Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,

My redfoot babies have this problem on their carapace. I soak them on warm water twice a day. Each time for 1-2 hrs because it is very dry here. Am i soaking them too much and as a result, they are suffering from this? So, what should I do next?

Could someone advise me. Thanks in advance.

Edwin

That is a common by-product of growth in the 'corners' of the faster growing scutes. That scab looking stuff is nothing and it just means the tortoise is growing well.
Don't worry.

i was going to say the same thing -- but i'll add that mine's new growth corners/edges sometimes are whitish at first, and eventually darken. that worried me at first because i thought that it was rot or something!

Hi Edwin,
I have never seen that in my babies. I keep them on cypress mulch exclusively. I soak it a couple times a week when it dries out. Really soak it, just pour the water in like a flood in nature. But I only leave them in the drinking water/bath long enough to drink each day. Those spots are about at the height of the water you soak them in, I assume, and it may have something to do with it. I throw whole greens(romaine, kale, escarole, etc.) in for them to eat and hide under to stay humid.
Wouldn't hurt to treat those spots with providine.
Hope you are still happy with the babies you got from me.
Russ P.

Edwin,
Also keep the cypress mulch deep enough for the little guys to bury themselves in(2" to 3" or more).