Tortoise back leg and tail darkening

AndreK

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Feb 2, 2021
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Seattle, WA
Hi,

I have been noticing that the back leg and tail area of my tortoise is getting really dark this past 2 weeks.

I have attached some pictures for reference. I also attached one picture to show how the head area color is really light.

I'm using reptibark for the substrate and humidity is 95% in the enclosure and 100% in the humid hide where the tortoise sleeps every night.

Temperature is always above 82 and reached 92 during the day.

I have been trying to keep the substrate damp, if the top looks dry I have been spraying it. I'm afraid I might have kept the top substrate too damp.

The tortoise is otherwise healthy, active, eating and growing well.

Do you know if this is an issue?

Thank you!

20210606_201107.jpg20210606_201046.jpg20210605_201024.jpg
 

wellington

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It's likely from the substrate. The upper part of the legs, specially the back legs look very fatty/swollen. I don't know anything about the species though so I will alert someone to this thread that might know more.
@Markw84
@Tom
 

AndreK

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Feb 2, 2021
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Location (City and/or State)
Seattle, WA
It's likely from the substrate. The upper part of the legs, specially the back legs look very fatty/swollen. I don't know anything about the species though so I will alert someone to this thread that might know more.
@Markw84
@Tom
Thank you, wellington.

As for the swelling, I believe it can still retract the back legs completely, so hopefully it's not an issue.

Here are a couple more pictures I took today and yesterday for additional reference.

20210606_195933.jpg20210605_200756.jpg
 

Tom

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That looks like normal staining from the substrate. I don't see anything that worries me.
 

Markw84

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Agree with others - looks normal. Also note that Burmese Stars do get dark areas and blotches on their skin. Their skin is not a uniform tan or yellow color. It has random patterns of black that develop. Similar to radiata. Makes some really interesting pattern on legs and head sometimes!
 

AndreK

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Feb 2, 2021
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Location (City and/or State)
Seattle, WA
Thank you everyone for your help!
I'm really glad to be part of this forum.

I guess I need to learn not to worry too much :)
 
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