My two RF torts have dull dusty shells but I am sure it has to do with the very high concentrate of limestone from our well water. I spray them daily (multiple times) and they only look good when wet. What do you suggest to spruce them up? Does a shell need conditioned? Have some pyramidding on both.
Lime on shells.
- Thread starter Heather B
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Heather H
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Took me a bit to figure out pics too
Thanks Heather. I just noticed the dark lines around her scutes that I hadn't before.@Yvonne G
I have no idea. But someone will help you
Heather H
Well-Known Member
@HermanniChris @Tommight know . So many knowledgeable people here. If you ever want the attention of a certain person put @ before the name.
Do you have a closed chamber enclosure? Just because you mist multiple times a day, doesn't mean it's humid enough in their enclosure. Their substrate needs to be damp (and the substrate you have isn't good at holding humidity). You should buy a good hygrometer to actually measure humidity.
I'm still pretty new to this myself but to me it looks like your enclosure is just way too dry (judging by the super dry looking shell and the pyramiding).
But I'm no expert, this is just my opinion based on what I observe in that photo.
I'm still pretty new to this myself but to me it looks like your enclosure is just way too dry (judging by the super dry looking shell and the pyramiding).
But I'm no expert, this is just my opinion based on what I observe in that photo.
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I don't see anything alarming. Unfortunately tortoises kept in artificial conditions normally don't portray that beautiful, rich almost shiny effect that they attain in nature. This is partially attributed to the fact that in nature, tortoises spend much of their day in vegetation. They create scrapes at the base of grasses and bushes, graze in tall vegetation and follow the same paths each day usually. Their shells are constantly in contact with the wax found on many leaves or plants. They are always brushing against all types of plants. This gives them the almost "waxed" or shiny look in the wild. In a well planted outdoor enclosure, we can help to replicate this look. Inside, many times they appear dull or almost dusty. I would continue with the mistings and maybe do it more frequently. When our tortoises go back outside into their naturalistic pens for the summer, they start to look much better as time goes on.
I had this problem too when I was using tap water. I started collecting rain water and the problem disappeared. I collect the rain water in big tubs and and run it through a micron filter into 5 gallon jugs for storage.
Works like a charm.
Works like a charm.
You can use distilled water too, but don't use distilled for drinking or soaking. Just for shell spraying or in a humidifier.
I'll have to wait here in Ohio before I can get rain instead of snow!
I'm sure fellow freezing Ohioan.
Seems fine to me. I would still filter it to remove any particulates.
This is the perfect opportunity to give the cold pressed, extra virgin coconut oil a try. Rub it in good, allow it to set for about 5 minutes, then polish it off with an absorbent cotton cloth.
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