Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,
I have 2, 4 yr old sulcatas. I have noticed that no matter how hard I try and keep their cage clean, they always have a strong odor about them. Their bedding is grass hay and they are soaked regularly. I feed them, in addition to the hay, Mazuri and ocassionaly fresh greens (Thou I try not to bc they are from the grocery store) I was hoping someone might be able to help me with solving this problem. I have them in a 6ftx4ft enclosure, which is a tarp with books/bottles surrounding it and the tarp sided put up over the top of these. I previously had them in a 40 gallon breeder, but knew they needed more room so I improvised and they seem to like it. Any sugestions on the odor? I could use the help. Thx

Grape

Unfortunately that is one of the signs I suggest looking for in a healthy tortoise. It should smell like a day at the elaphant house at the zoo. The only solution I've been able to come up with is to be diligent in picking up after the tortoise. I think this is an unavoidable byproduct of a healthy critter.
Ed

Hey- I've always read that a strong odor can be a sign of shell rot. Unless it smells like grass, then this could be a possibility. Here's a link to help you out. http://www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/shellrot.html
Otherwise, a bath in a kiddy pool and a little scrubbing might help you out.
Let us know what you decide.
Good luck. Brooks