How to clean a Horsefield tortoise shell?

Question

I know someone with a horsefield tortoise. They are cleaning the shell with TCP. It doesnt sound like a good idea to me but im not sure. Does anyone know what should be used to clean a Horsefield tortoise shell and how frequently it should be done?

Thanks for any answers

Answer 1

a bucket of dishwashing soap water and a scrub brush. should be done once a month. don't forget to also be looking for ticks. they hide inside the shell.

Answer 2

You should rarely have to clean a tortoise's shell. Sometimes, you get it wet and give it a gentle scrub if it is really dirty or you need it to look good for some reason.

There is not a reason to use a disinfectant or antiseptic on the shell. Sure, it MAY reduce Salmonella, but Salmonella does not hurt the tortoise and you can clean your hands with plain soap and water easily.

Answer 3

all that should be used to clean a tortoises shell is warm water, i give my tortoises a bath at least once a week in the really hot months i give them one two to three times a week, it is not just to keep them clean it is also to make sure they are getting enough water they will dip their head sin the water and drink, so to keep the hydrated you bath them, horsefields are not a lover of water so a weekly bath will avoid stressing your tortoise too much, the problem with cleaning the shell with anything is some things can leave a residue on the shell, and instead of cleaning it can actually trap dirt, too much is not good for the tortoise, also using tcp on the shell will mean the shell might absorb some of the chemicals, so just warm water is all you need, one thing you must never do is to oil a tortoises shell, the oil stay behind and in the hot sun can heat up and burn the shell, best of luck honey, hope you have a happy tortoise

Answer 4

I think TCP sounds good... Detol would be my choice though.

A nice anti-bacterial that you can safely rinse your mouth out with and is advised for humans to bath in themselves! Sounds good to me :)

As for dishwashing liquid and hand sanitizer - if you wouldn't put it in your mouth, you shouldn't put it near your pets!

I'd say once a month unless it gets covered in c**p.

Answer 5

1. A bucket of water with a little hand sanitizer in it (careful not to get on head even if you use hand soap). 2.You should also take a hose and get a soft setting so you don't hurt him/her and clean the skin and the nails, for the shell use a scrub brush.

3. Make sure to rise everything good.

-Good Luck

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