Painted Russian tortoise

[sonja]

An animal shelter that I work with has just received a Russian tortoise who's shell is almost completely covered in fingernail polish.
Is it best to try to remove the polish, or leave it alone?
If it should be removed, what is the best method?
If it should be left alone, will it go away on it's own somehow?

Thanks for any help!

 

[lismar79]

Not sure about safely removing but here is a care sheet. Why people paint shell, I do not know

http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/

 

[johnsonnboswell]

It should be removed.

With care, small sections at a time, and with a non toxic solvent. I don't know which solvent, but I do know acetone is bad stuff.

 

[smarch]

I don't have experience with nail polish removal, I've painted a scute of franklin now and then with non-toxic water color that comes off in soaks. But I have real people suggesting acetone-free nail polish remover. I'd suggest that and a q-tip and doing less than a scute at a time due to the smell alone being irritating to us imagine it to them. I hope all the best for the little one's de-coloring process

 

[Yvonne G]

That's right. A non-acetone nail polish remover, and only do a small area at a time, washing the shell with mild soapy water after each treatment.