Shell Rot?

Was clued in on Reddit that my little RedFoot may have shell rot… how can I treat it without a huge vet bill?

Thanks for the help!

Also moving forward I wanted to inquire Olive Juiceness!!! Substrate remediation. Instead of just coco coir, what should I do for their little zone?

Hello! Yes, it's a shell fungus and lots of it. Get over-the-counter cheap athlete's foot creme (antifungial). Apply it over plastron for the 7-10 days. Better to do that after soaking, on clean shell. In a few days you can gently scrub white spots.

Shell rot is a much worse condition and is a bacterial infection, usually progressed from an untreated shell fungus. I doubt your guy has it, hopefully more experienced members can tell.

There are two better options for substrate than coco coir (it's not terribly bad either): orchid (fir, not pine) bark and cypress mulch. Orchid bark is probably the best - it doesn't create mess and holds humidity. Just in case, you can put orchid bark over the coir.

To minimize the risk of shell fungus, you need to keep top layer of substrate dry and bottom - damp (usually by just pouring some water in the corners).

And your little guy is very cute, I wish him to get well soon!

No need to go to the vet for shell rot. Scrub it good with a brush then dry it well. Rub in athlete foot cream a couple times a day. Keep the tortoise on dry substrate until it heals.

Shell rot and shell fungus are technically two different conditions. But we just call it all "rot" out of simplicity. (We've debated this at length before)
What you have is a moderate case of it. And treatment is simple and effective.
I often advocate using the ATHLETES FOOT CREAM from the "Dollar Store". There's no need to buy the expensive stuff. You can if it makes you feel better. But it all works really well.
Do not be concerned. And do not go to the vet.
Fungal issues can be relatively common with Redfoot. And treatment is super simple.

Moved them to a dry space for the time being. They got soaked and had Publix brand athletes foot cream dubbed on their bellies. They promptly went and hid. Will ensure they get outside time daily as we don’t have lights. Living in SWFL we don’t usually need it.

Their previous habitat (baby pen) is being broken down. The cococoir was dry on top but they had dug down an incline in their burrows so they were resting with wet bellies.

Thanks for all the help. Will update you all in about 2 weeks.

It's normal that they seek moisture to sleep in. Usually as long as they are dry during the day, you can avoid fungal issues.
The key is that they need to get dry at some point each day.

I would only add that reddit and FB will usually give you awful tortoise advice. So will let stores and many vets. Glad you found at least one sensible tortoise advisor on reddit.

Picstich is our little “guy” from above- Nomad. His looks like it’s improving? Second pics of our our little “girl” Artemis. I didn’t take before pics so this is her first one. Pic of the top of her head for an overlook. Possible fungal infection there too?

Grateful for all the guidance.

When in doubt....just use the ATHLETES FOOT CREAM.
It will kill fungus fast. And if it wasn't needed. It does no harm.
You can't go wrong.
But, yes. That is also a fungal issue. Not the head. Just the shell plastron

Wanted to share an update. The little ones are improving! Still have some small spots to treat but they are doing much better. We are creating a new (not so wet) home for them.

Thanks for all your responses and assistance. You all rock!!

It would be good if each tortoise has its own separate enclosure, as they don't do well living in pairs.

TammyJ said:

It would be good if each tortoise has its own separate enclosure, as they don't do well living in pairs.

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Really? Everything I’ve read states they are good in groups. These little ones are only about 1-1 & 1/2 years old and we haven’t noticed any aggressive or worrisome behavior. Can you share some references for me to research? Thanks!

TortieMom157 said:

Really? Everything I’ve read states they are good in groups. These little ones are only about 1-1 & 1/2 years old and we haven’t noticed any aggressive or worrisome behavior. Can you share some references for me to research? Thanks!

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It's a matter of semantics. "Group" as applied to tortoises on this site means three or more together. Two tortoises would be called a "Pair" rather than a group on this site. Pairs living together is not recommended on this site.

Some people may not make a distinction between a "group" of two and a "group" of three or more, but what I said above applies in this case.

If you have only two tortoises living together, it is not considered healthy for one of them. There are a few recognizable signs, but not all tortoises will exhibit them. However, living together will stress both animals even if you do not see the signs. It is best to keep two tortoises separately or get a third to reduce stress in the "group".

A "harmonious" group is usually a group of 3 or more juveniles. One male and at least two. Preferably more. Females. Or a group of 3 or more females.
The additional tortoises spreads out the agression and gives individuals a break.
However.....and this is a big one.....even with the correct ratio and space requirements, all groups do not work out.
There are individuals that DO NOT COOPERATE. Even in Redfoot. And they can be females. However they're usually males.
A group of all males. Or any combination of males without at least 3 times as many females is not to be attempted.
Please don't try.
Your group of juveniles will probably work for a while. (3 or more) But as sexual maturity gets near. Be prepared to have other permanent enclosures ready. Many times the change seems to happen very quickly. And you need to know what you're looking at.
Never keep two tortoises together. Regardless of age or sex. Even with Redfoot.
It's unnatural and it's very stressful.

Hello all. The little torts are doing well post treatment but it seems like there may be something else going on? Before we go to the vet figured I’d ask the community on thoughts. Here are pics taken just now.

Thankful for any advice. Perhaps I’m just paranoid and this is normal? We have had them for a year now and was told they were approx 6-9 months old when we purchased.

Thanks again for all the help and apologies for flipping one to take a pic.