Is My Tortoise Healthy?

[Kay08]

My russian tortoise's front legs, shell, and tail all are turning darker than usual. Her tail looks like it has burn marks. Is the lamp in her enclosure too hot? If so, how do you treat this?

 

[Yvonne G]

The darkness is just dirt. You can scrub gently with a soft bristle brush after you've soaked the tortoise in warm water for about 15 minutes. The part that looks burned is just normal shedding. Nothing to worry about.