I am wondering if any of you use shell conditioner on your tortoises. If not, can you tell me why it is not recommended? I have a baby sulcata, and the product I am questioning is tetra turtle Vitashell. Instructions say to use on the shell weekly.
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shell wax??
rapunzel
Dec 23, 2004 06:52 AM
Replies (4)
bradtort
Dec 23, 2004 10:30 AM
According to this Tortoise Trust article, these shell products are potentially harmful.
www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/bath.html
I've never considered using them and can think of no reason why I would. I soak my tortoises when they are indoors and make sure I remove anything caked on the shell. When they are outdoors the sun and rain keep them fairly clean, and I hose them off every once in awhile.
hlogic
Dec 23, 2004 07:31 PM
I concur with the 'no use' policy of any "shell conditioner" however, all is not lost! Use VitaShell as a hand lotion. My girlfriend swears by it!!
rapunzel
Dec 23, 2004 10:41 PM
use it on my African Greys calloused legs- I have a handicapped bird who has no feet, and his calloused up pads are dry and this is some great moisturizer.
FredLobster
Dec 24, 2004 01:37 PM
Which helps add to the debate as to whether it is good for tortoises' shells or not:
Great for a girlfriend's skin, also helps on calloused(sp?) bird stumps. I wonder what good it would do to a tortoise shell that's supposed to stay hard?
My sulcatas enjoy a good soak in warm water when indoors or a spray with the hose outside in the summer. Keeps them looking great.
Just thinking out loud...
-Tim
