Shell problem?

[Kvantex]

The tortoise I recently received has an unusuall shell - for a lack of a better word the shell's surface feels cracked, rough and unsmooth. He is about 10 years old Herman and was housed with another two of its kind(2F, 1M) but only he developed such shell condition. As they were well, I would rule out dehidration. What could be wrong and how can I remedy it?

 

[Tom]

I don't see anything wrong with the shell. Here is the care info for this species:

The Best Way To Raise Any Temperate Species Of Tortoise

I chose the title of this care sheet very carefully. Are there other ways to raise babies and care for adults? Yes. Yes there are, but those ways are not as good. What follows is the BEST way, according to 30 years of research and experimentation with hundreds of babies of many species. What is...

tortoiseforum.org

 

[Maggie3fan]

He looks to dry to me...

 

[Yvonne G]

I think with a good environment, what is required for his species, his shell will eventually develop the luster you're looking for. In the meantime, you can help it along by using a topical every so often. I like to use a tiny bit of olive oil, rubbed into the shell then polished off with a clean, soft absorbent cloth.

 

[Kvantex]

Thank you Yvonne, I think that is the reply I was looking for. I was planing to give him oil lotion for the shell, an analogue to skin cream for humans, but wanted to wait before I get you guys' reaction. Thanks, will try.