Sulcata have deep lines on her shell

[Krcreptiles]

I just noticed this today. My 8year old sulcata, about 50lbs have these gaps or deep groves between her scutes, I feed them hay, romaine, mixed greens, sometimes fruits in moderation, and mazuri. What’s wrong ? Or is it normal?

 

[zovick]

I just noticed this today. My 8year old sulcata, about 50lbs have these gaps or deep groves between her scutes, I feed them hay, romaine, mixed greens, sometimes fruits in moderation, and mazuri. What’s wrong ? Or is it normal?

It looks as though the tortoise has been too dry for quite some time or possibly the shell got dessicated from being too close to a heat source. It is not life-threatening, though.

 

[Tom]

I just noticed this today. My 8year old sulcata, about 50lbs have these gaps or deep groves between her scutes, I feed them hay, romaine, mixed greens, sometimes fruits in moderation, and mazuri. What’s wrong ? Or is it normal?

I agree. The environment is too dry. Electric heat will do that. I would add humidity, soak more, and add water to the food when you can by spraying it.

Are you still using a basking lamp with this tortoise? Its too big for that.

Do you have a heated night box for the tortoise for more outside time in the warmer months?

They should not be fed fruit. Its not good for their GI tract.