Hi @Tinaaw7 I am located in Southern California between Redlands and Palm Springs, if you are asking me. @Markw84 I believe is located in Northern California (Sacramento).
Hello Carl: One problem with studying "failure to thrive" in the human baby is that human babies are injected on day one of life with a Hepatitis B vaccine, which by the way is totally ridiculous, because Hep B is spread through blood (IV drug users) and sexual contact. By the way, the two...
I would like to suggest that you make sure your Calcium has Vitamin D added for better absorption of the calcium. It is possible that your tortoise is unable to make Vitamin D from your UV source.
The males need to be separated and should take turns spending time with the female. It is not recommended to keep just two together. The males will only want to fight each other.
I am so happy to hear you say this, because it is really important to have your enclosures all ready to go. We are heading into winter around here, so an indoor enclosure should be first on your list. I agree with @Tom, Leopard Tortoises are not any more difficult if you have the set up...
Your baby will be under a bush, nearly covered by old leaves. What kind of Tortoise do you have? Does this type of tortoise hibernate? Where is Toa Alta? What is the weather like this time of the year?
They fooled me! I didn't recognize the species either. Good to know. I hope your fellow starts feeling better soon. Usually increasing the heat and removing improper lighting is the answer.
I do see you have three tortoises, two of one species and another larger tortoise of another species. Separate the species but don't house them in pairs.
It looks like you are mixing two different types of species of tortoise in your tank and it looks like you have only two, which is another problem. Tortoises should not be kept in pairs nor should you mix species. Different species carry different organisms which for one species is no problem...
I have to say that looking at the growth and shape of your tortoise, you are doing something right. Tortoise growth is very dependent upon proper higher end heat ranges (and humidity during the first year or two) and your tortoise appears to have been getting what he needs. I have one Leopard...
You mentioned that you "often keep the light on the same strength throughout the night as it's quite cold in our house at night" so you will want to get a Ceramic Heating Element or a Radiant Heat Panel for nighttime heat, because the tortoises need it to be dark at night as well as being warm...
I am so happy to hear that. It made me very sad to hear what happened to you and your baby tortoise. I am hoping that when you decide to get another tortoise someone here on the forum, can help you get a healthy new baby. Please reach out when you are ready. We want nothing more than to see...