Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi there,
I got a Sulcata in a few weeks ago and its shell and its skin appear to be dry. The shell almost looks as if its peeling. I am pretty sure this isn't normal. Other than that its fine and healthy. Very active and eats like a pig. It is approx 10-11 inches. Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Chris

I use a non-scented basic moisturizer cream for dry Tortoise skin. They seem to respond to it really well and one application lasts a while

There is a post further down the page on a product called "Stress Coat." It is used to condition water in fish tanks, there is some good info on it. I recommend reading it. Good luck!
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~Laura

Rejoice, the age of the fall has begun
We'll dance as the palaces burn.
--Lamb of God, As the Palaces Burn

hello
soak the tortoise in water with some clear pedialite
this will rehydrate the tortoise
if the shell is peeling clean the shell take all the loose shell off and treat with betadine.
keep on non toxic paper towels
i never see tortoise shells peel unless kept in very poor conditions usually cold and damp no lights or after dogs have chewed on them
is it a dry flaky peel or are you seeing the bone when the flakes come off or more like a scab?
i think yours is just dehydrated
i would have to see a picture of the shell to tell
but flaky skin can easily and safely be cured by adding clear pedialite to the soaking water
adding a humid microhabitat in the tortoise enclosure will probably will eliminate the dry skin problem
this is a burrowing species
hope this helps
jeff
planet reptiles

Chris it sounds like the tortoise is dehydrated. Make sure your substrate is correct. I use bed-a-beast with sand (50/50 mixture). Every morning I water the mixture so that it clumps up but you can't wring any water out. I also have a hide with a sponge on top for a moister area. I live in New York and it's extremely dry right now. Consider using a humidifier as well. Don't forget to soak 2-3 times per week. More if he's rubbing his eyes.

Julia