Shedding

[Ilovetorts123]

I know snakes shed their skin but do tortoises?
My tort looks like his skin I shedding around his 'neck' and I was wondering if this was ok ?

 

[peasinapod]

They do shed their skin, but not all at the same time like a snake does. Rather they loose it in small patches and flakes. Is the whole neck shedding at once? Is the skin underneath dry?

Pictures would help. If the skin underneath is dry and looks normal it is probably just regular shedding.

 

[Ilovetorts123]

Yh it's only a little
nothing like a snake
The skin may be dry because I haven't bathed her yet, I have only had her 2 weeks and isn't completely settled yet I will do soon though

 

[peasinapod]

Good luck then, I wish you and your tort many, happy years together.

 

[Ilovetorts123]

Thank you what type is yours? Mines a horsefield (Russian)

 

[peasinapod]

I have a eastern hermann's.

 

[Jabuticaba]

Yh it's only a little
nothing like a snake
The skin may be dry because I haven't bathed her yet, I have only had her 2 weeks and isn't completely settled yet I will do soon though

Soaking is actually helpful in the settling process. Many people recommend soaking them as soon as you get them home. Soaking is also really important for skin health. My guys had very dry, flaky, dark skins when I got them. Daily soaks, in water @ same temp as basking temp; ie 90°F, have helped them shed the rest of the dry, rough stuff and restored their skin to a beautiful yellow. My torts are Hermannis. Good luck!


May[CHERRY BLOSSOM], Hermann's [TURTLE][TURTLE] & Aussie [DOG FACE][DOG FACE][DOG FACE] (@YWG)

 

[Pokeymeg]

Shedding is totally normal!

If you give your tort more frequent baths while shedding, that can help speed things up a bit. Whatever you do, DO NOT pick off flakes! You could tear the new skin underneath!