Hi all,

Sparkey and Bolt are now 4 months old, both seem very happy, active and seem to be eating well BUT when we are weighing them every week Bolt has stayed the same weight for the last 3 weeks ( 25g) whereas Sparkey gains weight and is now 33g (Sparkey does slightly go up and down). Is this ok or should we be keeping them apart to make sure Bolt is getting enough food?

We weigh them same day after there bath.

All advise very welcome

Hi Paula,

I really wouldnt worry about the smaller one, my too hatchlings from last year were exactly the same and are still thrivving. Theres no need to separate them either they sound like they are doing just fine.

Ali

Hiya

Sparkey and Bolt both sound to be doing great.  I use 2 feeding platforms for my babies in their pen now to give the smaller ones a chance of getting their fair share of food.  It might be something you might like to consider.

Helen

Hi Paula,

I would be inclined to remove Sparky for five minute or so before adding Bolt. I wouldn't worry too much about Bolt not gaining the weight, more Sparky putting on too much.

HTH
Darren

Hi Paula,

Sorry,

I meant to suggest you remove Sparky from the area where the food is for five minutes to give Bolt a chance to eat on his own:-)

Hi all,

thanks so much for the advice, weighed both of them again this week usual time after bath Sparkey now weighs in at 37g ( I really think I need to send him to slimming world) and Bolt this week has put on 2g making him 27g. They both seem to eat at the same time when Im watching them but I think Sparkey must have a secret stash somewhere   . Also do we need to hibernate them this year they just seem so small and my son is worried they may not make it,.  He had a really bad time earlier this year  involving his 2 rabbits and 3 dogs which had got loose.

Thanks for all advice as ever invaluable,

Paula   

Hi Paula,

:-)

Like us, tortoises are genetically different, it isn't unusual for one to gain more weight than another by eating the same quantity of food. That is why it is so important to monitor the weight gain.

I only have to take a sniff of take-away to gain a few pounds:-)

TC
Darren

Hi Darren,

I fed them apart to day to see if Bolt was eating enough and he seemed to, so i might keep with that for a while just in case Sparkey is getting a little greedy,

Thanks again Paula