Shell maintenance

kmloughran

Active Member
5 Year Member
Joined
Aug 27, 2016
Messages
177
Location (City and/or State)
Napa, Ca
Hey, just wondering if there's anything we should be doing with his shell? Should we get water on it every day during his soaks? Oil it? scrub it lightly? Massage it?

Or should we just keep petting him when we take him out for his soaks, and taking lots of pictures?

Thanks!
-Kev
 

ZEROPILOT

REDFOOT WRANGLER
Moderator
Tortoise Club
5 Year Member
Platinum Tortoise Club
Joined
Jul 16, 2014
Messages
28,939
Location (City and/or State)
South Eastern Florida (U.S.A.)/Rock Hill S.C.
Some members have reported using coconut oil, I think.
I use nothing at all.
I also don't pet mine, but have had some that seem to have like their shells scratched with a brush..........
 

kmloughran

Active Member
5 Year Member
Joined
Aug 27, 2016
Messages
177
Location (City and/or State)
Napa, Ca
Some members have reported using coconut oil, I think.
I use nothing at all.
I also don't pet mine, but have had some that seem to have like their shells scratched with a brush..........
Like a soft bristled toothbrush or what sort of brush? Mo's still small (143g). Thanks
 

Yvonne G

Old Timer
TFO Admin
10 Year Member!
Platinum Tortoise Club
Joined
Jan 23, 2008
Messages
93,390
Location (City and/or State)
Clovis, CA
Hi Kevin:

Years ago, when I used to take my tortoises out to 'presentations,' I would wash them well and scrub them with a brush (any kind) then when dry, I'd polish up the shells with a light coating of mineral oil, making sure to polish off all the excess oil. They really looked nice, but it wasn't necessary or beneficial, just top dressing to make a prettier presentation.
 

Markw84

Well-Known Member
10 Year Member!
Platinum Tortoise Club
Joined
Jan 17, 2012
Messages
5,042
Location (City and/or State)
Sacramento, CA (Central Valley)
Should we get water on it every day during his soaks?
-Kev

I am of the belief that getting the shell wet frequently is one of the best ways to combat pyramiding. Combined with high humidity, that keeps it from then drying too quickly, it will help it grow beautifully. I believe the new keratin growth needs that moisture to swell and set normally.
 

yillt

Well-Known Member
Joined
May 4, 2014
Messages
1,033
Hey, just wondering if there's anything we should be doing with his shell? Should we get water on it every day during his soaks? Oil it? scrub it lightly? Massage it?

Or should we just keep petting him when we take him out for his soaks, and taking lots of pictures?

Thanks!
-Kev
I brush mine with a wetted toothbrush, but that is very rare. He seems fine without it. He certainly doesn't mind, it's more for the owners really.
 
Top