Advice on new baby’s shell, please!

Shannon F

New Member
Joined
Feb 16, 2019
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2
Location (City and/or State)
Illinois
We just brought home this baby last night and in our excitement, I guess we did not examine it well enough to notice the ridges on the scutes until it was under the lights in its enclosure. I’m sure a more experienced keeper would have spotted it right away, but we were more focused on how active and voraciously it was eating. I have looked through the posts here and I am guessing this is pyramiding already- is it? I have been reading all of the care sheets you all have provided while we prepped for a new tortoise (and thank you so much for that!), so we have followed recommendations for a fully enclosed habitat, high/low temperatures and humidity levels as well as a humid hide. Besides providing the best environment and diet that we can, is there anything else we can do? Should we be worried about it’s future growth? I’m kicking myself for not looking more closely before bringing it home and worried about doing the best for the little one. Thanks!
 

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Tim Carlisle

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Sounds like your research and practices are already paving the way to slowing or halting the pyramiding. Proper temperature range, humidity and diet will all ensure a healthy tort. Sometimes it is near impossible to halt all pyramiding. The goal is to keep it at an absolute minimum.
 

Ray--Opo

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Don't kick yourself. You have a wonderful sully that will bring many smiles to you. If you do the correct care like Mizcreant said. At the age of your tort that would virtually disappear.
 

Shannon F

New Member
Joined
Feb 16, 2019
Messages
2
Location (City and/or State)
Illinois
Ok, thanks to both of you for your thoughts! I am very grateful to have found this group- I’ve learned so much already. Thanks for sharing your expertise for newbies like me!
 

Russiantortylady

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Dec 16, 2018
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113
Location (City and/or State)
Vermont
Is there anything that I can put on my Russian Tortoise's shell to help with shine?? Thank you in advance........
 

Dena

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Joined
Sep 17, 2018
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37
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New York
Is there anything that I can put on my Russian Tortoise's shell to help with shine?? Thank you in advance........
I wouldn’t put anything on the shell unless it was medically necessary. They are not naturally shiny.
 

jsheffield

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Sep 29, 2018
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I put a mix of coconut, almond, and olive oils on my redfoot tortoise's shell once a week ....

Jamie
 

daniellenc

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Jun 10, 2017
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2,084
Location (City and/or State)
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Just keep up daily soaks and if you like use some cold pressed olive oil/grape seed oil, or coconut oil once a week. I use an old toothbrush and massage my little guy's shell with it once a week. He quite enjoys it.
 

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