Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi! We adopted a Sub-adult male Leopard Tortoise from our local humane society recently... It came in as a stray, and had been painted with some kind of red paint. As far as I can tell, it is not a water soluble paint, and does NOT come off easily! I have no clue how long the paint has been on the tortoise, but I would certainly like some advice on how to get it off!

What are the known side effects of a painted shell? Should I be concerned with what could happen to this animal years down the road?

The only advice I have found so far is "just leave it alone". I'd really like to remove the paint as soon and as safely as possible.

Thanks a TON!

Sorry -- I Have to agree with the info you have gotten already.

Give it time and it will wear away. Trying to chemically remove it or removing it with abrasive materials would do more harm to the animal than just leaving it be. I had some boxies with the number painted on their backs and the paint wore away after about a year. I know your frustration in seeing the paint all over the animals shell but eventually it should wear off. Even if it was permanent I think it is just too risky trying to get it off the shell.