Hi everyone

I was reading the post below and wondered if there was a growth chart for tortoises. I have a 2.5yr hermans and he has not been hibernated. We took him to the vets for a general problem and he said that he was on the large side at 177g and he could be storing problems for later on.

We thought he was growing fast and have tried to slow this down with lettuce etc but he has quite some appetite. We have also tried to encourage him to walk around quite a bit to burn off his energy.

We don't feed him loads, just a pile of leaves which is the same size as his shell.

Would be grateful for some advice, are we doing the right things?

Thanks

Hi, yes there is a chart you can check your tort against, its called the 'Jackson Ratio'.

Here is a link from our website (found under 'the tortoise' on lefthand menu) on how to correctly measure a tort http://www.tortoise-protection-group.org.uk/site/files/Weighing%20&%20measuring.pdf

The Jackson Ratio, can be found under 'The Tortoise' then under 'hibernation' on the lefthand menu, here is a link http://www.tortoise-protection-group.org.uk/site/169.asp

From what you have said it sounds as though you are feeding him correctly, just make sure he only has weeds or garden plants to eat, no veg or fruit or pellets.  As you say, exercise in a secure outdoor enclosure will help, with lots of rocks etc to climb.  Perhaps, slow growth down, by not feeding one day a week, so he has to forage for grass or weeds.

Regards Vivienne