Growth rate

Posted by EJ on June 30, 2000 at 11:29:33:

Rate should be of no concern if a proper diet is being provided (high fiber/low protein for grazing tortoises) Add the proper environment to this such as plenty of space to roam, UV light, a good temperature gradient and the availabilaty of water then growth should be of no concern.
Sulcatas are a perfect example of this. The very pronounced annular rings are due to rapid growth spurts. The only reason the are pronounced is because the availability of food and water changes with the seasons. Is the 'rest' period required? Is it a necessity for their survival? I don't think so. Look at the only chelonian that is pretty much able to keep it's environment constant (relatively) throughout the year. The sea turtles.
So if a 3 inch sulcata does not grow at all in 1 year we have to say something is wrong. If that same tortoise puts on 2 inches in one year with no signs of any abnormality we have to say something is right. (regardless of rate)(actual example)

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: Rate should be of no concern if a proper diet is being provided (high fiber/low protein for grazing tortoises) Add the proper environment to this such as plenty of space to roam, UV light, a good temperature gradient and the availabilaty of water then growth should be of no concern. : Sulcatas are a perfect example of this. The very pronounced annular rings are due to rapid growth spurts. The only reason the are pronounced is because the availability of food and water changes with the seasons. Is the 'rest' period required? Is it a necessity for their survival? I don't think so. Look at the only chelonian that is pretty much able to keep it's environment constant (relatively) throughout the year. The sea turtles. : So if a 3 inch sulcata does not grow at all in 1 year we have to say something is wrong. If that same tortoise puts on 2 inches in one year with no signs of any abnormality we have to say something is right. (regardless of rate)(actual example)

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