Will Cement Blocks Scrape Tortoise Shells?

[ChloeCrull]

Hello, everyone!

I've seen some beautiful outdoor enclosures constructed using cement blocks to line the perimeter. However, is the tortoise harmed if it rubs up against the sides of the cement blocks (specifically the shell)?

Thank you.

 

[Jodie]

I believe the answer to this is yes, but most tortoises don't have a problem with this. I have seen some paint the cement to help prevent scraping.

 

[kathyth]

I can see the potential for issues, however, have used successfully with several species.

 

[chaseswife]

My outdoor sulcata enclosure users the cement blocks. Most of mine are painted. I haven't seen Shrimp rubbing against the sides at all, but he is still really small and only outside for an hour at most each day.

 

[lismar79]

I also use them with no issues.

 

[Jacqui]

Like the rest, I never had a scraping problem painted or not.

 

[Yellow Turtle01]

I use cinder blocks for mr russian, no issue! He does walk along the perimeter, but it never hurts his shell