General Care Discussion :: Shell curling/pyramiding/stunted growth?

[GTan2002]

Hi,
I'm concerned about my two res turtles. I have a yearling that's about1.5 inches and a 3 yo who is 3.5 inches. I'm concerned my three yo, Spotty, has a stunted growth because for two years we didn't have a uvb bulb or heat bulb for basking. However, we now do have a uvb and basking bulb, but my yearling, Lizbeth, is still significantly undersized, because I read online that a one year old turtle should be at least 4" long. I feed both of my turtles a very balanced diet of ReptoMin, Fluker's Buffet Blend, cuttlebone, reptivite(for supplement) ,crickets, feeder fish, and mostly romaine lettuce and other greens. I only feed them once every two days, with greens and cuttlebone readily available.

Attached are some pictures of my turtles. I would like to know whether my turtles have stunted growth or just grow slowly, and if there are any shell problems like pyramiding? Also, my older turtle, Spotty, does have a bit of shell curl and I was wondering if it will go away after time? Another concern I have is if it looks like they are being overfed, underfed, or being fed just right?

All responses are greatly appreciated!

[steve]

Both turtles have some shell problems. The girl on top has a bit of pyramiding. For the one on the bottom, looks like a growth spurt (thick seams).

Don't worry about their current sizes. Feed a consistent and varied diet and do not overfeed on the protein/pellets.

Are they fed at the same time?

[GTan2002]

Thank you so much for your response. Yes they are both fed at the same time, but I try to make sure they get the same amount of food. I think that my larger turtle usually gets more of the food though since she's more aggressive. What is the cause of a growth spurt in turtles? Is it also because of overfeeding?

[GTan2002]

If by same time, you mean same feeding pattern, then I would say they weren't. I did mention that I only feed them once every two days with greens and cuttlebone readily available, but that is the schedule I have only taken up recently. I'm guilty of ,in the past, usually feeding them once every two days, but being inconsistent and forgetting to feed them for 3-4 days. And, I used to feed them mostly pellets (Fluker's Buffet Blend & ReptoMin) with greens only occasionally.

[steve]

Yes, over feeding is causing the growth spurt. I'd feed them in separate containers if you can. Pick a better pellet and use greens everyday. You can skip feeder fish.

[GTan2002]

Ok, thank you so much for your help and advice, Steve. I'll make sure to take all that you said into account. What type of pellet would you recommend?

[steve]

Mazuri and Omega-One are the current best choices.

[Turtlelover333]

Hi I have two turtle and one of them has been with me for 2 to 3 years but never has it grown, it shows symptoms of pyramiding and it isn't growing, it came 3 and a half inches when i first got it and it still remains like that no matter how much I feed it. It had been living in a cramped metal box since its birth, I am really worried about it, could it be like that due to its malnourishment previously? The other turtle is has been with me for a year however, it has grown minimally.. it is not showing any signs of pyramiding but it had been unhealthy when it had came to me so it is now fine but Im worried about its lack of growth.. Please help them!!

[steve]

Can you post pictures? What are you feeding them?