I originally thought this coloration on my tortoise's legs and mouth was just food residue but, upon closer inspection, it does look like some sort of skin issue. Furthermore, there has been a patch of what looks like dry skin on top of his head for a little while, as well, but I thought it was just a piece of skin that was ready to shed. As an FYI, other than on the top and sides of his head, this orange-brown coloration only occurs in/on his scales (not on the bare skin areas) on both his front legs/feet and rear legs/feet.

I did some internet research and it appears that this tortoise likes humidity, so, since it is kept indoors in an air-conditioned environment, a skin fungus issue just doesn't make sense (?). Also, I turn a UV heat lamp on at least a couple days per week so this tortoise dos get a decent amount of time basking in 90 to 100 degree warmth (and he will typically stay under the light as long as it is on).

His diet is a combination of Mazuri tortoise pellets (soaked), ZooMed Grassland Tortoise diet pellets (soaked), romaine lettuce, and, occasionally, some misc. tortoise favorite weeds/plants from the yard. He has a water dish that he can soak in, as desired (and he typically drinks and/or soaks every day).

One very "odd' thing I've been trying to figure out re: this little guy -- he is around 4 years old and is still VERY small, even though he eats well, his shell looks/feels great, and his stool is normal (carapace length -- 2". Should he be bigger than this right now? When I go to the big Daytona reptile expo each year and see the other Hermann's tortoises there, they look noticeably bigger (or at least the same size) at one year or less in age (?).

I do have a local Vet that I've taken my reptiles to in the past but don't think he is familiar with Hermann's tortoises so I wanted to ask here for advice re: this condition

Here are some pictures:

Any input, assistance, or referrals you may be able to offer would be most appreciated.

Sincerely,

Tim O'Neill
Sarasota, Florida USA
e-mail: cheltecto@aol.com