Possible issue with shell?

[Cole]

I have had my baby yellowfoot for almost a week now. When I checked it yesterday I noticed that the dark area on its plastron seemed larger and that it was not entirely hard. It was somewhat soft (which I assume is normal) but it almost feels like moist cardboard when I press on it. I'm worried that it may be rot or something like that. I only spray its container once a day which tends to keep the humidity about 45% on the hot side and 70% on the cooler side. Temp is always above 80, even at night. And I feed it a spring mix with a little bit of calcium powder. It has been raining here the past few days so it has only been outside twice and I also soak it once a day. After looking at the shell I am considering taking it to the vet, but I'm curious to know what you guys think about it...

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi Cole:

It looks normal to me. Is this a very young baby? Their plastrons do have a bit of a "give" to them when they're very young. Are you giving the baby calcium, and they need vitamin D from either the sun or a UVB light to make the calcium work.

 

[Cole]

I have put a little bit of calcium powder that has D3 on the food and I also use a Powersun mercury vapor light. I do have a little box to use for when it is warn and sunny, but the rain lately has kept me from using it : /. I just worry that in an attempt to keep the humidity up I may be overdoing it. It seems that the petstore/breeder did not keep the tank it was in humid enough and so it does have some pyramiding that I am trying to stop.