Black Skin And Shell?

by Amber
(Long Beach)

black on russian tortoise shell and skin

My 3 year old russian tortoise has always had black parts on her shell (but it was pattern-like so I figured it was normal) but now its starting to look, well, different. And her skin is turning black as well. Is this normal? She looks kind of sickly. And if I have to take her to a vet, will any vet do? I dont know of any exotic vets nearby.

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Dec 20, 2015

Skin
by: Anonymous

My tortoise skin has started to go dark by the side of his face and on his legs . He is eating and very active, could some one please explain why this is happening

May 01, 2013

See a vet
by: Anonymous

If your pet is biting itself, you need to take it to a vet. A reptile specialist would be best.

Please do this as soon as possible.

Apr 17, 2013

Black skin on tortoise
by: Anonymous

I have a 19 year old yellow-margined box tortoise. His skin was never black before. A few months ago, he kept biting his wrists until they bled. The sites began to turn black. Recently, the black has been working its way up his front legs, until they are almost completely black. I don't know what it is, but I'm guessing a fungus or bacteria was introduced through the wounds and is spreading.

Jan 19, 2011

Russian Tortoises
by: Anonymous

I have Russians too, yours look fine to me, the color does change and so will the skin color as she gets older. Unless she won't eat, has weird stool, or shows sign of a cold, I think she's ok

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