Do Russian Tortoises Shed Skin?

Average Joe · Jun 21, 2018

My Russian tortoise’s skin will sometimes shed little bit. Tiny flakes will fall off but scales underneath are still there. The skin particles are very thin and almost see-through. It does not get red or anything when this happens. Is this normal or does he have some sort of skin disease? I will try to provide a picture once the most recent flake completely falls off from his skin.

EdMurphy · Jun 28, 2018

When I first got mine she had that going on in the head and neck area.
Now, Since I got her from a pet store I have no idea what her diet was or her care but, now she gets a soak about 3 times a week, more in the winter months and spends several hours a week outside and I haven't see that..

TechnoCheese · Jun 28, 2018

Average Joe said:
My Russian tortoise’s skin will sometimes shed little bit. Tiny flakes will fall off but scales underneath are still there. The skin particles are very thin and almost see-through. It does not get red or anything when this happens. Is this normal or does he have some sort of skin disease? I will try to provide a picture once the most recent flake completely falls off from his skin.

Sounds like perfectly normal shedding

ethan508 · Jun 28, 2018

Yes tortoise shed skin a bit. It isn't like a snake that will do a full shed, but almost exactly how you described. Just little white/translucent flake here and there. I've noticed mine shedding a bit more when the weather is drier. Not sure if that is because they actually shed more, or if the drying effect just makes it more obvious.

katieandiggy · Jun 28, 2018

Mine sheds all the time little bits here and there. I think it’s perfectly normal.

Levi the Leopard · Jun 28, 2018

No worries. Shedding is normal for a tortoise.

RosemaryDW · Jun 28, 2018

It’s most obvious when it’s on the neck, which I still find a little scary looking.

Do Russian Tortoises Shed Skin?

Average Joe

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EdMurphy

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TechnoCheese

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ethan508

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