Can turtles repair cracked shells?

Question

If they could, how long does it usually take to repair the shell?

Answer 1

Barbara, yes. Here's a few links:

http://www.turtlecare.net/repair.htm
http://www.anapsid.org/shellrepair.html
http://www.gctts.org/RehabbingTurtles/index.html
(scroll down to "OK, now you have rescued...")
http://www.allturtles.com/care_sheets/first_aid.php#7

Answer 2

Take her to the vet! Depending on how damaged the shell was, a damaged turtle can die of shock, an infection following the damage, or internal injuries that accompanied the shell damage. Opinions vary a bit about shell repair, but here is what I know. It is always a good idea to have a vet assist, beacause they have sterile tools available, and they are used to working in a sterile manner. Most commonly, today it is suggested that small cracks should simply be cleaned with an antiseptic and dressed with sterile gauze and tape and left to heal. This can take a long time, and as long as there is an open wound, it must be kept very clean. Some experts propose to not repair smaller wounds so that no infectious agents get enclosed; others suggest to repair, so nothing can get into the wound. There is no proof one or the other works better.

Answer 3

Wild turtles are often found with evidence of terrible shell damage that has been healed. What look like they should be life-threatening injuries often heal up amazingly well in the wild.

In captivity, the additional stress of captivity reduces their own healing ability so they take specialized care. We would always suggest getting the help of a vet or an experienced keeper to repair the shell to help the turtle out as much as possible.

We would also go to 'hospital mode' in the cares ASAP for about a month- super clean, warmer than usual, minimal stress, no handling, superb diet, added vitamins and minerals, etc.

Healing injuries to the bone structure in the shell takes a while. Turtles have slow metabolisms, and will tend to lay low while injured. It can take a month or two for the injury to stablize, and it can take a years for the visible indications of injury to fade away.

Answer 4

Yes, they have "turtle pit crews" that cruise along and on-call 24 hours a day and repair cracked and/or damaged shells. It takes only a few minutes as they now carry "turtle bondo," which works on contact. A few more minutes are required to sand out and smooth the repaired surface. Usually, this can be claimed on your "turtle insurance policy."


Uh!? How about call the vet?......

Answer 5

They can. It takes a long while. Like when you bash your finger so hard the nail turns black and falls off and takes a while to grow back, it's like that. Turtle shells are made of the same stuff as fingernails and it grows just as fast as fingernails do.
They do need vet help. Infection can set into the crack and kill the little guy. The crack has to be cleaned and sealed so that the turtle can heal without infection setting in.

Answer 6

I just found this website that will explain EVERYTHING.
They don't heal on their own. They should be brought to a vet to be treated for infection by giving them antibotics or it will lead to their death.

Repair is easy. You can clean the wound with an antiseptic and GLUE the shell together with an epoxy or super glue.
Wrap the turtle in sterile gauze and sterile tape.

Never squeeze the shell together.

The healing time depends on the thickness and size of the crack.

Go to this website and they will give you ALL the details and what to do.

It is www.turtlecare.net/repair.htm

Good luck with your turtle. That is, if you have one.

Answer 7

Sometimes people use fiberglass to repair a turtles shell. Check with a vet first.

Answer 8

Best bet is to take the poor shelly to the vet. If an infection sets in, it can be fatal. Usually takes about a month for a crack to heal, but must be carefully nursed to prevent foreign matter getting into the gap. Usually, a cast of sorts is applied to the shell to keep the gap from spreading, and to protect it.

Answer 9

No, you need to take the turtle to your vet, hopefully yours works on them...The have stuff to repair shell, the turtle will not look the same....

Answer 10

They can, but it requires the proper tools and masonry.

But seriously, yeah the shell is apart of their body so it grows with them. Unlike hermit crabs and animals that have to find new shells when they grow bigger, the turtle's shell grows with it.

As for how long it takes, its going to depend on how much damage is done to the shell.

Answer 11

They can't. You can use super glue like stuff to piece it back together but I would go to a reptile related vet and have him take a look at poor turtle.