What is underneath a tortoise shell?
The shell is made up of two halves, the underneath known as the plastron and the top known as the carapace. The whole shell of the tortoise is made up of numerous small bones which are covered by separate plates of keratin called scutes.
Why is my tortoises pee red?
As more and more water passes from the bladder into the blood stream (something they can do and we cannot), the urine becomes increasingly dark reddish brown. As it darkens, it thickens. Urate salts in gritty whitish clumps or soft like clotted milk are normal and may be present in the urine.
Why is my tortoise wee cloudy?
Tortoises also produce urine and urates. Reptiles also have one more type of excretion product, called urates or uric acid. This is the end product of protein digestion and is also stored in the urinary bladder as a creamy, off-white pasty semi-solid.
What is white stuff coming out of my tortoise?
it’s excreting urates — a combination of excess uric acid, minerals, and other body waste products that the tortoise’s kidneys have filtered out and excreted. Urates can vary in consistency from totally liquid to about the same consistency as toothpaste.
Why does my sulcata tortoise have a dry shell?
Like many reptiles, sulcata tortoises are prone to respiratory infections, especially if they’re kept in environments that are too humid. And like other tortoises and turtles, shell rot is a common problem. This is usually caused by a fungal infection that leads to a flaky, dry shell.
How big does A sulcata African spurred tortoise get?
Common Names: Sulcata tortoise, African spurred tortoise Scientific Name: Geochelone sulcata Adult Size: 24 to 30 inches long, weighing 80 to 110 pounds Life Expectancy: 70 years or more
What kind of home do Sulcata tortoises live in?
Also known as African Spurred Tortoises they are loved for their unique personalities – many say they behave similar to dogs. If you want a tortoise with a fun and courageous personality then look no further. Sulcata Tortoises can be housed indoors or outdoors.
What kind of animal is an African spurred tortoise?
African spurred tortoises (Geochelone sulcata) Commonly referred to as sulcatas, are a hearty tortoise from the deserts of Africa. The do extremely well locally given proper care.
Why does my sulcata tortoise have shell rot?
If the humidity is too high, the tortoise will most likely end up with shell rot in no time. And if the humidity is too low, their skin and shell will also end up suffering because they don’t get the required hydration. I know those things can seem a little harsh, but they only happen if you get the humidity completely wrong.
How big does a full grown sulcata tortoise get?
Within the first few years of hatching, these tortoises can grow to 10 in. long. Fully grown, they weigh in at a hefty 230 lbs.! Their shells are large and domed, and their skin is thick and leathery. These tortoises are some of the largest pet tortoise species available.
How to take care of an indoor sulcata tortoise?
Indoor tortoise enclosures are often very dry due to the dry air in most homes along with heat lamps on the cage. In the wild tortoises spend much time in burrows underground where humidity levels are much higher. Humidity problems can often be resolved by soaking the wooden hide log in water 1-2 times a week.
African spurred tortoises (Geochelone sulcata) Commonly referred to as sulcatas, are a hearty tortoise from the deserts of Africa. The do extremely well locally given proper care.
