Re: How to tell if shell has pyramiding?

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Posted by Terry on May 21, 2002 at 13:58:48:

In Reply to: How to tell if shell has pyramiding? posted by Joel on May 21, 2002 at 12:41:16:

Pyramiding means raised scutes.
Instead of being flat and smooth, the scutes on the carapace (top shell) are raised and bumpy.

A number of factors are believed to play a role in pyramiding, incorrect diet, humidity or lack off, temperature, exposure to natural sunlight and lack of exercise.

You'll find more info here:

http://turtlestuff.com/pyramid.html

These are extreme cases, but it will give you a general idea.
If the carapace isn't smooth and flat but is bumpy/lumpy the scutes raised up, then the tortoise has pyramiding.

It can be mild (slightly raised scutes)or severe very raised , pointy , distorted scutes.

In captivity sulcatas seem prone to pyramiding.
One of the regulars here has a very smooth sulcata, with no signs of pyramiding. Maybe she'll post a photo of it for you.

But most people who keep sulcatas have experienced pyramiding to various degrees.

A very young, mildly pyramided sulcata may smooth out over time. If the diet and environment are corrected. But an older tortoise that has pyramiding will probably always be that way.

Hope this helps.

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Re: How to tell if shell has pyramiding?/ More....... Terry 05/21/02 (0)

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: Pyramiding means raised scutes. : Instead of being flat and smooth, the scutes on the carapace (top shell) are raised and bumpy. : A number of factors are believed to play a role in pyramiding, incorrect diet, humidity or lack off, temperature, exposure to natural sunlight and lack of exercise. : : You'll find more info here: : http://turtlestuff.com/pyramid.html : These are extreme cases, but it will give you a general idea. : If the carapace isn't smooth and flat but is bumpy/lumpy the scutes raised up, then the tortoise has pyramiding. : It can be mild (slightly raised scutes)or severe very raised , pointy , distorted scutes. : In captivity sulcatas seem prone to pyramiding. : One of the regulars here has a very smooth sulcata, with no signs of pyramiding. Maybe she'll post a photo of it for you. : But most people who keep sulcatas have experienced pyramiding to various degrees. : A very young, mildly pyramided sulcata may smooth out over time. If the diet and environment are corrected. But an older tortoise that has pyramiding will probably always be that way. : Hope this helps. :

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