His shell is shedding huge chunks. I dont think that he's supposed to shed this much. Is there something I can give him or do to fix this? Do I need to take him to a vet?
2006-08-24 13:27:12 · 8 answers · asked by Laurie 3 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
He is shedding whole sections (I think they are called plates) at a time. Its about as thick as a fingernail when it comes off. He is also shedding his skin, large thin patches of skin. I have never seen him NOT shed, he is constantly shedding. Is this a normal thing, or is this a bad thing?
2006-08-25 09:33:31 · update #1
A turtle will often shed the outer layer of a shell scale (called a 'scute') as it grows. Usually only one scute at a time is shedding, but each scute can be rather large.
This is not a problem as long as:
- it is only one or two scutes at a time
- each shed piece is paper thin and translucent
- the shell under the shed looks normal- no discharge, doscoloration or smell
- the turtle is otherwise acting OK.
If any of these is not true, let us know and we will try to help with some more info.
In the meantime, check this site:
2006-08-24 16:16:07 · answer #1 · answered by Madkins007 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Red Eared Slider Shell Peeling
2016-11-18 05:37:43 · answer #2 · answered by leisure 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The shell is covered by a keratin layer called scutes. As the turtle grows, it will shed its scutes on the upper (carapace) and lower (plastron) shell. Usually turtles will shed 1-2 times a year and it takes about four weeks for a complete shed. You can help the scutes off, cause it is so tempting to see it dangling... it is normal; no need to see a vet.
2006-08-24 15:13:55 · answer #3 · answered by wu_gwei21 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It's normal for sliders to shed their scutes as they grow. However, excessive shedding may be indicative of a shell infection. My turtle was actually just treated for a shell infection. Take him to a vet and they'll probably give you an antibiotic. Mine was on .15 cc of Baytril for 2 weeks. It was a bit of a pain in the butt to administer, but he's all better now. Good luck!
2006-08-24 19:22:04 · answer #4 · answered by Mike-Lynn 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
This depends on if they are thick peices or if it's just thin pieces that are big. If its just thin pieces then your turtle is fine....they do this because they need to grow and shedding the shell allows them to do this...the new shell underneath is bigger than thee pieces that are shedding therefore they come off. But if your turtle is shedding thick chunks of shell and exposing the skin then you do need to take it to the vet immediately!
2006-08-24 13:58:44 · answer #5 · answered by Love not hate 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What kind of chunks? Is he shedding individual scutes or is his shell falling off to where you can see bleeding or flesh underneath? If he's shedding down to the flesh, you need to take him to the vet. If he's shedding scutes and they're just thicker than normal, but underneath it looks like healthy shell, he needs more natural light.
2006-08-24 13:31:13 · answer #6 · answered by Lisa E 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
MY sliders shed their shells as they grow out of them. they are after all reptiles and they grow. Their shell has growth rings just like a tree. My older slider shed all of her shell last summer and this year the younger one is shedding hers. Just dont rush the shedding process as you can damage he shell. It is somewhat like a scab if you pick it. Just dont let your turtle outgrow his shell as the shell will not catch up with their body growth
2006-08-24 16:28:41 · answer #7 · answered by GIPSY 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'd definately take him to the vet as soon as possible.
There is a possibility it could be a shell disease. The vet would need to check things out to know for sure.
2006-08-24 13:30:30 · answer #8 · answered by Voice 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋