it for my 3 as well.
Usually not a great idea to put your email address on a publicly searchable forum like this. Spammers use scraping software to pull that kind of data. Best to keep personal details in PM.
Are you on Facebook that I can send a PM from there???
 

PA2019

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@lmichaels_22

Here is the first round of growth from my 3. They seem to not be growing at the same rate as yours so far. I wonder if I should start giving them mazuri. They have only been given weeds and dried herbs along with calcium and one time of herptivite. You hear about growing tortoises too quickly but I have yet to see any published data explaining what is a normal growth rate in the wild versus in captivity.

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Lets ask the guy who gave them to us what he thinks of the growth rate differences. @HermanniChris any thoughts on rates of growth for nabeulensis? I have a group of Egyptians that are growing much faster with nearly the same setup and diet.
 

Sarah2020

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Growth should be steady and slow. Weekly weight is fascinating and a year on great to look back on. Focus on the environment heat, ,light, humidity, food and water. What you are avoiding is pyraminding bumpy shell. Fast dry growth will cause this. Nice sheet by the way. Looking at my logs started when I got them 78g now 161g a year on.
 

TeamZissou

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I don't think it's a good idea to compare the growth rate with Egyptians. In her book, Ricarda Schramm noted that Egyptians grow at a faster rate compared to other Mediterranean tortoises. They supposedly also develop bone more quickly and hence have a harder shell sooner than other species.
 

lmichaels_22

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Here is my latest data. Been thinking of also saving average temperatures and humidity day/night for those time periods. I already collect it so should be included too I guess.

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PA2019

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Here is my latest data. Been thinking of also saving average temperatures and humidity day/night for those time periods. I already collect it so should be included too I guess.

View attachment 311606

Really glad to have data from someone else to compare with. Good idea about recording environment data. I use SensorPush temp/humidity recorders in their tank, I might also add columns for monthly averages.
 

PA2019

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Growth should be steady and slow. Weekly weight is fascinating and a year on great to look back on. Focus on the environment heat, ,light, humidity, food and water. What you are avoiding is pyraminding bumpy shell. Fast dry growth will cause this. Nice sheet by the way. Looking at my logs started when I got them 78g now 161g a year on.

Could you tell me your temperature and humidity(ambient) parameters for your nabeul hatchling enclosure?

Do you soak your hatchlings as well?

Thanks!
 

lmichaels_22

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I do on occasion, if working on lights, cleaning or replanting. I am retired and their home is easily see most of the day, and I regularly see them walk through the water dish (drink and or poop in it). So I don't soak as much as I probably should. Humidity levels have been running mid 60's during day when lights are on and then up to low 80's at night when things cool off.
 

PA2019

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@Sarah2020

Here is the humidity and temperature data for the 3 areas of my tank. Are the values similar to your environment for your nabeulensis?

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Middle of tank

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Cool Side

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lmichaels_22

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Here is my temp/hum data for this last week. SA and SB are under basking lamps and warmest areas SC has the coolest temps and close to the water dish and more planted plants.
 

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PA2019

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Here is my temp/hum data for this last week. SA and SB are under basking lamps and warmest areas SC has the coolest temps and close to the water dish and more planted plants.

@lmichaels_22 It looks like you and I have very similar temp/humidity data, which is reassuring. I use an ultrasonic humidifier that turns on in the AM for 1 hour to help raise the ambient humidity initially. I sometimes find them underneath it bathing in the mist and drinking the water that collects on their heads! After eating, they spend most of the day underneath the slate rocks basking with their little legs stretched out.

After talking with Chris he believes this species, while similar to Egyptian tortoises, may actually prefer higher humidity levels, at least while young. I soak every AM for 30 minutes religiously just to be safe, but only time will tell if our humidity levels are enough to limit pyramiding!

Really glad you started this thread. You and I along with a couple others besides Chris may be the only ones in the US working with this unique species so far. Sharing our experiences and ideas will help make sure they become more readily available in the future to other enthusiasts!
 

lmichaels_22

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YES, I can find very little on keeping them other then from Chris. It is great we can share. Hopefully, there may be a few others out there that find us and can share too!
 
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