Skin around baby’s mouth

[Franco F]

I was wondering if someone might be able to tell me if this is any cause for concern. My tortoises’s mouth area seems to have this crusty skin. My baby’s face always sheds from time to time but I’m not sure if this is normal or mouth rot.

He doesn’t show any signs of sickness. He eats like he’s 500 pounds, gets soaks every day, poops every day, and his temperatures and humidity levels are where they are supposed to be.

If anyone can help, thank you. I have pet insurance so if I need to make a vet trip I will.

 

[Kasia]

It’s a normal shedding. Soak him more often and you can rub some organic coconut oil to moisture the area up. Nothing to worrie about

 

[Franco F]

It’s a normal shedding. Soak him more often and you can rub some organic coconut oil to moisture the area up. Nothing to worrie about

That's what I thought, but you can never be too sure. Thank you

 

[TechnoCheese]

The coconut oil isn’t absolutely necessary if you can’t find it, but if you do, make sure that it’s virgin and cold pressed.

 

[Franco F]

The coconut oil isn’t absolutely necessary if you can’t find it, but if you do, make sure that it’s virgin and cold pressed.

Thank you. Is there any other recommended method if not coconut oil?

 

[Yvonne G]

To me it looks like some stuck on food or such. Have you tried to scrape it with your fingernail?

 

[Franco F]

To me it looks like some stuck on food or such. Have you tried to scrape it with your fingernail?

It may be a mix of both, but it looks like that on the other side of his mouth too, only less severe. I never tried to scrape it off cause I don’t wanna scare the little guy. I only handle him when I have to soak him, so he might get a little anxious if intrubtobremove whatever it is

 

[TechnoCheese]

As long as the humidity is correct, it should come off on its own. But to help it further, daily soaks should get it off quicker

 

[Franco F]

Thanks everyone. Turned out to be just skin, and it eventually peeled off. It happened before but the skin was larger than normal so I wasn’t sure if it was something else.