She seemed much cleaner and much happier afterwards, swimming the length of the tank like she was a new turtle. Plus, does anyone have any hints how to keep a turtle clean, or if this is even necessary?
2006-06-28 02:21:49 · 15 answers · asked by brendanconnal 1 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
Turtles do tend to shed. It's not really molting, it's just shedding. However if poor water conditions are kept this can lead to skin infections and shell infections. Turtles whose shells are allowed to accumulate algae and other matter are ok however it does make it difficult to notice any defects, damage, or shell rot on your turtle.
One should examine their turtle at least once a week to make sure that the shell is healthy, the eyes and nose are clear, and there are no injuries to legs, toes, head, head, or tail. Taking your turtle out for a scrub is a great way to ensure that your turtle is healthy. A toothbrush or nailbrush can be used to scrub your turtle's shell and legs. Don't use soap, but you can use a baking powder paste that will leave your turtle quite clean. Becareful not to get any in your turtle's eyes and make sure he or she is rinsed clean before you place back into the enclosure.
A water change at this time also helps keep your turtle clean longer. After a good scrubbing, examine your turtle carefully and note any changes. Weighing and measuring your turtle while he or she is out being scrubbed is a a good way to keep track of growth and any weight changes. Significant weight changes can indicate illness or over feeding so it's a good idea to keep a monthly record of weight. Measuring a turtle is done by measuring the plastron (bottom of the shell) from where the head would be all the way to the tail. Weighing can be done by purchasing a food scale from Target or bed, bath, and beyond. Get one that measures in grams and pounds if possible. The cost is around $20 but well worth it.
Overall cleaning your turtle doesn't really have any major health improvements associated with it, and in the wild obviously there are no toothbrushes being used by turtles, but for peace of mind I like to keep my chelonians clean and check their health by issuing a good scrubbing once a month and keeping track of their measurements.
Good luck with your turtle.
2006-06-29 02:13:37 · answer #1 · answered by LV426 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Turtles shed routinely, sometimes worse than others. I often used a soft washcloth on the skin, and a soft scrub brush or even a 'salt paste' to scrub the shell when needed.
Ideally, turtles shed small amounts all the time- more in mid-spring and late fall than other times (due to small growth spurts those times of year).
If it is a pond turtle, it is not necessary to do this too often, as long as the tank is clean. Boxies and tortoises need it once in a while, usually as part of their regular soaks.
However, it sounds like she was a bit more 'shaggy' than normal. you might want to review the care and diet for her species a bit to make sure things are good.
2006-06-28 13:20:53 · answer #2 · answered by Madkins007 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The toothbrush is very good.Thats what you need to do.Ive had a snapping turtle,and a redeared-slider.I researched when I had the snapping turtle,and that helps alot.Yes,the toothbrush is necessary.If you see pieces of things in the water-dont worry thats the skin that they shed.You would need to clean the tank out.Just keep using the toothbrush
2006-06-28 10:36:38 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I dont think a soft toothbrush would hurt, maybe it would be an idea to get a owners guide book on turtles, they are quite a unusual pet and need expert knowledge.
I think she sound a very well looked after and cared for turtle tho!
2006-06-28 09:24:38 · answer #4 · answered by Hannah 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the sfot toothbrush is ok to do just as long as its not every day, just do it maybe like once a week, turtles are pretty clean, but they wouldnt mind some extra help with their shell once in a while, i hope this website helps some, good luck
2006-06-28 09:27:15 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need a good under water filtration system. when you rub her down try a product call turtle shell it's an ointment that nourishes the shell and it is very good for proper shell growth.
2006-06-28 13:46:54 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
be gentle while using the tooth brush, just remember that what is sheding is a part of their body and may be attached with it.. so dont scrub if ur not sure, u might unknowingly hurt them... i have 2 red-ear sliders, ans i do scrub them with tooth brush... but i use the baby toothbrush.. they seem to enjoy it when done on the lower side of tehir body... but, i never scrub them hard.. just to remove the slime which they may accumulate when they are playing in water... :)
2006-06-28 18:16:12 · answer #7 · answered by TOTO 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
clean her out every day give her fresh veg. i would say no to the toothbrush double cheak tho it's just if you rub off a part of her skin that isn't ready to come off you could cause her discomfort!
2006-07-02 06:01:26 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Please stop useing a toothbrush on him/her. Go to Petco/Petsmart and get a moulting agent for him or her prematurely removeing shell or skin can cause serious infections.
2006-06-28 17:43:51 · answer #9 · answered by neverlandstar 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
oK since when do turtles have hair to malt with??
2006-06-28 09:31:45 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋