The Result of Improper Diet in Geochelone sulcata

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The Result of Improper Diet in Geochelone sulcata

The following photos were taken of two African Spurred tortoises that were fed an improper diet since purchase as hatchlings. The age of these animals is estimated at three years based on the recollection of the owners. The diet consisted of dog food, green beans, lettuce and fruit. Both animals are approximately 12 inches long at this point (30 cm). Neither of these animals can lift its plastron free of the surface of the substrate, while they can move they must drag their shell from place to place in order to do so. Both shells are soft to the touch and can easily be compressed between thumb and forefinger.

The last photo is of an animal that had been fed a proper diet in order to offer a contrasting view. Click on the small photos to see the full size image.

Care Sheets or Articles:

African Spurred Tortoise Care (Geochelone sulcata) - Darrell Senneke

Differentiating Male and Female African Spurred Tortoises - Geochelone sulcata - Ken Carlsen and Darrell Senneke

Geochelone gallery

Tortoise Care - Paula Morris

Tortoise Hatchling Daily Care - Darrell Senneke

Nutrient Analysis of Replacement Turtle and Tortoise Foods - Darrell Senneke

Cloacal prolapse treatment in a Geochelone sulcata - Chris Tabaka DVM

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