Is my Russian Tortoise Healthy? Noticed shallow shell cracking(?

[jasonh]

Hi Y'all,

I am new to the forum and would like to seek for a help regarding my Russian Tortoise. Me and my girlfriend got this tortoise from one of our friends. Recently we noticed that as the tortoise growing bigger, part of her shell near the tail area has some sign of cracking but we are not sure if this is indeed a shell crack. Really hope if any experienced tortoise parents could help us to find out if it is shell cracking or it is normal.

 

[wellington]

I think I see what your concern is. Not sure what makes it do that unless there were obvious damage from dog bite, light/heat burn, etc. Nothing like that seems to have happened.
He does have wider new growth which may play a part
Be sure there is at least 50% humidity in the enclosure as it looks a bit dry.
Maybe @Yvonne G has an answer for the cracking.

 

[Sarah2020]

Hello, I recommend you read this and check humidity, introduce regular warm water soaks for 30 mins, calcium, heat, light, diet etc .. smooth shell growth us what your seeking and this is gained with above. I also recommend applying coconut oil on the shell to help moisturise avoid head area. Keep a weight log which helps identify weight gain and loss .

Thread 'Info For New People. Please Read This First.' https://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/info-for-new-people-please-read-this-first.202363/

 

[Tom]

Hi Y'all,

I am new to the forum and would like to seek for a help regarding my Russian Tortoise. Me and my girlfriend got this tortoise from one of our friends. Recently we noticed that as the tortoise growing bigger, part of her shell near the tail area has some sign of cracking but we are not sure if this is indeed a shell crack. Really hope if any experienced tortoise parents could help us to find out if it is shell cracking or it is normal.

It appears that this is a wild caught tortoise that had a rough time before reading captivity. Nothing can be done about the past, and the shell does not need any immediate medical attention. What you can do is offer this tortoise a wonderful captive life and meet all of its nutritional, housing, heating and lighting needs. The thread that Sarah linked will help you do that, and look for the temperate species care sheet and the heating/lighting breakdown near the bottom.

Questions are welcome.