Do we scrub a hatching or yearlings shell

[tyguy35]

Hey I was wondering If we have to or should scrub a hatching or a yearlings shell to clean it like we would an older tortoise. If so how would we go about cleaning the shell?

 

[dmmj]

There really is no reason to clean any tortoise's shell.

 

[tinkerbell1189]

When you soak them any dirt should just come off anyway. I wouldn't have thought they need scrubbing unless they had she'll rot or something.

 

[kanalomele]

I have used a very soft tooth brush for more stubborn things, and like to give them a good cleaning once a year or so. Usually right after waking up from hibernating. It gives me an opportunity to see them close up and check for any problem that may have developed over the winter.

 

[Tom]

After a soak, I just lightly rub their shells clean top to bottom with my hands, under warm running water to rinse any poopy water off of them.

My adults love to throw mud in themselves any time I make mud in their enclosure. When I eventually get tired of looking at it, I just hose them off.

I don't usually scrub any of mine.

 

[Neal]

You don't really have to, but I scrub my tortoises shells often. I just use a toothbrush with some warm water for the hatchlings, and I have a bigger brush for the adults.

 

[CLMoss]

I make sure my hatchling's are clean. I do the same as Neal with a toothbrush. And I believe that sometimes it helps them to poop.

 

[Jacqui]

I don't clean mine (unless for some reason they have manure on themselves from like shipping), I think leaving the normal mud and stuff on their shells is a way they in nature help possibly stay cool, avoid other animals like predators and ants. Don't know any of that as a fact, but it makes sense to me.

 

[tyguy35]

Makes sense. I haven't done it so i was just making sure o wasn't suppose to be.

 

[dmmj]

Feel free to clean yours if you so wish, it won't cause harm.