Browning coloration on the top/back of Hermann's shell?

__honeybee

New Member
Joined
Mar 13, 2019
Messages
2
Location (City and/or State)
Winnipeg
Hi everyone!

I have an 8 year old Hermann's tortoise (Chompy). I've noticed some weird discoloration in the back of his shell in the past year. It seems to be a dusty brown color and I am not sure why. (I did switch from substrate to soil as he seemed to prefer it, and thought maybe the soil is dying his shell - but it doesn't come off in the shower at all)

His terrarium has a good range of microclimates, I feed him a variety of leafy greens, some vegetables, and a calcium supplement. His shell is still hard and he has a lot of energy, so his general health doesn't seem to be affected, but I wanted to check to be sure.

Does anyone know what this browning might be?
(I've attached an image so you can take a look!)

Thanks!

CHOMPY.jpg

zJXDYBQ
 

King Arthur

Active Member
Tortoise Club
Joined
Jan 7, 2019
Messages
116
Location (City and/or State)
Bay Area, California
Hi everyone!

I have an 8 year old Hermann's tortoise (Chompy). I've noticed some weird discoloration in the back of his shell in the past year. It seems to be a dusty brown color and I am not sure why. (I did switch from substrate to soil as he seemed to prefer it, and thought maybe the soil is dying his shell - but it doesn't come off in the shower at all)

His terrarium has a good range of microclimates, I feed him a variety of leafy greens, some vegetables, and a calcium supplement. His shell is still hard and he has a lot of energy, so his general health doesn't seem to be affected, but I wanted to check to be sure.

Does anyone know what this browning might be?
(I've attached an image so you can take a look!)

Thanks!

zJXDYBQ
Hi, question..did anyone respond? I'm looking for a similar concern answered. ?
 

__honeybee

New Member
Joined
Mar 13, 2019
Messages
2
Location (City and/or State)
Winnipeg
Hi, question..did anyone respond? I'm looking for a similar concern answered. ?

Hi there, sorry for my late response. No one got back to me but it turned out to just be some seriously caked on soil. I got a bristly scrubby brush, gave him a shower and scrubbed all of the dirt off.
If this doesn't work for you, the discoloration may be due to a calcium deficiency and is something you should talk to a vet about.
 

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