phebe121
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Sep 4, 2014
- Messages
- 1,093
I did my first coconut oil on the shell a few days ago how often do i apply and it on the skin doesnt hurt the uvb from gettin to there skin cuz id apply it to there dry little heads
Expelled pressed is efficient mechanical pressed oil which means it can reach temperature exceeding 99 degrees. It looses some crucial vitamins like vitamin E. Which is one of the moisturizing properties of extra virgin coconut oil. Cold pressed doesn't exceed temperature of 60 degrees maintaining crucial vitamins. So the answer to your question is close, but preferably you want cold pressed. It must say Cold pressed too.
I did my first coconut oil on the shell a few days ago how often do i apply and it on the skin doesnt hurt the uvb from gettin to there skin cuz id apply it to there dry little heads
I found it for $11 at Safeway...
Anecdotal evidence is not science. Gathering evidence and making observations are not the same. Without a control subject, drawing conclusions is difficult. With tortoises, it can take decades before any conclusion can be drawn. All you can say for now is that the shell looks pretty & doesn't get dirty. It is not possible to draw further conclusions at this time.
I find this entire set up troubling. I see a focus on counteracting the effects of MV lights, drying effects that are not established as causal. I see an insistence on indoor care. I see touted benefits that are generally not an issue in tortoise care. (Anti fungal , etc.) I know humans absorb uv rays through the skin, but I'd like to see the research on Chelonia.
Is coconut oil a good safe moisturizer? Maybe. How often is it necessary? How often is it desirable? One danger in overuse is that it masks the effect of ill health and bad environment. Another is that it may soften the keratin layer over time.
Would I try coconut oil to counteract a problem? Maybe. As a prophylactic measure? No. I wouldn't use any topical ointment on a regular basis more than once or twice a year on my animals, and more likely not at all.
I might use it on a Q-tip and only paint the new growth areas, not the whole shell. I sometimes notice the new growth to be pretty hard and dry, and I THINK it's supposed to be more pliable and softer. So that would be the only application I would use it for.
But I'm interested in watching your study. I love it when members share their ideas with us. And I try to have an open mind.
The drying effects of the MVB, was found after reading a study on here with actual data I believe from Tom outlining the effects the mercury vapor bulb pulling the moisture deep from within the skin and shell of the tortoise, since usually there is layers of water vapor between our atmosphere that absorbs the harmful rays and doesn't wick away the moisture but with the bulbs being so close there is nothing to prevent that moisture from being taken from our little guys. I can't seem to find the thread I know someone has to know what I am talking about I read it multiple times here . It was a study done about the mvb and it's effects on the moisture. There was a lot of data gathered, that showed this effect. Turning the mvb on and instantly seeing the humidity drop. If anyone knows the thread I am speaking of could link it ?
I understand the hesitation and concern. Knowing the proper husbandry is ultimately the first step in taking care of the tortoise. But proper husbandry aside , I also know that my conclusions are all hear say without much scientific approach to it. The Benefits for humans is undeniable in my opinion. With much research done to back it up.
Does everyone need to worry about fungus, not necessarily, but it's good to know that it can effectively combat. I trust natural products way more then I trust pharmaceuticals. Any day. If fungus was present I would DEFINITELY want try the ointment before giving him drugs that could harm him.
My insistence on indoor care is strictly for those people who can not attain a safe outdoor enclosure for whatever reason and cannot get them outside as much as they should. Otherwise it is well known on here from reading so much the best habitat is a natural outdoor one with as much space is possible.
My biggest concern is the ability to block some of uvb light and preventing from proper metabolization. but again my deal here is preventing the moisture loss from these baking bulbs. Which I was really convinced after reading about murcury vapor bulbs and there absorption of moisture. The fact that my ambient humidity is over 60 percent when my lights are off and the second my lights get turned on it drops significantly to the low 30s, at which point I must introduce proper humidity.. that tells me something.. and the dry lines on his shell, look like a lot the moisture is been zapped.. the shell got very very rough and hard on his tabletop. Even with my making sure the humidity was at an appropriate level. I have been seeing little ridges appear before I started the coconut oil they, which they seem to be flatting out now after multiple applications. I will post pictures of it. You can zee the diffeence. In terms of softening the keratin over time. Well yea.. you are moisturizing it , it will soften up just alittle. I have noticed a the dry lines have completely disappeared and his shell feels nice and hydrated still nice and strong , no soft spots at all.