ShadowyPaper
New Member
Hey guys, I've noticed my tort's feet seem to have turned red recently. Is this a natural colouration that develops as he matures and grows? Or is it sign of some kind of health issue? It's the same on his back feet too
Red feet colouring - Western Herman
- Thread starter ShadowyPaper
- Start date
It's most likely staining from your substrate.
I agree that this looks like it’s staining from substrate. @ShadowyPaper what are you using for substrate?
Edit: I just looked back at a previous post of yours and see you’re using orchid bark. This is great! I noticed on my Hermann’s when he was smaller and hadn’t grown the thicker dark scales yet, that he had staining on his feet from orchid bark as well. It’s likely to happen if they walk through their water dish and then onto the bark or if you spray his enclosure down and that top layer is wet and he walks on it. There is definitely nothing to worry about. If you want to ease your mind further, put a couple of pieces of orchid bark in a glass with water and watch the color of the water slowly change to that reddish hue you’re seeing on your tortoises cute little feet.
Edit: I just looked back at a previous post of yours and see you’re using orchid bark. This is great! I noticed on my Hermann’s when he was smaller and hadn’t grown the thicker dark scales yet, that he had staining on his feet from orchid bark as well. It’s likely to happen if they walk through their water dish and then onto the bark or if you spray his enclosure down and that top layer is wet and he walks on it. There is definitely nothing to worry about. If you want to ease your mind further, put a couple of pieces of orchid bark in a glass with water and watch the color of the water slowly change to that reddish hue you’re seeing on your tortoises cute little feet.
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