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Old 19-10-2008, 10:32 PM   #1
drc200
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Unhappy Dry, Flaking skin on head around eyes

Hi all,

I would really appreciate some advice on my Hermanns (Daisy). She has slowed down recently and is not moving about much at all, some days she stays asleep in one corner of her house all day.

I will describe the setup I am using, Daisy has an open fronted vivarium, I know this isnt the best, but it is as well ventillated as a tortoise table. She has a reptisun 10.0 UVB lamp which is on for 12hrs a day. With the UVB is a ceramic heater which holds the hot end at approx 30'c, the other end is around room temp 18-20'c ish. The UVB tube is due to be changed.

She is eating very rarely at present. Is it possible she 'knows' its getting to hibernation time (sixth sense maybe) her light and heat is unchanged so she shouldnt know!

I have now noticed when bathing her she has flaking skin around her eyes, her eyes are clear and not streaming or running. After her bath I wiped her eyes with soft towel, and large flakes/flaps of skin have come away, some is still hanging off! not sure if I should pull it, dont want to hurt her. Is her skin burnt by heat or UVB or is this Ok??

Sorry for length of post, hoping someone more experienced can help, suggestions welcomed

Dave
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Old 19-10-2008, 10:50 PM   #2
Mel
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Hi Dave,
Sounds like she is winding down. Don't pull the skin, as long as it's not red and sore it's fine
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Old 19-10-2008, 10:56 PM   #3
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My hermans all seem to know it's nearly time for hibernation and have slowed down a little. You mentioned needing to change your U.V. theres no chance she could have picked up a slight D3/calcium defficiency is there? If you give her a very gentle squeeze is she at all soft underneath?
Just thought I'd mention it on the off chance. She's more than likely having a great time winding you up.
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Old 19-10-2008, 11:28 PM   #4
anna m
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My 2 boys have flaky skin on their legs and neck. I was really worried and about to use some E45. Now it looks like it could just be the time of year.
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Old 20-10-2008, 09:17 AM   #5
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Tortoises lose skin just like other reptiles do, but in pieces not all in one go. Provided there is no redness underneath, then leave well enough alone. Its all normal for tortoises.
Dont pull the skin off, dont put anything on the skin.
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