Tortoise shell

[Dani_elle]

hello All as I'm new to this app I'm still learning how to use it. Today my husband adopted a desert tortoise today from the IE chapter so cal. As I was admiring the beauty of this creature I noticed that his shell is someone patchy/flaky. Any idea as to what this is as my husband has left and I wasn't able to get the lady's number whom we got her from. Thank you.

 

[Dani_elle]

*somewhat
and it is a male

 

[Maggie Cummings]

it looks to me like that poor tortoise has had a rough time. Have you given him a good long warm soak? It doesn't looked damaged, just dry and flaky. His shell is the correct shape, not deformed, just dry and maybe he's old. Yvonne G and ascott will see this thread and give you expert advice. I just ask you soak him so he can get a drink. Some people think that CDT don't need water or drinks and they get bladder stones, so give him a warm soak, he will either drink or he won't and offer him some food and see how he acts then...
And welcome to you...

 

[Dani_elle]

Thanks a ton for responding. I gave him some food which he mowed down in minutes and I will soak him right now. Thanks again

 

[dmmj]

Looks dry.but overall looks in good shape.

 

[Yvonne G]

I've seen this quite often on the larger desert tortoises, in fact I have two females here now who both look like your new tortoise. I've assumed that they were kept under lights and the lights dried out the shell as it was growing. But it could have been caused by a wild fire or anything. We'll really never know. I rub a bit of olive oil into the shells about once a week just to help lubricate them. But be sure to polish off the excess with an absorbent cloth and don't allow it to build up on the shell. This might cause over heating.

 

[Dani_elle]

Thank you so much Yvonne for your help.