You may see plenty of commercials comparing dry, flaky skin on humans to that of rough scales on an alligator or some other reptile. However, dry skin is normal for reptiles. You don’t need to lotion a pet tortoise. If you notice dry skin on your Russian tortoise, it’s most likely normal and perfectly fine.
Why Is My Russian Tortoise’s Skin Peeling
It’s actually normal for your Russian tortoise to shed its skin. Unlike snakes, some geckos and other reptiles, tortoises shed in pieces. You may notice a flaky area under the arms or legs or on the neck area. Don’t be tempted to help and pull it off. You can cause skin injury this way. Let your tortoise shed on its own time.
It’s possible, that the tortoise is dehydrated and the skin is dry and peeling off. However, in most cases, your Russian tortoise is shedding.
Russian Tortoise Dry Skin Treatment
To aid the shedding process, you can soak the Russian tortoise regularly in warm water. This will loosen the dry pieces of skin so they will fall off naturally, on their own.
Regular soaks will not only loosen any flaky skin, but it will also entice the tortoise to drink. Some tortoises do not like drinking out of a water bowl. Soaking the tortoise in warm water could be the trick to get the tortoise to take a sip.
Fill a container with warm water. You only need enough water to cover the lower 1/3rd to 1/2 of the shell.
Do not pull off any of the flaking skin. This will hurt your tortoise. Soaking will loosen the skin naturally.
