My redfoot is not gaining!

lichjen

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can I have some protein advice - she gets a tortoise food mix and eggs as of now

on 11/07 she was 50 grams
on 11/17 she was 56
on 11/30 she was 53
on 12/10 she was 57
on 12/20 she was 54
on 12/27 she was 52
on 01/04 she was 60
on 01/19 she was 62
on 02/04 she was 60
on 03/04 she was 54

She is fed daily, soaked every other day, fresh water daily
What am I doing wrong?
 

abclements

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Can you fill us in on her current conditions. Lights, temps, feeding regiment, size of enclosure, eating habits, bowel movement frequency, etc

Do you measure her length as well?
 

lichjen

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No, I have not started to measure length. - her enclosure is 30 inches long, 6 inches high, 50 watt compact florescent and 25 watt UV. 90 on hot side, 85 in middle and 76-80 on the cold side

She is fed every night when I feed my beardies, the substrate is cypress mulch. She has a BM when she soaks, on other days I can't tell as it matches the colour of the cypress chips.
 

WillTort2

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I think most forum members will advise to replace the compact florescent. What provides her basking spot?

Put her food out in the morning as that is a more natural time for them to eat and forage.

I'll let others advise you as to substrate because I'm not experienced with redfoot torts.
 

lichjen

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the compact (which is the UV light) is in the middle and 13 watts, the 50 watt is full spectrum grow light - sorry for the correction
 

abclements

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Ya like Will said, toss the compact fluorescent but that's not holding back growth, just a possible eye issue waiting to happen. I was asking about lights to make sure she was getting UV.

I did forget to ask about humidity levels. Keeping her in a warm humid environment is key. I can't say for sure, but my buddy and I got RFs at the same time, I keep mine in a closed chamber at 90-95% humidity and he keeps his in an open top and struggles to keep 70% humidity and mine has grown so much faster.

Also as Will said, feed in the morning and leave it all day for her to pick and choose when she wants to eat. What are you typically feeding her? Does she eat it all? If she does, put more out for her so you have to throw some away at the end of the day.

Also, who did you get her from? Do you know how she was started out? Dry? Or humid?


Ya like Will said, toss the compact fluorescent but that's not holding back growth, just an eye issue. I was asking about lights to make sure she was getting UV.

I did forget to ask about humidity levels. Keeping her in a warm humid environment is key. I can't say for sure, but my buddy and I got RFs at the same time, I keep mine in a closed chamber at 90-95% humidity and he keeps his in an open top and struggles to keep 70% humidity and mine has grown so much faster.

Also as Will said, feed in the morning and leave it all day for her to pick and choose when she wants to eat. What are you typically feeding her? Does she eat it all? If she does, put more out for her so you have to throw some away at the end of the day.

Also, who did you get her from? Do you know how she was started out? Dry? Or humid?
 

lichjen

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the humidity is high
Feeding: dark leafy greens, green beans, part of a hard boiled egg - and no she does not eat it all - she has a cactus block in her enclosure as well
 

abclements

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Are you feeding any mazuri? They love that stuff and every time I feed it, I notice a little growth spurt.


Sorry if you feel like I'm prying. I'm just trying to get a feel for how your tort is set up.
 

abclements

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Ok, then I think she's just a slow starter. Egg isn't the best protein, but it's not a bad choice. Maybe mix in a little chicken once in a while or see if she'll go after a worm.

I would do daily soaks if your not already, but as long as she's eating, staying fairly active and staying hydrated, I don't think you should worry too much as of right now. Just keep an eye open and make sure things don't change.
 

lichjen

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Ok, I'll switch the soaks to daily - and try the worms again (my Beardies love them) - but she is happy, eating, and very active
 

abclements

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Ok just keep us updated.

Just a few more things to think about for you: I would get a digital humidity gauge to find out what exactly your humidity is at (Wal-Mart sells a couple that also show a high and low for a 24 hour period) and switch the compact fluorescent for either a tube UVB light or a mercury vapor bulb (better uvb output than the CFLs and won't be a risk for eye problems).
 

lichjen

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Thanks I'll keep you guys posted! After losing Tank I want to make sure Gypsy makes it
 

immayo

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It does seem weird that her weight has been up and down for 5months. A redfoot that small should be growing rapidly, I wouldn't be so worried if it was an adult but a hatchling shouldn't go from 50g only to 54g in 5months. If you want to try to bulk her up a bit I recommend feeding Mazuri everyday for a week or so. It is known to boost growth and will not harm anything. Plus they love it! Hope this helps and good luck with the little one!
 

goReptiles

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Are you weighing her the same time each time? Maybe you weigh before or after eating/soaking. I've noticed that can make a few gram difference. Day/night? Etc.

Some just grow slower and get their growth spurts later.
 

abclements

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After 5 months we should see an increase in weight, even if it is getting weighed at different times of the day.
 
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