RF Growth

[travisgn]

I just snapped these pics today of the two RFs at my local pet store, they are store pets, not for sale. Anyway, I was noticing the growth on the larger one - they are supposedly a male/female pair, are males larger in RFs? - is oddly off center. Has anyone seen this before? Is it "normal"?

 

[HarleyK]

the placement of the scutes is definitely off....i have read from a book that males tend to be larger than females for redfoots. which petshop is this?

 

[matt41gb]

That's interesting. I've always seen the classic "split scutes". I bet it's just a shell deformity from birth due to genetics, or bad incubation temps.

-Matt

 

[t_mclellan]

I have seen this with wild caught imports most, that were old enough to have their shells worn smooth (no growth rings visible)before being imported .
It seems that sometimes when they are introduced to a new environment with abundant food, they can have an ODD growth spurt. Its a shame & strange looking but in most instances, not harmful.
This can also happen to LTC or CB animals that have been "Stunted" due to poor husbandry.

 

[travisgn]

Thanks for the info, very interesting.

Harley: The store is Preuss Pets in Lansing (not a chain).