Flaky and cracked tortoise shell

[pojothetort]

Once the blood supply to the bone under the keratin has been interrupted the keratin eventually dies and flakes off. There's nothing you can do about or for it. It's nature. BUT in the meantime new bone and keratin is growing UNDER that dead, white bone. It takes a very long time, maybe even a year, but eventually, as the new bone grows larger than the dead bone the dead bone pops off and you're left with a brand new shell. But because that new shell didn't grow in increments like the rings of a tree, it's going to look different from the old shell.

Don't pick at it. Just let nature take its course.

so does that mean the shell s not degrading, it is growing ?

 

[pojothetort]

She's the expert...

Once the blood supply to the bone under the keratin has been interrupted the keratin eventually dies and flakes off. There's nothing you can do about or for it. It's nature. BUT in the meantime new bone and keratin is growing UNDER that dead, white bone. It takes a very long time, maybe even a year, but eventually, as the new bone grows larger than the dead bone the dead bone pops off and you're left with a brand new shell. But because that new shell didn't grow in increments like the rings of a tree, it's going to look different from the old shell.

Don't pick at it. Just let nature take its course.

does it mean the shell is not degrading, it is growing?

 

[Tim Carlisle]

I typed the above before I read the complete thread. I'm not contradicting anything Epps wrote. I use coconut oil. We both gave good advice.

I get excoriated any time I recommend coco oil. But facts are facts: it works great for hydrating, conditioning, and even repairing mild shell damage, makes an excellent antifungal, and strengthens the keratin. Plus it acts as a mild sunscreen. I apply some to Ghost's keratin lines on his carapace about every 3 months. His shell is healthy as a rock ( pun intended).

 

[Alex and the Redfoot]

I get excoriated any time I recommend coco oil. But facts are facts: it works great for hydrating, conditioning, and even repairing mild shell damage, makes an excellent antifungal, and strengthens the keratin. Plus it acts as a mild sunscreen. I apply some to Ghost's keratin lines on his carapace about every 3 months. His shell is healthy as a rock ( pun intended).

Honestly, I would postpone coconut oil a bit. If it's a shell rot then coconut oil can create a good habitat for anaerobic bacteria (no problem for a healthy shell, of course).

 

[EppsDynasty]

@pojothetort ...
There is something happening "Under" what you are pointing out. I would do coconut oil ONLY because I am not seeing any "Rot". Hydrating the Keratin may provide the shell with what it needs to stop flaking. I am no EXPERT but ... on the bottom I am wondering if the issue may be Dehydrated Keratin at it's worst. @Tim Carlisle pointed out Facts are Facts, well keratin can be damaged and dried out. Example: Women who dye and treat their hair with to many chemicals to many times. Another ... Women who get their Nails done regularly with Acrylics. Soaking the nails in Acetone and buffing, shaping, filling creates damaged keratin in the nails. I will continue to follow this and comment if I think I may be able to help. Coconut oil treatments take a while to start to show progress, you won't see results immediately or even see improvements fast it takes lots of applications and time.

 

[EppsDynasty]

does it mean the shell is not degrading, it is growing?

The shell (Keratin) can be doing both ... Regrowing and areas of degradation.

 

[Tim Carlisle]

Honestly, I would postpone coconut oil a bit. If it's a shell rot then coconut oil can create a good habitat for anaerobic bacteria (no problem for a healthy shell, of course).

Good point. You certainly wouldn't want to apply it to an infected shell.

 

[pojothetort]

The shell (Keratin) can be doing both ... Regrowing and areas of degradation.

@EppsDynasty @Yvonne G @Tim Carlisle @Alex and the Redfoot from observation I think that the shell is growing, I think the keratin is just very non uniform which is giving such a flaky structure, I'll be applying some coconut oil to keep it less dry, and is there an way to grow shell at a faster rate?

 

[Alex and the Redfoot]

@EppsDynasty @Yvonne G @Tim Carlisle @Alex and the Redfoot from observation I think that the shell is growing, I think the keratin is just very non uniform which is giving such a flaky structure, I'll be applying some coconut oil to keep it less dry, and is there an way to grow shell at a faster rate?

Okay, I hope there is no infection and shell is just healing. Proper diet, humidity and temperatures should ensure a healthy growth. Using Mazuri 5M21 can accelerate growth to some extent (if used as a supplement, several times a week). Yet I would not force growth anyhow and let it grow naturally. Patience is important with tortoises.

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

Forced growth can lead to it's own problems, so I would stick to the tips given by @Alex and the Redfoot

 

[EppsDynasty]

Using Mazuri is a "Must" for the nutritional aspect. I do not worry about fast growth if feeding Mazuri due to it's nutrient content. If the growth is fostered by having a full spectrum of Vitamins, Minerals and correct protein I think the growth will be "healthy growth" and not much concern for bad side effects. If the growth is slow and not packed with the right nutrients then there will be issues, no matter how slow. Faster isn't necessarily the goal, the goal should be to provide the best nutrient rich diet possible, and be consistent it doing so. The coconut oil doesn't provide immediate results it as well takes time and consistency to be effective. A coconut rub down, wipe down every 2 weeks for a few months is more realistic to start seeing improvement.