Strange Dents on Plastron Hermann's

[peanutbutton]

Hi, I'm a new tortoise keeper and I noticed that the plastron (bottom of shell) of my three-year-old eastern Hermann's has strange dents on it. The previous owner said it has had it its whole life, but I was looking around and this seems abnormal. He is moving and eating fine. I keep him in an outdoor enclosure since I got him (about a few weeks now). Can anyone tell me what it is/the cause and how I can correct it?

 

[Tom]

Hi, I'm a new tortoise keeper and I noticed that the plastron (bottom of shell) of my three-year-old eastern Hermann's has strange dents on it. The previous owner said it has had it its whole life, but I was looking around and this seems abnormal. He is moving and eating fine. I keep him in an outdoor enclosure since I got him (about a few weeks now). Can anyone tell me what it is/the cause and how I can correct it?

That looks pretty normal. He may have been started and kept too dry. This is common worldwide, unfortunately.

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[peanutbutton]

Oh no... Thank you so much! Do you know if a tortoise table will keep him humid enough outdoors? It has a wired top and the average humidity in my area is around 50-60%.

 

[Tom]

Oh no... Thank you so much! Do you know if a tortoise table will keep him humid enough outdoors? It has a wired top and the average humidity in my area is around 50-60%.

Outdoors they should be on the ground in a large, safe, secure enclosure. I wouldn't use a table outside. It is very likely to over heat.

Where are you? Very different advice for inland San Diego vs. coastal Sea Francisco.

 

[peanutbutton]

I'm in the bay area. Should I still soak every so often, even if he (the tortoise) has a dish?

 

[Tom]

I'm in the bay area. Should I still soak every so often, even if he (the tortoise) has a dish?

Yes. Soaking does no harm for any tortoise. Not soaking enough can do harm in some cases. Two or three times a week is good in summer time.

 

[peanutbutton]

Thank you so much!