Is this a normal scute?

[Tessa<3Leo]

Hi,

I’m a new member, so please be patient with me in the event I’m posting in the wrong section. I’ve relied on this site a lot when preparing to adopt my Hermann.

This is Leo Skywalker Tortuga. He has a sharp edge in one of his scutes, and I’m wondering what this is.

I reached out to our vet this morning regarding this sharp edge in one of his scutes, but I believe she’s off today, but I want to make sure Leo’s ok (I have a habit of overworrying).

Additional context in case:
- He is 1.5 years old and has gained 7g since we adopted him on March 22, 2025.
- His diet includes foraged weeds, lettuce, flowers, and various other homegrown greens — all approved by the Tortoise Table.
- He is soaked every other day for 20 minutes.
- His enclosure is 48inx20in with coco coir and repti bark substrate.
- There are slate rocks and various hiding areas.
- He gets calcium from regularly gnawing on cuttlebone.
- Temps range from 75F (cool side) to 110F (under basking).
- Humidity is maintained at 50%.

 

[COmtnLady]

Welcome to the Forum! 'Glad you signed up!

To me that looks like a bit of minor damage. Don't pick at it. It is only surface and will be ok eventually. If it catches on things, use a nail file and file it down a little bit.

 

[Tessa<3Leo]

Welcome to the Forum! 'Glad you signed up!

To me that looks like a bit of minor damage. Don't pick at it. It is only surface and will be ok eventually. If it catches on things, use a nail file and file it down a little bit.

Thanks for the response! The vet also just replied to me, and she said it’s a normal part of the growth and that the sharp edge should naturally file down.

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Yeah looks like he’s bumped it on something, should be fine

Just a heads up though, 110f under the basking bulb is too hot, aim for 95-100f, do you have a photo of your set up so we can see if you need to raise the bulb, what kind of bulb is it?

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

Welcome to the forum!