Re: Sulcata with soft shell

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Posted by Erich on May 25, 2002 at 21:57:43:

In Reply to: Sulcata with soft shell posted by Worried on May 23, 2002 at 17:42:09:

Hi;
At 3.5 in. you sulcata shouldn't be soft. This is usually a result of not getting enough calcium in his diet. You vet will probably instruct
you to give him some neocalglucon ( calcium syrup ) initially to bring up his calcium level. As sulcata's grow so fast they absolutely need a lot of calcium for proper bone growth.
Hopefully it's not to late for your tort. Please study proper husbandry for this species. Feeding grocery store greens is not the best way to go. Try to introduce him to broad leafed weeds. chop them up and mix them in with whatever he's been eating and over time increase the percentage of weeds and decrease the store produce. Do not feed any fruit whatsoever!
Stay away also from spinach, brocolli, cabbage. Occasional shredded carrot of winter (orange flesh ) squash is okay.
HTH,
Erich

: My young sulcata (about 3.5in) recently has been inactive and I noticed today he has a soft shell.
: When I picked him up, the sides of his shell "give" to slight pressure, and it almost feels like he is filled with air.
: I am taking him to a vet, but until then, any ideas??

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: Hi; : At 3.5 in. you sulcata shouldn't be soft. This is usually a result of not getting enough calcium in his diet. You vet will probably instruct : you to give him some neocalglucon ( calcium syrup ) initially to bring up his calcium level. As sulcata's grow so fast they absolutely need a lot of calcium for proper bone growth. : Hopefully it's not to late for your tort. Please study proper husbandry for this species. Feeding grocery store greens is not the best way to go. Try to introduce him to broad leafed weeds. chop them up and mix them in with whatever he's been eating and over time increase the percentage of weeds and decrease the store produce. Do not feed any fruit whatsoever! : Stay away also from spinach, brocolli, cabbage. Occasional shredded carrot of winter (orange flesh ) squash is okay. : HTH, : Erich : : My young sulcata (about 3.5in) recently has been inactive and I noticed today he has a soft shell. : : When I picked him up, the sides of his shell "give" to slight pressure, and it almost feels like he is filled with air. : : I am taking him to a vet, but until then, any ideas??

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