Red Foot shell Discoloration

[CraigG]

Hi Everyone:

New user here trying to figure out what is going on with two of our tortoises. Two of them are developing these white lines on the shells at the joints (see pictures). What is this? What is causing it? How do we treat it?

Thank you!

 

[zolasmum]

Hi Everyone:

New user here trying to figure out what is going on with two of our tortoises. Two of them are developing these white lines on the shells at the joints (see pictures). What is this? What is causing it? How do we treat it?

Thank you!

Hello and welcome. I think the white lines are just new shell growth - a good thing, though it may look weird. The shells grow by the scutes expanding all round, producing this new white growth which will darken as it hardens.
It doesn't always happen evenly, but is nothing to worry about.
Angie

 

[crimson_lotus]

looks like marbling - your torts are fancy

 

[Toddrickfl1]

That's marbling, it's common in the cherry heads.

 

[zolasmum]

That's marbling, it's common in the cherry heads.

There you are then - I was wrong - I don't know much about cherry heads, but I was sure it wasn't something bad and didn't want you worrying about it needlessly.
Angie

 

[CraigG]

That's marbling, it's common in the cherry heads.

Thank you! We were afraid we had something terrible. Thank you!

 

[CraigG]

There you are then - I was wrong - I don't know much about cherry heads, but I was sure it wasn't something bad and didn't want you worrying about it needlessly.
Angie

Thank you for your help!

There you are then - I was wrong - I don't know much about cherry heads, but I was sure it wasn't something bad and didn't want you worrying about it needlessly.
Angie

thank you, Angie

 

[CraigG]

looks like marbling - your torts are fancy

That’s good!