Redfoot shell

[KSA05]

when I first got my redfoot she was as colourful as anything but now her shells colour has reduced. Could this be because of too much UVB (12 hours daily for last 4 years) and also using basking lamp as I have learnt that it’s not good for their shells as they aren’t basking tortoises so I’ve now switched to a ceramic heater. Is there anything I could do to get her shell back to being colourful. I have also noticed that when her shell is wet is shows more colour. I will attach pictures of before and after. Ignore the abscess on her face on the second one it’s been dealt with

 

[Alex and the Redfoot]

Hello!
I think it's pretty normal - new keratin usually looks more smooth and bright colored. As it ages/hardens the color fades out. Also, there is some variation between regions of origin for redfoots (some have brownish hue of the shell, some gray/pale black and some have more pronounced black).

If you have a low wattage flood basking lamp you can still use it. Redfoots don't bask for hours and can be kept without a basking lamp yet there are benefits in providing a basking area. Ceramic heat emitters (or radiant heat panels) on a thermostat are essential element for maintaining ambient temperature.

If you want to give some "color boost" to tortoise shell, you can apply a small amount of coconut oil to the shell after soaking. Make sure to remove oil excess with a paper towel. It should be done once in 2-4 weeks.

 

[wellington]

How big is the enclosure?
The humidity needed to be much higher than it was as she has lots of pyramiding and looks like she is in a closed chamber. Being to dry doesn't help.
80% humidity with dry one the top of the substrate but damp on the bottom
They, most tortoises, usually change a lot from hatchling.