African Spurred Tortoise

Question
We purchased 3 hatchlings 8 months ago and they have been doing fine. Recently, within a span of a week we have lost 2 of them.  The only thing that I have noticed on them is that the underside shell is very soft. The other one seems to be fine, but.... We keep them inside in an large aquarium with proper lighting; we have been feeding them grasses, flower buds, and salad greens (washed, no pesticide and NO iceburg) and some occasional fruits---all of which I found on a list of fruits/veggies that are ok to feed to sulcatas. We are also soaking them weekly!!  Help>>>>

Answer
I'm not a veteranarian, but I would wonder about the calcium development process- calcium/magnesium ratios, vitamins D and B13, copper and other nutrients related tt calcium use.

There is also the unfortunate fact that hatchlings often experience a certain mortality rate- that is the trade-off with buying them at such a low price and early age. I don't know the details here (ie- were the babies shipped and if so, how; what was the health of the mother like; what were the growth curves; etc.) so I can't really help a whole ton.

I don't have any specific experience with sulcata babies but my general response is to:
1.) double check basic care- make sure the food is good and balanced, good vitamin/suppliment mix, good temps, etc.
2.) Pay extra attention to details like cleanliness, etc.
3.) I might question the weekly soaks- frequency, water depth, water temp, etc. (being desert animals, they are not comfortable with lots of water in the lungs so you gotta be careful soaking them)

I would also recommend sites like www.tortoise.org for more help.

Good luck!