Pyramiding in Sid

[Nicnacnoo]

This is Sid - I’ve had him 2 years and when I got him I was told he was 8 (so now 10).
Brumation has been done since I had him. Although I was advised only a short one (10 weeks).
I do think I may have been over feeding him as he acts like he’s starving sometimes.
He’s indoors with a mercury vapour bulb, and out into the garden when weather permits (UK).
So . . .
How bad is his pyramiding? And what can I do to prevent it getting worse? I’m feeling a bit ashamed.
I’m looking for help and advice and not judgement so thought I’d ask here.
Thank you!

 

[Nicnacnoo]

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

Mercury vapor bulbs can contribute to pyramiding. Change it to a separate heat and UVB. For heat, incandescent flood bulbs are the safest. For UVB you want a T5 fluorescent tube from a reputable brand like Arcadia or ZooMed.

 

[Nicnacnoo]

Mercury vapor bulbs can contribute to pyramiding. Change it to a separate heat and UVB. For heat, incandescent flood bulbs are the safest. For UVB you want a T5 fluorescent tube from a reputable brand like Arcadia or ZooMed.

Thank you for the advice - it’s much appreciated!

 

[Sarah2020]

Pyramiding can impact the spine. Ensure the correct changes are made and add regular shallow warm water soaks are scheduled for hydration, as well as fresh leaves and calcium to help strong bone, claw, shell and beak growth. Lovely tortoise. I have a russian as well. They are escape artists but I like their curiosity.

 

[Nicnacnoo]

Pyramiding can impact the spine. Ensure the correct changes are made and add regular shallow warm water soaks are scheduled for hydration, as well as fresh leaves and calcium to help strong bone, claw, shell and beak growth. Lovely tortoise. I have a russian as well. They are escape artists but I like their curiosity.

Thank you! I’ve sorted the uvb t5 tube but am struggling to find the incandescent flood bulb.
Is there a particular one I should get? I’ve read infrared is bad for their eyes, but that’s all I can seem to find.
He has regular soaks - the pic was taken in the Summer after a day in the garden

 

[Sarah2020]

I just use the uvb from arcadia on a timer. Red bulbs definitely as no. I have no night light. Depends on location of the enclosure as I found natural window daylight or room light is enough to find my way if required.

 

[Nicnacnoo]

I just use the uvb from arcadia on a timer. Red bulbs definitely as no. I have no night light. Depends on location of the enclosure as I found natural window daylight or room light is enough to find my way if required.

Thank you!

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

He does have relatively bad pyramiding for a Russian which was likely contributed by the mbv bulb and possibly being raised too dry, with amendments though he’ll be ok!

I think you’ll find this housing thread super useful! It covers correct equipment(uvb, heating bulbs, lighting etc) correct levels, sizing, appropriately maintaining the humidity, safe substrates, there’s lots of visual examples for everything and a really handy diet link to check out!

Housing adult Russian and Hermans indoors

Hello there! In this thread I’m going to include some information an example of an appropriate indoor set up for an older Herman/russian. As much as it’s encouraged to have tortoises in a safe outdoor enclosure, I understand being from the uk myself, that some climates make it difficult to...

tortoiseforum.org

This includes lots of inspiration for an adult set up both indoors and out! The indoor bit has some good ideas to tackle indoor space whilst still providing the needed roaming room!

Enclosure inspiration

Howdy folks! Hope everyone is well! As you all know, I’m a big fan of making threads that cater more towards visual learners like myself, I’ve really been wanting to create a thread full of adult enclosure inspiration for a while now, I’ve managed to find some great references over time! I do...

tortoiseforum.org

Lastly, this one here is probably most important, it’ll help you avoid the wrong bulbs, substrates, housing etc, I always encourage double checking purchases on the forum too before buying

Common keeping errors

Hello everyone! I’d been a long time lurker on this site long before joining just under a year ago now, over that time I’ve seen these husbandry issues come up time and time again, sometimes with dire consequences☹️ I thought this thread might serve as a good visual guide for these common...

tortoiseforum.org

Really hope they help! I know it’s a lot to go over and take in, take all the time you need, we can go back a break down any information and please ask any further questions you have once going over it, welcome to the forum!

 

[Nicnacnoo]

He does have relatively bad pyramiding for a Russian which was likely contributed by the mbv bulb and possibly being raised too dry, with amendments though he’ll be ok!

I think you’ll find this housing thread super useful! It covers correct equipment(uvb, heating bulbs, lighting etc) correct levels, sizing, appropriately maintaining the humidity, safe substrates, there’s lots of visual examples for everything and a really handy diet link to check out!

Housing adult Russian and Hermans indoors

Hello there! In this thread I’m going to include some information an example of an appropriate indoor set up for an older Herman/russian. As much as it’s encouraged to have tortoises in a safe outdoor enclosure, I understand being from the uk myself, that some climates make it difficult to...

tortoiseforum.org

This includes lots of inspiration for an adult set up both indoors and out! The indoor bit has some good ideas to tackle indoor space whilst still providing the needed roaming room!

Enclosure inspiration

Howdy folks! Hope everyone is well! As you all know, I’m a big fan of making threads that cater more towards visual learners like myself, I’ve really been wanting to create a thread full of adult enclosure inspiration for a while now, I’ve managed to find some great references over time! I do...

tortoiseforum.org

Lastly, this one here is probably most important, it’ll help you avoid the wrong bulbs, substrates, housing etc, I always encourage double checking purchases on the forum too before buying

Common keeping errors

Hello everyone! I’d been a long time lurker on this site long before joining just under a year ago now, over that time I’ve seen these husbandry issues come up time and time again, sometimes with dire consequences☹️ I thought this thread might serve as a good visual guide for these common...

tortoiseforum.org

Really hope they help! I know it’s a lot to go over and take in, take all the time you need, we can go back a break down any information and please ask any further questions you have once going over it, welcome to the forum!

Thank you! I’m off to read them now.