I gave my boys a good scrub today, a really good one. I noticed my one boy has this strange pattern in the layers of keratin.
His shell definitely appears to be sanded down. As I watch him get in and out of his hide box he is scratching the sides. Obviously it’s time for a different hide situation. I feel like that’s the cause of the worn down shell.
I’m wondering why he has this pattern under his shell and if it’s something to be concerned about?
Is this a sign of dehydration or lack of nutrients? I’ve seen the small circular growths in their scutes when they were younger but I’ve never seen this before.
His brother does not have any issues with his shell.
Background information: they are six years old, I’ve had them since hatchlings, they have never been in temperatures below 80°, they have a varied diet. They are outside summer eating weeds and plants. Winter they are indoors. We follow the red foot diet with small percentage protein, large amount of greens, some fruits. No previous health issues. I use only a CHE and in Arcadia forest dwellers T5HO lamp for UV.
His shell definitely appears to be sanded down. As I watch him get in and out of his hide box he is scratching the sides. Obviously it’s time for a different hide situation. I feel like that’s the cause of the worn down shell.
I’m wondering why he has this pattern under his shell and if it’s something to be concerned about?
Is this a sign of dehydration or lack of nutrients? I’ve seen the small circular growths in their scutes when they were younger but I’ve never seen this before.
His brother does not have any issues with his shell.
Background information: they are six years old, I’ve had them since hatchlings, they have never been in temperatures below 80°, they have a varied diet. They are outside summer eating weeds and plants. Winter they are indoors. We follow the red foot diet with small percentage protein, large amount of greens, some fruits. No previous health issues. I use only a CHE and in Arcadia forest dwellers T5HO lamp for UV.
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