Reptile & Amphibian Forums

my daughter thinks our 4yr old russian tortise needs a shell waxing, with vitamins.
Hihren, her tortise, has lived with us for about a year. Last summer he got out of his pen and went on a three week walkabout. he was found 2 1/2 blocks from home by a good samaratin who took him to the local pet shop. They said the shop gave him a shell wax with vitamins, and some drops for his eyes.
I have never heard of shell wax for tortise's, is this nessacary or common?

This comes up on the forum all the time.

The answer is no. Just clean your tortoise off with plain water, and maybe use an old tooth brush to remove any caked on material.

The wax could interfere with the shell's growth, and it's a waste of time. Same for eye drops unless they are prescribed by a vet.

See www.russiantortoise.net for info on russian tortoisess.

Waxing or putting anything else on a tortoise's shell can interfere with the absorbtion of UV light into the shell, thus potentially causing deficiencies in calcium and vitamin D metabolism. Remember, the shell is porous and it does actually breathe. It is best not to put anything on the shell that will clog it up.

Like Brad said, just clean the shell with water and use a brush on it occasionally.

hey, thanks guys. hard to argue with a 13yr old without the info. they seem pretty easy to care for. he hibernated for 8 or 9 weeks and is back up and cruising around the house, following his sunbeams around the room.