Is my Tortoise okay?????

[jvelasco89]

I just got this baby leopard tortoise a few days ago and i was looking on google images and found that the shells on baby are different than mine, my tortoise has some concavity to its shell whereas the others are just rounded, does anyone know why and if it will be alright, its so adorable, here are some pics







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and this is what the shell looks like on the rest of the ones I've seen
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any info is appreciated

thanks

[David Loftin]

The shell does look a little off. How long have you had it and how are you keeping it? It is REALLY important especially with baby tortoises to keep them well hydrated. So.. soaking them at least once a day.. and in the situation of Leopard Tortoises. I would actually spray their enclosure at least once a day.

The picture that you linked to of another Leopard Tortoise.. is just a hatchling. Their scutes aren't as defined at that moment in time. If you check out the Kingsnake Classifieds you will see plenty of pictures of Leopard Tortoises that look just like yours.

Here is a link to a really good caresheet.

And.. also something to think about. Tortoises/Turtles aren't really animals that like to be picked up that much. They get very stressed and disorientated from it. So.. I wouldn't really recommend doing it unless necessary [cleaning cage, giving a soak etc.]

[jvelasco89]

i have only had her for a week, i have been feeding it well and soaking it everyday
your advice has been very helpful, thanks so much for taking your time to respond to this thread

[TammyJ]

Your tortoise is totally adorable!!!!

[David Loftin]

If you have had it for that short of a time.. You may want to contact the place/person you got the tortoise from..

And.. No problem about helping out. When I can help.. I try to.

[jvelasco89]

well what should i say to them?

[JuliusSqueezer]

I'm in total agreement to the need of hydration but I'm thinking UVB and/or calcium deficiency. I've never seen a UVB deficient Leopard tortoise before so I don't know what to expect one to look like. I know Sulcatas will pyramid and box turtles just get all funky shaped...symptoms seem to vary but anything going on with the carapace like that, I'd suspect UVB issues first. There's usually nothing that will actually "correct" the damage done but you can correct the overall health and stop it from getting worse.

[jadeboa]

I would contact the seller and ask how it was being kept pryer to your purchase of this critter.
Calcium and hydration are the biggest issues for most reptiles.
I would hook up a uvb/uva bulb to make sure he/she is getting enough light and up the calcium and mineral content on the food and or buy foods high in calcium........like collard greens..........make sure the phosphorus ratio is low..........and good luck.

[David Loftin]

Normally with Tortoises.. Calcium deficiency and UVB deficiency.. especially with a young tortoise.. you will see the same symptoms.. Squishy Tortoise. Young tortoises are slightly squishy regardless.. But when they are really calcium/uvb deficient.. They can be squishy to the point that you feel you will break them. It is really gross.. and I really don't like thinking of the tortoises that I have dealt with in that condition. :(

Anyways, As I said before.. How are you keeping the Tortoise? And.. some more good questions.. Is the tortoise eating? What are you feeding it? How was the tortoise kept at where you purchased it from?

If it is not eating, if it looks lethargic.. Then tell the people you got them from that.