Deformed leopard hatchling!

[RandyTortoise]

This is my third leopard tortoise hatchling. This one hatched (to my calculations) about two weeks earlier than expected.

Its shell is clearly deformed. There is a flat part near the head, the rear is slightly flat vs rounded and the under carapace looks almost like it had a crease in it.

It is VERY active, with bright eyes and moving around a lot to get out of the egg. So other than the shell deformities, it seems very active and healthy like the first two hatchlings.

Any thoughts? It is very cute!

 

[longevity]

He really has such bright, energetic eyes! I hope, his shell evens out as he grows.

I saw a video on YouTube of a sulcata hatchling whose carapace was quite deformed at first, but over time it looked completely normal. He was the smallest one, but after two years, he grew larger than the rest of his clutch!

 

[COmtnLady]

Keep us posted, with pics.

 

[RandyTortoise]

Keep us posted, with pics.

I will. I am very amazed it is so healthy. I soaked it today and put it inside its enclosed chamber and it was walking all over and acts exactly like the other hatchlings. Other than cosmetics it seems very energetic and healthy. If its shell does not grow out to its intended shape and it has no internal issues, it will end up being a very interesting tortoise! We love it actually!

 

[NorCal tortoise guy]

That hatching should turn out normal I think. I’ve have several come out a little odd from the egg and be normal in a week or two

 

[RandyTortoise]

That hatching should turn out normal I think. I’ve have several come out a little odd from the egg and be normal in a week or two

I hope so! I will post photos!

 

[MenagerieGrl]

Wishing Him/her and you the best. It's hard starting out a life with a handicap as such.
Just provide plenty of loving & care, and let nature take it's course. If it's strong it will survive, if not, you gave it it's best chance.

 

[Gijoux]

The flat spot on the front side should grow out normally and the plastron crease is absolutely normal. They are somewhat folded up in the shell and the plastron will flatten out quickly. Congratulations!

 

[zovick]

This is my third leopard tortoise hatchling. This one hatched (to my calculations) about two weeks earlier than expected.

Its shell is clearly deformed. There is a flat part near the head, the rear is slightly flat vs rounded and the under carapace looks almost like it had a crease in it.

It is VERY active, with bright eyes and moving around a lot to get out of the egg. So other than the shell deformities, it seems very active and healthy like the first two hatchlings.

Any thoughts? It is very cute!

Your baby appears to have been very cramped for space in its egg. This occasionally happens.

In my experience, by the time it is a year old (and maybe even sooner than that) it will look completely normal.

Good luck with your babies!

 

[Tom]

This is my third leopard tortoise hatchling. This one hatched (to my calculations) about two weeks earlier than expected.

Its shell is clearly deformed. There is a flat part near the head, the rear is slightly flat vs rounded and the under carapace looks almost like it had a crease in it.

It is VERY active, with bright eyes and moving around a lot to get out of the egg. So other than the shell deformities, it seems very active and healthy like the first two hatchlings.

Any thoughts? It is very cute!

Did you do 10 days in a brooder box? That will usually flatten out the plastron.

I agree that in most cases, the carapace will straighten out over time.

 

[Jillcy]

This is my third leopard tortoise hatchling. This one hatched (to my calculations) about two weeks earlier than expected.

Its shell is clearly deformed. There is a flat part near the head, the rear is slightly flat vs rounded and the under carapace looks almost like it had a crease in it.

It is VERY active, with bright eyes and moving around a lot to get out of the egg. So other than the shell deformities, it seems very active and healthy like the first two hatchlings.

Any thoughts? It is very cute