Growth issue

[ksmith6501]

Hello everyone! Let's start at the beginning...last year for my "50th birthday" my husband purchased for me two African leopard tortoises. One has grown into a beautiful lovely specimen, however, the other is still the same size as originally received. Spoke with the breeder who claims "they grow at different rates", but I have been really concerned the entire time. The little tort eats, poops sleeps just as the larger one. Any clues? Thanks so much!

 

[wellington]

Hello and Welcome they do grow at different rates, however, that is quite a difference. Are you sure the larger one is not bullying the littler one? Also, are you sure the little one is getting enough to eat? They also have some pyramiding going on. Read the threads below in my post. They are Toms, the last one is about rain g a smooth leopard. If there is any bullying going on, like the little one sleeping/hiding all the time. The little one goes to eat and then the large one approaches and the little one leaves. Same if the little one goes to drink and the large ones presence ales the little one leave. Also, be sure to be soaking them. Half hour each day or every other day for 20-30 minutes.

 

[ksmith6501]

Wellington...love...love...loved the threads, I wish the breeders would supply this information to new tort parents. I appreciate your information and so will Ema and Zuri (which is Swahili for "beautiful"). Thank you so much!

 

[LeopardTortLover]

Wow! That is a BIG difference. Definitely give the threads a read as they're really helpful. And as Wellington said keep an eye out for bullying. You could try separating them for a while and see if the little one grows more - if it does then you can probably assume it prefers to be alone.

 

[yagyujubei]

Personally, I wouldn't separate them, But I might feed the small one separately. I would up the nutrition for the little one. Get some Mazuri. I see that the little growth that it has is a bit inconsistent.

 

[mctlong]

I agree with the above posts. I would absolutely separate them for several months and see if the little one's growth starts to pick up.

Have you had them both screened for parasites?

 

[Hallbomber]

Have feces checked for parasites at a vet that works with reptiles. Pinworms are normal in Leopard's gut to help breakdown food, but they can get out of control with hatchlings and rob all of the torts nutrients it eats.

 

[Tortus]

It could be completely normal. We've seen well-fed and cared for leopards on here that are only 100 grams at a year old. Mine will be over 500 grams if the current growth rate continues.

It wouldn't hurt to have it checked out just in case.

 

[ksmith6501]

Hey everyone! just an FYI...I wanted to say thank you to all that replied and I am taking all your information in to consideration. I am so glad that I found a place I can rely to get quick answers. Again Ema, Zuri and myself thank you!

 

[Tom]

Let me fathom a wild guess. You may have to ask the breeder to confirm. It would be really fun for me if you did give him/her a call and ask.

These babies spent their first few weeks on rabbit pellets, with no water bowl, under a hot bulb and got soaked once a week.

Am I right? Come on. Give the breeder a call and ask. Please.

Also, I agree with most of the above that pairs are a bad idea. It almost always progresses similar to what you are seeing. One baby does okay and grows, while the other just doesn't seem to thrive.