Charlie-and-me
New Member
Hello Everyone,
I am a first time tortoise owner and very concerned about the growth of Charlie's shell.
Some info about Charlie:
-A little over a year old, Greek species.
-Inside tank enclosure, heat lamp that remains 90-100 degrees under the bulb.
-Separate UBV light and Lugarti's reptile soil bedding.
-Typical humidity levels range from 30-45% most hours of the day. Up to 60% after being sprayed down which I do about 2-3 times a week.
-He's eating great (mustard greens/arugula/dandelion greens and flowers alternating every few days and about 5-6 pebbles of T-Rex Tortoise Dry Pebbles daily), and once a week sprinkle calcium and multivitamins.
-Normal energy levels, normal poops.
-Soaked in water everyday/every other day for 15-20 mins.
-Taken outside about once a week for 2-3 hours in the sun.
I feel that I am doing everything right?
My concerns:
-Very abnormal craters on his plastron which leads me to the MBD question.
-On the outline of these craters are the rough "dried out" looking pieces which could be the rot.
-Some varying pinkness in the lines.
I know you guys get a lot of questions about Shell Rot, and I have read quite a few posts, but please if anyone could help me out this would help ease my mind and start treatment/seek Vet ASAP.
P.S I know I should have posted this a couple of months ago when I really started to notice it.
Thank you!!
First 2 pics are before a bath, and last 2 pics are after a bath and fully dried off. Please note the side profile one.
Also an enclosure picture.
I am a first time tortoise owner and very concerned about the growth of Charlie's shell.
Some info about Charlie:
-A little over a year old, Greek species.
-Inside tank enclosure, heat lamp that remains 90-100 degrees under the bulb.
-Separate UBV light and Lugarti's reptile soil bedding.
-Typical humidity levels range from 30-45% most hours of the day. Up to 60% after being sprayed down which I do about 2-3 times a week.
-He's eating great (mustard greens/arugula/dandelion greens and flowers alternating every few days and about 5-6 pebbles of T-Rex Tortoise Dry Pebbles daily), and once a week sprinkle calcium and multivitamins.
-Normal energy levels, normal poops.
-Soaked in water everyday/every other day for 15-20 mins.
-Taken outside about once a week for 2-3 hours in the sun.
I feel that I am doing everything right?
My concerns:
-Very abnormal craters on his plastron which leads me to the MBD question.
-On the outline of these craters are the rough "dried out" looking pieces which could be the rot.
-Some varying pinkness in the lines.
I know you guys get a lot of questions about Shell Rot, and I have read quite a few posts, but please if anyone could help me out this would help ease my mind and start treatment/seek Vet ASAP.
P.S I know I should have posted this a couple of months ago when I really started to notice it.
Thank you!!
First 2 pics are before a bath, and last 2 pics are after a bath and fully dried off. Please note the side profile one.
Also an enclosure picture.