Why is my tortoises head dry?

It could be new skin growth coming in underneath. Tortoises dont really shed the same way most other reptiles do. It happens a lot more slowly. My hermann’s tortoise used to get dry patches on his head like that when we first got him.

Can I moisturize tortoise?

Although there are apparent benefits of moisturizing a tortoise’s skin or shell, it usually isn’t necessary. Humidity and drinking water are better ways to hydrate a tortoise. Sometimes, people who have tortoises notice that the skin or shell of their pet is dry.

How do you get rid of tortoise pyramiding?

Tips to help prevent pyramiding in your tortoise

  1. Ensure proper humidity levels for your species of tortoise.
  2. Provide a high fiber, low-calorie, low protein diet.
  3. Provide all day access to food vs.
  4. Feed plants and greens that have a high bioavailability of calcium or supplement with calcium carbonate or calcium citrate.

What kind of shell does a Russian tortoise have?

A quick way to identify this species is by their toes – they only have four toes on their front legs. The Russian tortoise has a tan to olive colored upper shell with dark brown and black splotches. The bottom of its shell is usually much darker and can even be solid black.

Why is my Russian tortoise missing its cuttlebone?

This is typically caused by an antibiotic. Calcium is very important, and if your Russian tortoise doesn’t absorb enough, a deficiency can cause growth problems in the shell and bones. You may notice an abnormal appearance in the shell and legs. By leaving a cuttlebone in the enclosure, you can reduce the risk of MBD.

Why does my Russian tortoise have white spots on its shell?

You may notice shell rot in your tortoise if it has white powdery, pitted, or flaking patches on the shell; if left untreated, the infection may eat away the shell. External parasites include ticks, mites, and flies. If you notice any of these, you’ll need to treat immediately as they can cause disease.

How big of an enclosure does a Russian tortoise need?

They need a hot basking spot of 90 degrees or more. For their size they need a large outdoor enclosure (5 square feet). A quick way to identify this species is by their toes – they only have four toes on their front legs. The Russian tortoise has a tan to olive colored upper shell with dark brown and black splotches.

Russian tortoises are beautiful reptiles with all the hallmark features you’d expect from a land-roving tortoise. This includes the large domed shell, rough skin, and thick stubby legs. The carapace, which is the upper part of the shell, is usually covered in shades of olive green, tan, brown, and black.

This is typically caused by an antibiotic. Calcium is very important, and if your Russian tortoise doesn’t absorb enough, a deficiency can cause growth problems in the shell and bones. You may notice an abnormal appearance in the shell and legs. By leaving a cuttlebone in the enclosure, you can reduce the risk of MBD.

You may notice shell rot in your tortoise if it has white powdery, pitted, or flaking patches on the shell; if left untreated, the infection may eat away the shell. External parasites include ticks, mites, and flies. If you notice any of these, you’ll need to treat immediately as they can cause disease.

They need a hot basking spot of 90 degrees or more. For their size they need a large outdoor enclosure (5 square feet). A quick way to identify this species is by their toes – they only have four toes on their front legs. The Russian tortoise has a tan to olive colored upper shell with dark brown and black splotches.