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Can't tell if this is pyramiding

PostPosted: Sun May 15, 2011 1:17 pm
by kriminologie
Hi guys. I got these two turtles from a friend with a pond one week ago. They're estimated to be 9 months old. Starbuck is 2 inches long and Everglade is 1.75 inches long. To my untrained, new-turtle-owner eye, and also my general caretaker paranoia, I think Everglade at least has a bumpier shell than normal. I searched the site for other pyramiding topics but I wanted to get a quick opinion. I know they were fed a lot of bloodworms and brine shrimp every other day before they came to me, I think pellets as well.

Everglade first. This just doesn't look right.

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I think Starbuck is less obvious but still a bit tented?

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My turtles take lettuce and shredded carrots, and I got cuttlebone for them on Friday. They appear to have eaten two head-sized pieces, maybe three. I feed them the lettuce and carrots every day, but about 2 adult pellets each, sometimes 3, as I didn't want to overdo it. I know pyramiding is caused by protein overload, and can only be corrected to a degree.

Re: Can't tell if this is pyramiding

PostPosted: Sun May 15, 2011 8:52 pm
by Linus
Everglade looks fine, Starbucks has a little though. The best sign is when the shell is bumpy and the scutes are spreading. Just feed them a little less and they should be fine.

Re: Can't tell if this is pyramiding

PostPosted: Mon May 16, 2011 1:16 am
by kriminologie
I took a few more pictures today of their shells.

Starbuck:
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Everglade:
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Starbuck left, Everglade right:
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Re: Can't tell if this is pyramiding

PostPosted: Mon May 16, 2011 1:20 am
by Linus
Def. Starbuck

Re: Can't tell if this is pyramiding

PostPosted: Mon May 16, 2011 1:59 am
by kriminologie
Thanks for the input! Starbuck is definitely more of a go-getter when it comes to food. I'm trying to acclimate them to being out of the tank in hopes of eventually feeding them in a separate container. Of course it's only one week in so I'm taking the handling slow.