Re: Pyramiding survey

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Posted by Lloyd on August 18, 2001 at 10:05:59:

In Reply to: Pyramiding survey posted by Lisa and Virgil on August 17, 2001 at 23:08:26:

I have been trying to get a handle on this issue for ten years and this is what I (currently) believe:
-No question that a high protein and/or out of balance diet can cause pyramiding.
-There appears to be a strong tendency for some individuals of the same species to pyramid more than others. I have raised several species from hatchlings - it always seems that in each group of hatchlings that one individual shows moderate pyramiding while his clutchmates all exhibit smooth shells. All raised together under the same conditions. Strangely, it is usually the slowest growing of the group that exhibits the pyramiding. Genetic, undetectable disease, sex, individual foraging habits????
-Purchased sub-adults with some showing pyramiding and others smooth shells. It appears that with time and proper conditions that the pyramiding can be reduced (but not always eliminated) in new growth on all individuals. Existing pyramiding stays, but in many cases becomes the raised boss in the center of each scute of the adult and may not appear abnormal.
-Remember that "pyramiding" is normal growth for a few species of tortoise. Also, some species show both individuals with and without moderate pyramiding even in wild populations (talking about the gently sloping scutes, not the cliffs and valleys caused by poor diet.
-Provide plenty of natural sunshine and allow them to forage in a wide variety of vegetation. I use large quantities of ag lime (calcium carbonate) on their food as well as to ammend the soil in their yards. Try to avoid protein and high-powered foods - slow, steady growth is a good thing.
Sorry for being so wordy
Lloyd

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: I have been trying to get a handle on this issue for ten years and this is what I (currently) believe: : -No question that a high protein and/or out of balance diet can cause pyramiding. : -There appears to be a strong tendency for some individuals of the same species to pyramid more than others. I have raised several species from hatchlings - it always seems that in each group of hatchlings that one individual shows moderate pyramiding while his clutchmates all exhibit smooth shells. All raised together under the same conditions. Strangely, it is usually the slowest growing of the group that exhibits the pyramiding. Genetic, undetectable disease, sex, individual foraging habits???? : -Purchased sub-adults with some showing pyramiding and others smooth shells. It appears that with time and proper conditions that the pyramiding can be reduced (but not always eliminated) in new growth on all individuals. Existing pyramiding stays, but in many cases becomes the raised boss in the center of each scute of the adult and may not appear abnormal. : -Remember that "pyramiding" is normal growth for a few species of tortoise. Also, some species show both individuals with and without moderate pyramiding even in wild populations (talking about the gently sloping scutes, not the cliffs and valleys caused by poor diet. : -Provide plenty of natural sunshine and allow them to forage in a wide variety of vegetation. I use large quantities of ag lime (calcium carbonate) on their food as well as to ammend the soil in their yards. Try to avoid protein and high-powered foods - slow, steady growth is a good thing. : Sorry for being so wordy : Lloyd

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