Horsefield shell- advice please

[Paddy&babs]

This my little lady Russian, Babs! We took her off a friend a few months ago and have followed everything recommended religiously! I'm a bit worried about her growth - is this normal?

Her lines are soft on the white bits!!

 

[Yvonne G]

In order to keep a symmetrical silhouette, some parts of the shell may grow more or faster than others. It's not "normal" but it's also not unusual.

 

[GingerLove]

My tortoise has the same thing. I think for Russians, it's pretty regular.

 

[leigti]

I have been told that this comes from the tortoise eating too much of the "wrong" foods. Like too much grocery store greens versus weeds. Causing very fast growth and thick growth lines.

 

[Tom]

What you are seeing there is new growth.

Does the tortoise get a varied diet of weeds and leaves?
UV?
Regular soaks for hydration?
Proper temps, day and night?

If yes to all of the above, I wouldn't worry about the new growth. It will darken in time.

Have you seen these:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/

 

[Linhdan Nguyen]

My russian has growth lines too. I dont think it necessarily comes from eating "bad foods", but it is from eating alot. Does she look obese to you?
But i see it as your tortoise is growing. The soft white lines do harden and darken (as Tom mentioned) overtime.

 

[Paddy&babs]

Thanks guys! She's quite a timid little thing so doesn't stretch her legs too often so I did worry shed be putting weight on! She eats all the right foods - I must admit she does seem to eat a lot though! Definitely not showing signs of obesity though! I'll limit her food from now on! Thank you again!

 

[Linhdan Nguyen]

Usually a pile of greens the size of her shell will do. My russian was going near obese for awhile. I had to make sure she had more exercise and only enough food. Shes better now
Though i miss having her eat so much.