Tortoise skin

[nicolabarr]

Hi my tortoise skin is peeling on his front legs... Is this normal or should I get him to the vets? Thanks

 

[dmmj]

He is most likely shedding, tortoises don't shed all at once like other reptiles, they do it in chunks.

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi Nicola:

Welcome to the Tortoise Forum!!

May we know appx. where in the world you are?

Has your tortoise recently received a shot at the vet's? Vitamin A shots make the skin peel away.

Can you take a picture and show us what you're talking about? We're working in the dark and only making guesses unless we can see it.

 

[nicolabarr]

Hi there

I live in the uk, and my tortoise is about 8 years old. He's in bed at the moment so will take a picture tomorrow.

Thanks

 

[JoesMum]

Hi and welcome from another UK based tort keeper

All reptiles shed their skin. Torts are no exception. Unless the skin underneath looks sore, there is nothing to worry about.

They can look very tatty, but the loose dry skin just rubs off as they move round. Don't pick or pull at it because you will make the skin sore then!

 

[Madkins007]

Tortoises rarely shed in visible chunks- usually very small flakes. Peeling skin CAN be a sign of vitamin A overdose- is there any chance of that?

 

[nicolabarr]

What would vit a be from? He eats spring greens, carrots, peppers, tomato things like that. It's got Warner so he has started to go back outside but dont really like basing in the sun but staying in the warm shed in the shade? Thanks

 

[Madkins007]

Usually from vitamins you add to the diet, not the diet itself.