Dry shell

DanH44

Member
Joined
Apr 25, 2020
Messages
79
Location (City and/or State)
Syracuse NY
The top of my Russians shell seems dry and jagged almost, no pyramiding. I wet her substrate down everyday. Every other day soaks. I have a 75 watt basking bulb which I don’t think is too low to substrate. Is there anything I can rub on her shell?
 

DanH44

Member
Joined
Apr 25, 2020
Messages
79
Location (City and/or State)
Syracuse NY
It says for tortoises and to spray directly on them. Is this safe?
 

Attachments

  • 4905239F-7340-4C84-912E-11AFBE19A29C.jpeg
    4905239F-7340-4C84-912E-11AFBE19A29C.jpeg
    1.6 MB · Views: 34

RainsOn

Active Member
5 Year Member
Joined
Jun 29, 2014
Messages
273
Location (City and/or State)
NE OK
I agree with Jamie. The natural oils are always better. Regular soaks are a great help. You can get the substrate too wet for a Russian; I prefer to mist every other day. Russians are desert torts and tend to look dry. I judge more by peeling skin. I don't mix but also use the coconut, almond or olive oils occasionally; when I want to make Digger "pretty". Tip: Just a drop on your finger; a little goes a long way.
 

DanH44

Member
Joined
Apr 25, 2020
Messages
79
Location (City and/or State)
Syracuse NY
I just get nervous because her back is literally sharp in spots around the scutes, pieces raising up
 

RainsOn

Active Member
5 Year Member
Joined
Jun 29, 2014
Messages
273
Location (City and/or State)
NE OK
This "pyramiding" can not be reversed. But, moisture and high fiber diet will keep it from getting worse. Soaks, a little oil on occasion and lots of leaves in the diet.
 

Golden Greek Tortoise 567

Well-Known Member
Joined
Dec 30, 2019
Messages
1,756
Location (City and/or State)
Colorado Springs,CO
I agree with posters before. Regular soaks and maybe some coconut oil. Just wondering, what type of bulb do you use? Some bulbs can damage the carapace including MVB bulbs and spot bulbs.
 

DanH44

Member
Joined
Apr 25, 2020
Messages
79
Location (City and/or State)
Syracuse NY
She is roughly 3.5 years old. I used to use a 100w basking bulb, seemed to hot so I lowered to a 75w.
 
Top