HELP I dont know if this is shell rot

zbarry

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Hi so I've had my russian tortoise Donatello for a year now and I've recently started to notice how his shell doesnt look as nice as other shells. I've tried to do some research but I felt like I was just getting my self worried about it being something really bad so I decided to come here and see if someone could help. I dont know if it's like shell rot or just from him growing but I wanted to make sure. Here r some photos.

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SweetGreekTorts

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Not shell rot. That's just wear and tear on a wild-caught tortoise. They always look more banged up than captive-bred tortoises due to the wild environment they grew up in.

Lots of soaks and sunshine will help it to look better. Nothing to worry about.
 

Cathie G

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Hi so I've had my russian tortoise Donatello for a year now and I've recently started to notice how his shell doesnt look as nice as other shells. I've tried to do some research but I felt like I was just getting my self worried about it being something really bad so I decided to come here and see if someone could help. I dont know if it's like shell rot or just from him growing but I wanted to make sure. Here r some photos.
Welcome to TFO. I'm not an expert and I'm sure more qualified people will answer you soon...but really Donatello looks pretty good. I have a Russian and they do get those areas when they are growing. I just try to make sure my little Saphire gets plenty of nutrients and sunshine. Then it darkens up but pay more attention to the older members here. They will be able to direct you better.
 

Lyn W

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Could it be that his substrate is too dry ? I think they need a moister type that they can dig in; but read this caresheet to start with https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/ - then ask as many questions as you need.
Also if you can post pics of his whole enclosure and the sort of lamps you are using for uvb/basking etc with details about his 4 temps in his enclosure, and soaking regime then members can give you up to date advice specific to your tort.
 

Yvonne G

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It looks to me either like someone before you had him painted his shell or it's hard water stains on the older part of the shell. Shell rot starts on the bottom shell (plastron) and it's from sitting in dirty, wet substrate. Try washing the shell with a soft brush and baby shampoo to see if you can scrub the white discoloration off. After he's dry, rub in some cold pressed coconut oil, allow it to set for about 15 minutes, then polish it off with a clean, absorbent cloth. After you've done all that, take another picture so I can see the results (please).
 

zbarry

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Update: so I listened to everyone's advance and appreciated it all. I gave him a good scrubbing with some baby shampoo and put some coconut oil on him twice now and his shell is looking significantly better. I believe it looked that way because I have an outside set up for him that i put him in when I'm home and he likes to dig and some of the rocks were rubbing againist his shell when he was digging in the dirt. But it looks nice now and I have a few pics to show u guys how it's looking nice. Again thanks for the advice, I appreciate it. (Ps hes in a box in the photo cause I was cleaning his setup)

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