Strange markings on my sulcata's shell...

[papermoth]

Hello! I posted on this forum a year or two ago, but have otherwise been a lurker, enjoying photos and learning all I can learn about turts/torts.

I've taken care of box turtles for some time, but now I'm the proud owner of a baby sulcata named Sky. She's about 2-3 months old now.

Recently, I've noticed strange markings appearing on her shell. At first I thought they were water marks, but no amount of rubbing has removed them. I've developed a mild paranoia of parasites as a potential cause, and I hope I'm wrong about that..

Care to take a look for me? I'd love to hear your expert opinions.

And a cute picture for you to enjoy:

 

[egyptiandan]

Perfectly normal and nothing to worry about.

Danny

 

[papermoth]

Perfectly normal and nothing to worry about.

Danny

Are they calcium stains? That thought barely occurred to me now, haha..

 

[PeanutbuttER]

http://tortoiseforum.org/thread-5763.html?highlight=swirls
http://tortoiseforum.org/thread-12067.html?highlight=swirls

I don't have any advice, but other people have seen similar things on their younger torts as well. You're not alone in your spotting and swirling.

 

[egyptiandan]

Not calcium stains. It's actually in the scute material.

Danny

 

[papermoth]

http://tortoiseforum.org/thread-5763.html?highlight=swirls
http://tortoiseforum.org/thread-12067.html?highlight=swirls

I don't have any advice, but other people have seen similar things on their younger torts as well. You're not alone in your spotting and swirling.

What lovely patterns! It's a relief to learn that these aren't an abnormality. Thanks for finding these photos for me.

---

Not calcium stains. It's actually in the scute material.

Danny

Interesting, I'll have to give my boxies a closer look and see if any of my little ones also have swirly designs.

 

[PeanutbuttER]

No problem. I'm glad they helped.