RED FOOT TORTOISE CARAPACE

Question
Hi, If you cannot answer my question would you mind directing me to someone who can? I'm concerned about my 3 mo old Red Foot's carapace. It is beginning to soften and give some. I'm feeding him 80% greens with Calcium, D3 and Herbivite and he devours them. He's drinking plenty of water, alert and actually comes to me when I call him. He is 2 1/4" long and 38 grams. I only give him fruit once a week and it's not his favorite. Loves sweet potatoes, tomatoes and corn. Is this something I should be concerned about? What should I do?

Answer
Mary,

Does he have a UVA/UVB light?  Unless he has one of those (or unless he is exposed to natural sunlight on a regular basis) all of the vitamins in the world cannot keep his shell from getting soft.

I purchased my last bulbs from here:
http://www.reptilesupply.com/index.php?cPath=26_33

They aren't cheap, but they last for a long time and they are cheaper than a vet bill.  Also, these bulbs combine heat AND broad spectrum in one so you don't have to mess with two separate lamps.

After you get your lamp, you should feel your tortoise's shell begin hardening up again within a few weeks.  Leave it on all day but, of course, turn it off at night.  Make sure it is sturdy and can't be knocked over by any other people or pets - it gets hot.

Be careful with the D3.  If your turtle gets any natural sunlight he or she shouldn't need any.  Also, with a new lamp he or she shouldn't need very much at all.  Maybe a tiny pinch of it every week - no more.  A tortoise can get too much of it.  

Here is a care sheet:
http://www.beardiedragon.com/pages/Care/RF_Care.html

I have tried cheaper bulbs and T-Rex and PowerSun are the best.  

Now, I'm not a vet so if you want to be safe and rule out other problems I'd talk to a vet.  However if you do not have a mercury vapor bulb I'm pretty sure that is the problem.

-Amanda