Pyramiding occurs when the growth lines begin to grow vertically, creating pyramids on the carapace. Pyramiding can occur in very young tortoises, and if it isn’t caught, it can continue causing major growth deformities to the tortoise shell. Once a sulcata starts to pyramid, it can not be reversed. It’s unfortunate, but you just can’e reverse pyramiding in sulcata tortoise.
Causes of Pyramiding in Tortoises
Over the years there have been different theories on what causes pyramiding in sulcata tortoises. More recently, the main cause seems to have settled on poor husbandry and lack of humidity when raising baby sulcata tortoises.
Other theories include improper diet and dehydration.
It’s important that when raising a baby sulcata, you maintain proper humidity levels in the enclosure. Try to maintain at least 80% humidity. Soak baby tortoises daily and provide a shallow water bowl. Also, make sure that you maintain a high fiber diet.
How Fast Do Sulcata’s Pyramid?
Pyramiding is very gradual. You may not even realize that it’s happening, until you start to notice the slight increase in your tortoise.
What Can I Do to Reverse Pyramiding in Sulcata tortoise?
Unfortunately, you can not reverse pyramiding. But, you can correct the causes of pyramiding to prevent future pyramidal growth.
Increase the humidity level in indoor enclosures of baby, or young, sulcata tortoises. Ensure that the diet is high fiber and low protein in baby and older sulcatas.
As long as you correct the cause of the pyramiding, you should be able to ensure that future growth is smooth.
