What is this?

[Aleksei]

Aleksei and I were having lunch together and I noticed this flap of what I think is skin on his chin/neck. What is it? Is he okay? I didn't think he had that yesterday.



He's about four months old and I've had him not even a month yet.

 

[Ink]

He is shedding. Is he his enclosure closed top? Do NOT pull the skin.

 

[zovick]

Aleksei and I were having lunch together and I noticed this flap of what I think is skin on his chin/neck. What is it? Is he okay? I didn't think he had that yesterday.

View attachment 388345

He's about four months old and I've had him not even a month yet.

I agree with Ink. It looks like some dead skin which is being shed. It should not be a problem and will most likely come off during a soak or when the tortoise is walking around its enclosure.

The tortoise looks quite nice and healthy, by the way. Good luck with it.

 

[Aleksei]

I agree with Ink. It looks like some dead skin which is being shed. It should not be a problem and will most likely come off during a soak or when the tortoise is walking around its enclosure.

The tortoise looks quite nice and healthy, by the way. Good luck with it.

Thank you! That's so reassuring! I'm new to this and I want to take care of him!

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

Maybe soak him longer for a while to allow the skin to soften and come of on its own. Increasing the humidity should also help.

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Yeah definitely looks to be some dry skin, what’s your set up like?

 

[Aleksei]

Yeah definitely looks to be some dry skin, what’s your set up like?

Higher above is a lamp with a heater and a PowerSun. The basking is a flood. He also has a dryer dark side, about 70 all the time. I know it's not perfect, but I'm doing my best for him. Help is welcome, but I know it's not closed, and I can't get something closed, so I keep it as humid as possible.

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

View attachment 388465
Higher above is a lamp with a heater and a PowerSun. The basking is a flood. He also has a dryer dark side, about 70 all the time. I know it's not perfect, but I'm doing my best for him. Help is welcome, but I know it's not closed, and I can't get something closed, so I keep it as humid as possible.

Thanks for the response! A baby really does need a closed chamber, there are definitely a few ways you can adjust this current one don’t worry

Hopefully you find this a good read, this thread covers correct equipment(uvb, heating bulbs, lighting etc), correct levels, importance of a closed chamber for younger tortoises(only way to maintain the humidity you need), appropriately maintaining the humidity, safe substrates, there’s lots of visual examples for everything, and a really handy diet link to check out! If going with a greenhouse, the lower the ceiling height, whilst still allowing for recommended bulb height, the better! but I’ll include some more closed chamber ideas below

Housing young Russian/Herman

Hello there! In this thread, I’m going to include some information on an effective way to tackle a starter set up/a way you can build a bigger size once your baby is an adult. I know it looks a lot to go over, I like to make sure all bases are covered, I’m happy to break down any information...

tortoiseforum.org

This includes different closed chamber options, some work better than others

Visual inspiration

Hi guys! I’ve had some lovely messages complimenting me on my care sheets I made for all the visuals they include! That makes me so happy because as a visual learner myself, that was my goal🥰 I’ve recently had some requests for some more visual inspiration for set ups that can house babies/...

tortoiseforum.org

Im thinking this kind of idea could work for you!


Lastly, this one is probably most important to go over and keep on hand, it’ll help you avoid the wrong bulbs, substrates, housing etc, I always encourage double checking purchases on the forum too before buying

Common keeping errors

Hello everyone! I’d been a long time lurker on this site long before joining just under a year ago now, over that time I’ve seen these husbandry issues come up time and time again, sometimes with dire consequences☹️ I thought this thread might serve as a good visual guide for these common...

tortoiseforum.org

Hope they help!

 

[Aleksei]

Thank you so much for all this! I have read and reread and reread these threads while I was waiting for Aleksei to arrive. I don't have the means to build that top part, I wish so much that I did. Any advice for humidity without it?

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

Thank you so much for all this! I have read and reread and reread these threads while I was waiting for Aleksei to arrive. I don't have the means to build that top part, I wish so much that I did. Any advice for humidity without it?

Can you get a greenhouse tent topper or build a tent yourself?

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Thank you so much for all this! I have read and reread and reread these threads while I was waiting for Aleksei to arrive. I don't have the means to build that top part, I wish so much that I did. Any advice for humidity without it?

A greenhouse topper would be ideal, failing that foil around the light fixtures covering the mesh should help