Baby Sulcata Soft Bottom shell

by Jeff
(Atlanta, Ga)

I just got a baby sulcata (about 2'') his bottom shell is soft. The top is hard and is pretty active and eating good. Is that normal?

Comments for Baby Sulcata Soft Bottom shell

Click here to add your own comments

Dec 23, 2015
 Baby soft shell
by: Shelly

A very young tortoise does have a soft shell.

Keep it slow and steady.
Dec 23, 2015
 Soft bottom shelf
by: Hazza

I have 4 baby sulcata tortoise and they have soft bottom shelf is that normal plz help.
Oct 03, 2015
 Soft shell
by: Shelly

Pam, please take this animal to a reptile vet as soon as you can.

Keep it slow and steady.
Oct 02, 2015
 sulcata with soft shell;
by: pam

my baby sulcata ( tommy ) is about 9 months old ( i,ve had him 5 months )his shell is soft on bottom he is eating , drinking , got a arcadia combi bulb so correct lighting ;but he does not gain any weight at all his weight is 50g to 52g , do u think he needs worming ; please help thanks;
Sep 02, 2014
 soft under shell
by: Anonymous

It is comin for a 2" sulcata to have a soft shell he's a baby he has to grow and with him the shell will as well, and toughen up :)
Jan 28, 2014
 Sulcata baby cute
by: Kathy

I put a cuttle bone in the tortoises corner expecting him to knaw on it like a bird. I didn't ever c him do it though. Shavings in the water, aye? Ok deal. Thanks.
Jul 08, 2010
 Baby Sulcata Soft Bottom Shell
by: Susan

Hi, one of the ways to get extra calcium is adding either shaved cuddle bone into the water dish, or you can buy the calcium in jar, and the UVA light should be upper 80's to low 90's to keep him warm and his shell dry...UVB light to all the calcium to digest into his system. Many good greens have lots of calcium, my favorite is romaine lettuce, lots of good nutrients, and full of calcium for his shell/bones, and vit A for his eyes, and all the good B vitamins for over all health.any dark green veggies are higher in nutrients.. I hope this helps get his better...sincerely, Susan.
Jul 07, 2010
 Soft shell
by: Shelly

No, a soft shell is not normal.

Your tortoise is lacking calcium. Be sure you are following a proper diet for your tortoise. Add some powdered calcium to the diet for a while.

You must also provide plenty of UVB light (sunlight). The tortoise needs it to metabolize the calcium.

Keep it slow and steady.

Click here to add your own comments

Return to Ask Your Turtle or Tortoise Question.