Why is my Russian tortoise's shell chipping and what can I do?

Check environmental parameters first. Make sure the relative humidity level is correct. For Russians, it can range between 40% and 60%. Provide adequate UVB lighting. If the bulb is more than 6 months old, replace it. Provide a balanced diet including vitamin and mineral supplementation to promote shell health. Survey the enclosure and remove any sharp rocks or furniture. These can cause small scratches which can lead to infection. You can gently clean the shell using a diluted Betadine or chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) solution once or twice daily. If there is no improvement in the shell condition after 5-7 days, consider an exam with your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. You can review tortoise care at the links below. http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Care-Sheets/Russian-Tortoise/ https://www.petcoach.co/amp/article/russian-tortoise-habitats-how-to-create

Thanks for reaching out about Squirt and including a photo. The two most common causes of this are mineral accumulations with hard water and exposed bone. Mineral accumulations you should be able to scratch off with a fingernail. Water source might need to be changed to filtered water or commercially available spring water. Exposed bone is usually due to poor water quality (high bacterial or algal loads) that erode the keratin layer. Water changes need to be made more often, but a veterinary visit is recommended as systemic antibiotics might be required. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Kelby and including photos. Can you gently scratch the white areas with your fingernail? Is so, probably mineral accumulations from the water and not a problem. If not, this could be keratin erosion from sub-standard water quality, infections, too cold of an environment. A veterinary visit would be recommended. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Muddy and including photos. By the photos, the lesions do not appear serious. White lesions can appear from other traumas, of which algae can invade. Scrubbing the shell, and keeping water quality good, should work well. If lesions grow, seeking an appointment with a reptile veterinarian is recommended. Good luck.

It doesn't appear to be anything to be concerned about, especially if he is behaving normally otherwise. It is possible he is rubbing that area against the rock in the enclosure as he moves about. Wipe it with a moist towel and monitor the area. Watch him to see if he is rubbing against anything in the enclosure. If so, adjust objects or remove them if necessary. Allow a 15-30 minute soak in water 2-3 times weekly to rehydrate and to cleanse.

Thanks for reaching out about Shelly and including a photo. The white on the shell could be hard water deposits that are not really harmful, but a new water source needs to be used. The white can also be exposed bone, which lies underneath the keratin of the shell. This could be due to dietary deficiencies, poor water quality that can erode shell and other problems. Without knowing the cause, there is no home remedy that can be recommended. Diet needs to include whole prey (fish), pellets and offer some vegetables (although many will not eat them). Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Shelley. Including a photo might help determine the nature of the cracks. The scutes typically have growth rings but these are symmetric around the scutes. They can vary on their width dependent on growth spurts. As for the white substance in the urine. Reptiles excrete kidney waste in two forms: clear urine and white, thick urates. The urates are a method to conserve water in the body. Large amounts of urates can be an indication of dehydration. Another possibility of white in the urine is calcium deposits. Excess calcium in the diet is excreted in the urine. This increased concentration of calcium in the urine, can be a precursor to a bladder stone. Different species (not identified by you) of tortoises are more prone to calcium stones. Research proper husbandry and nutrition for your tortoise to ensure long term health. A veterinary visit is recommended, at least annually, just as if for humans, dogs and cats. Good luck.