Flake-head...What!?

[Redstrike]

Took my torts outside for some UV today and noticed they seem to have some dry skin. Hygrometer never reads <70% and is usually 80+, I run heat ropes under the substrate (soil, then cypress on top) to release heat and humidity - works great! I mist both of them 3-4 times/day as well. Their "major" hide box has moistened sponges on the inside to keep things humid.

I'm thinking I may need to moisten their substrate more and add some sphagnum to their hides? I usually dump ~ 1.5 liters of water in their enclosure per week to keep the heat ropes "mistifying". I avoided both these things previously (damp substrate & sphagnum) as cherryheads, and RF's in general, seem prone to plastron rots. What do you all think?

They don't seem to dig down into the cypress mulch when they're in their hides - I'm thinking this is drying them out.

Sorry for the length, looking forward to your thoughts.

 

[Yvonne G]

I've not seen flakey skin on a RF before. Its usually a desert tortoise or a Russian. And in those instances we normally say add more moisture. But in your case, maybe its just growing and shedding.

 

[Redstrike]

I've not seen flakey skin on a RF before. Its usually a desert tortoise or a Russian. And in those instances we normally say add more moisture. But in your case, maybe its just growing and shedding.

I truly hope so, especially if you've not seen it in a RF prior to this post. With all your experience, this makes me a bit nervous. Anyone else have any experience(s) with this?

 

[EricIvins]

That happens this time of year - Your ambient humidity drops in the cooler months, which leads to Tortoises with dry skin........Either up the humidity, or use a generic, non-scented moisturizing lotion.........

 

[Madkins007]

If it took bright sunshine to notice it, I would suggest growth rather than humidity. Have you seen any other signs of dehydration?

 

[Redstrike]

If it took bright sunshine to notice it, I would suggest growth rather than humidity. Have you seen any other signs of dehydration?

I haven't seen other signs of dehydration. No urates, eyes clear, no heavy mucus in mouths. I do subject them to some forced soakings 1-2 times a week to be safe and I notice both water dishes (1 on each end) often have substrates in them at the end of the day. I've watched both of them drink before, it's quite entertaining! They really do despise the forced soakings, tough love.

I'll grab another hygrometer to make sure the one I have isn't malfunctioning. I'm fairly confident my current hygro is fine, the glass above my enclosure always has condensation, but it can't hurt to have a couple in there.

Thanks for your suggestions and thought provoking questions everyone!

 

[allegraf]

Chris,

Some of my hatchlings, subs and even adults go through this "shedding" phase. It does not appear to be related to hydration nor does it seem to affect their health. It is funny, all of my torts are raised together, all subs together, all hatchlings together, etc., and some shed their scales and some don't. Hope this helps put your mind at ease. That head looks more colorful than ever btw, aside from the shedding scales I mean.

Allegra

 

[Redstrike]

Chris,

Some of my hatchlings, subs and even adults go through this "shedding" phase. It does not appear to be related to hydration nor does it seem to affect their health. It is funny, all of my torts are raised together, all subs together, all hatchlings together, etc., and some shed their scales and some don't. Hope this helps put your mind at ease. That head looks more colorful than ever btw, aside from the shedding scales I mean.

Allegra

Allegra,
Your reassurance is welcomed, thank you! Good to know Coagi & Rafiki aren't aberrant scale-shedding machines. I'll be sure to share your compliment with Rafiki, they both seem to be doing marvelous. I'm sure it's due to their excellent lineages and only partially from their care.