Shell rot.......

[awa1]

Does soaking Russians cause shell rot? I've noticed minor shell rot on three of mine. I had to dig it out and clean it good, but I've got to figure out what's causing this. I use Timothy hay and a deeper end I have damp but not wet coconut core for laying. They stay fairly dry what's causing it. Help please......

Anthony

 

[ascott]

Are your torts wild caught?

 

[awa1]

Only one. The others are long term captives.

 

[ottosmom18]

Apply calcium shell oil which may help. If you don't see any improvement, hury to a vet!

 

[ascott]

Do you house them all together? It is a type of fungus that can be transferred from one tort to another, especially in prime conditions...

I would suggest you keep the torts clean and a bit dryer and in/on a substrate that is not conducive to gooping in the active rot spots....when you clean and dry them what type of medicated treatment are you offering?

I would not house them on hay as it can get moldy and create a prime area for bacteria/fungal growth....I would also not wet too much of the substrate while treating the torts...

 

[kanalomele]

Adults do not need nearly as much moisture as hatchlings do. When kept indoors rot can happen if they are in too damp or moldy surroundings. Take everyone out, clean and sanitize their area. Fresh bedding (I recommend a combo of 50% organic topsoil and 50% Coco Coir. Mist the substrate lightly with a water bottle when you feed them every other day. Soak them individually in warm water every week for about 20-30 minutes. A weak solution of betadine in their baths will help control any bacterial growth until they are healed up.

 

[biochemnerd808]

I agree with kanalomele.

I am wondering if putting the betadine into the bath would hurt them if they drink the water? I gently swabbed the shell of my rescues that had shell rot with diluted betadine.

Adults do not need nearly as much moisture as hatchlings do. When kept indoors rot can happen if they are in too damp or moldy surroundings. Take everyone out, clean and sanitize their area. Fresh bedding (I recommend a combo of 50% organic topsoil and 50% Coco Coir. Mist the substrate lightly with a water bottle when you feed them every other day. Soak them individually in warm water every week for about 20-30 minutes. A weak solution of betadine in their baths will help control any bacterial growth until they are healed up.