Will my Sulcata tortoise have a short life because his shell is pyramidding (pointed bumps, not smooth)?

Question

I've read that a pyramidding shell on a Sulcata tortoise is usually a sign of a bad diet - too much protein and not enough fiber. But does this mean that my Sulcata tortoise with his pyramidding shell will not grow to the size of a Sulcata tortoise whose shell is smooth and rounded.

Answer 1

he will still grow as big, just have horrible painful problems when he gets that big. His shell will be weak and the slightest pressure may cause it to be damaged (and start bleeding). We have a bunch of rescues at the zoo I work at because people did not feed their sucata correctly.

A proper diet: a variety of fresh veggies and fruit (no corn on the cob- they will choke on the cob) on top of romaine lettuce (Iceberg will give them diarrhea and get them sick). If cost is a problem, most grocery stores throw out old veggies, which are still good by turtle standards, though they are not good enough for human grocery isles.
Some alfalfa hay is also good, but they usually will not eat as much of that as the other stuff.

Daily you should be putting on crushed oyster shells (or other calcium equivalents), and reptical vitamins and minerals.

How is your turtle getting too much protien? Are you just feeding him meat (which they will eat occasionally) and beans?? Fiber should not be a problem with a correct diet.

If you have any other questions, email me and I will be glad to try to help you formulate a correct diet.

Answer 2

Studies have shown that pyramiding in Sulcata (and probably other species) is probably due more to humidity. It seems to happen to animals raised in too dry of a habitat and not to those raised in places with humid areas, simulating the damper burrows these animals find or use.

It is almost certainly related to diet, lighting, etc. as well, but humidity seems to be the key.

Minor pyramiding- pyramids but no shell distortion- is not usually a long-term problem if the tortoise starts to receive good cares. It IS a sign of metabolic disorders, so it certainly CAN cause problems- but again, good care can really help.

Answer 3

Despite too much protein in the diet a lack of humity can also cause it. Make a hide box with a damp sponge on the top so if your tortoise feels it need more humidity it can retreat into the hide box. Also bath your tortoise weekly.