dry tortoise shell?

The_Four_Toed_Edward

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I forgot to say, she definitely is yellow though. I would not describe her as tan-colored. She's not TOO yellow, but again I wouldn't know since I've only seen one tortoise in real life- mine.
Would you say that she has always been that color?
 

Yingg

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Both the puffines and yellow skin could indicate kidney problems, but I am no expert in those matters so can't say how probable it is.
I thought so too for the longest time. I still think so. But i've determined that her quality of life doesn't seem affected and she's currently a happy tortoise with healthy poops and active walking. I'm not too concerned.

However , i will still be seeing a vet (this time, a more reputable one) to get her beak trimmed. they require a wellness check first, so i will save up some money and ask for a professional opinion. if she does get diagnosed with some form of kidney issue, I'm not sure what the next step is. I hope she's healthy though. and the puffiness is just... fat.

fingers crossed 🤞
 

Yingg

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hello, do you wash substrate before use? all these years i haven't. i add water to reduce the dustiness though. (2/3 orchid bark/reptibark, 1/3 coco coir/eco earth)
 

Yingg

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New setup:

basking bulb is about 9 inches away from shell,
arcadia light is about 15 inches away from shell.
 

Alex and the Redfoot

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hello, do you wash substrate before use? all these years i haven't. i add water to reduce the dustiness though. (2/3 orchid bark/reptibark, 1/3 coco coir/eco earth)
EcoEarth and Reptibark are pre-washed, as far as I know. Most "reptile-marketed" substrates are, so I put them as is. Coco coir and bark from gardening stores may need rinsing.
 

Alex and the Redfoot

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New setup:

basking bulb is about 9 inches away from shell,
arcadia light is about 15 inches away from shell.
Sounds a bit too low to me. Is it a new UVB lamp? For the basking lamp - thermometer should tell you if the distance is correct.
 

Yingg

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hi, she usually hovers around 570-585g but today i weighed her and she was 600g. she's already been 600-605g for the past few days. should i be worried? two days ago she pooped and had normal urates. (a LITTLE gritty, kinda like chalk.)
 

The_Four_Toed_Edward

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hi, she usually hovers around 570-585g but today i weighed her and she was 600g. she's already been 600-605g for the past few days. should i be worried? two days ago she pooped and had normal urates. (a LITTLE gritty, kinda like chalk.)
It's okay, as long as she is pooping normally.
 

Yingg

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You need a couple of "right-sized" hides, deep enough substrate to burrow and some moderate shade (think of a grass clump or a bush). For both heat and UV a gradient is better than "black-white".
I have a spider plant. Do you think it would die under this light? I have it potted in a plastic pot with drainage holes and organic soil for raised bed planting. I've had it for months now after buying it from home Depot and switching the soil.
 

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