Slightly Soft Shell

[zoe98love]

I've noticed recently that my baby Russian's bottom shell is slightly softer than the top. I know that hatchling shells are supposed to be more springy, and while the bottom doesn't feel leathery and does resist to being pressed on (gently), the top of his shell is gradually getting harder and more firm as he grows...while the bottom stays the same. Is the bottom supposed to be softer than the top? I just want to make sure my little guy is getting the right amount of supplement

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi Zoe:

If you're keeping your baby Russian tortoise indoors, then you absolutely MUST HAVE a good UVB light. Baby tortoise's plastrons are a little bit soft for the first 6 months to a year, but if you're providing calcium rich foods with a sprinkling of calcium occasionally over the food, and he's under a good UVB light, eventually the shell (and bones) harden up and get stronger.

Some members find it helpful to have a UVB meter on hand so they can check the UV output of their light. The lights don't last forever, even though they are still lighting up, and some lights don't put out much UVB.

 

[zoe98love]

I felt the bottom of his shell after his soak this afternoon and I'm relieved to say it's finally starting to get a little harder.