When we adopted our 2 juvenile CDTs 8 weeks ago, Gomez weighed 15 oz. Now he weighs 17.5 oz. Morticia weighed 11.5 oz. Now she weighs 13 oz. Is this a healthy growth rate? (Both weigh-ins were post-soak).
Most people who keep DTs are very old school in their thinking about growth rates,
water
humidity
feeding
thatrebecca said:Thanks for the input, Tom. I guess we'll stick to the routine, since they seem to be doing well. I was thinking of adding Mazuri to their diet but I don't know that they need it. Grass, weeds, greens, cactus pads and veggies with a little calcium 2 times a week and soaks 2 times a week seems to be getting it done.
thatrebecca said:Got it. Many thanks to you both. It's so great to have a variety of experienced keepers on this forum to consult with.
They're extremely active, their eyes are bright, nostrils clear, they're bathed daily and go out in the sun
I'm really not the best with humidity other than soaking them in warm water.
I feel like I've done something wrong. They weighed 1.6oz and 1.4oz in March. :/ In a three month span that's a .6oz growth for the "big" one, Morgan, and a .35oz growth for the "runt", Merlin
Both of their growth rates have slowed since that first month we brought them home. I do wonder if some of that early weight gain was partly the effect of increased hydration, since they came from a no water bowl, no soaking house. Or do DTs grow faster in the spring? Either way they both seem to have hearty appetites still. What do folks think? Are we doing OK? Should I be concerned that Morticia (the 3-year-old) is growing more slowly than Gomez (the 5-year-old) or is that a reflection of their different ages?
ascott said:They're extremely active, their eyes are bright, nostrils clear, they're bathed daily and go out in the sun
This is, to me, the most important indicator of health...rapid growth in this species is not desirable...slow and steady--are desirable...
I'm really not the best with humidity other than soaking them in warm water.
To me, this species really thrives if offered/allowed an earthen burrow for use during the good weather months when kept outdoors...this can be somewhat replicated indoors by the offer of a warm humid hide within the enclosure...this offers the tort the option to enter when they need to juicy up some as well as exit when they need to dry out some....of which both are important micro climates for the species....also, the warm water soaks are a fantastic thing to assure they remain hydrated....you can also spritz the food you offer as this will bring hydration in when they consume the food...
I feel like I've done something wrong. They weighed 1.6oz and 1.4oz in March. :/ In a three month span that's a .6oz growth for the "big" one, Morgan, and a .35oz growth for the "runt", Merlin
I will disagree with you, I don't see that anything is wrong Get them soaked, get them natural sun time in a completely secure area...let them get lots of exercise and a good variety of food....they will do aok, sometimes we worry ourselves way to much and in doing so we continually change our routines too much which then does not allow the torts to get a secure routine...change and stress will be the biggest factors in a tort either thriving or failing...so if you are hitting all of the main needs of your species, then fall into routine and watch them thrive...
They truly are an awesome tenacious rough tough and yet gentle species..enjoy the opportunity to host these beauties...
Both of their growth rates have slowed since that first month we brought them home. I do wonder if some of that early weight gain was partly the effect of increased hydration, since they came from a no water bowl, no soaking house. Or do DTs grow faster in the spring? Either way they both seem to have hearty appetites still. What do folks think? Are we doing OK? Should I be concerned that Morticia (the 3-year-old) is growing more slowly than Gomez (the 5-year-old) or is that a reflection of their different ages?
I think their growth settling down is normal...they have a good source of food and hydration now and likely realize it seems to be coming at a routine rate...so that is a good thing right.
I believe that the torts would have growth rate moreover in the months that they are active and actively consuming food and increased water intake....
Hearty appetites are such a good indicator of a healthy tort, of course it is not a tell all, but it alone tells us that their surroundings are going well, surroundings play such a huge roll in the motivation of a tort to eat, exercise, bask, sleep and all of these things help to ensure a healthy tort...
ellen said:I did another weigh in today and Morgan's at a whopping 3.5oz and Merlin's 2.5oz. Everyone's starting to guess that Merlin's a girl while Morgan is a boy. I'm guessing worms, but I haven't seen anything anything in their poop to suggest it. I'll be taking them to the vet ASAP.
Next stop on the worry bus: brumation. Lol!
ascott said:Next stop on the worry bus: brumation. Lol!
They will be fine, it may be you that will need the additional support during their rest, lol