Why does my baby's hermann's tortoise shell look like this? (It lives outside)
- Thread starter LukaStipi
- Start date
Alex and the Redfoot
Well-Known Member
Hello!
If you are concerned about "cracks" between the scutes - this is where new growth happens. In dry conditions new shell growth will be uneven. Yet it's hard to tell if something's off - because of dirt and evening lightning. Can you give your tortoise a warm bath in a shallow water, rinse the dirt and make a close-up photo in a daylight?
How old is your tortoise? Up to a certain age they do better inside in a closed type enclosure with controlled temperatures and humidity. Time outside is good but should be limited to a few hours.
If you are concerned about "cracks" between the scutes - this is where new growth happens. In dry conditions new shell growth will be uneven. Yet it's hard to tell if something's off - because of dirt and evening lightning. Can you give your tortoise a warm bath in a shallow water, rinse the dirt and make a close-up photo in a daylight?
How old is your tortoise? Up to a certain age they do better inside in a closed type enclosure with controlled temperatures and humidity. Time outside is good but should be limited to a few hours.
The_Four_Toed_Edward
Well-Known Member
What age and size is is your tortoise (measured from tail to neck, underside the shell) and his weight? He looks like he should still be in a closed chamber. Those cracks are probably caused by low humidity.
Its around 1 year old, i will give it a bath tomorrow and will send the picture
Its 4cm and around 1yr old
Raquel1978
Member
How often do you soak him? My little one is 9 months old and I soak her every morning. Mines a indoor tortoise so maybe younger ones do better indoors to start them out properly.
I soak it almost every day
He's very dry. An indoor, covered enclosure would be much better for him for another year or so. That way you could provide a warm, humid atmosphere for him and the shell would have more of a luster to it.
At a year of age he should have more growth lines to his shell. What do you feed him and how often?
At a year of age he should have more growth lines to his shell. What do you feed him and how often?
I feed it every day, it eats grass,cucumber and other weed. I scrape some cuttlefish bone on cucumber every week or two. What is the best substrate for a closed chamber?
Alex and the Redfoot
Well-Known Member
Perhaps, coco coir (coco peat) would be the best for now. Other options are fir bark and cypress mulch. You can check if garden stores or plant nurseries nearby sell some in large bags/bricks (it would be cheaper than buying from a pet store).
Also, you can check this care guide:
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/info-for-new-people-please-read-this-first.202363/ (and the guide for temperate species at the bottom of it). There are heating/lightning equipment list, diet recommendations and much more.
Feel free to ask any questions!
Also, you can check this care guide:
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/info-for-new-people-please-read-this-first.202363/ (and the guide for temperate species at the bottom of it). There are heating/lightning equipment list, diet recommendations and much more.
Feel free to ask any questions!
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Alex and the Redfoot
Well-Known Member
Hi! His shell needs some moisture. It looks dry. Get a soft bristle toothbrush (e.g. for kids 0-3) and gently wet clean and moisten the shell while he is soaking (no need to do it daily, once a week is fine).
I see no reasons to worry yet, but he will definitely benefit from higher humidity. Can you post a photo of his enclosure/pen outside? And his shell photo after brush cleaning.
I see no reasons to worry yet, but he will definitely benefit from higher humidity. Can you post a photo of his enclosure/pen outside? And his shell photo after brush cleaning.
After you clean the shell like advised above, rub in some cold pressed coconut oil. Allow it to absorb for 15 or 20 minutes then polish it off with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth/towell.
