Someone who knows a lot about a red eared slider turtle's [i'm guessing thats what mine is]possible health pro

Question

so i'm scared my red eared slider turtle might have a health problem.
i noticed when i was cleaning his cage and washing him off tonight that he had like this little clear sqaure filmy thing come off of a part of his back. almost like he was shedding like a snake.
is this normal?
ps- i've never taken him to the vet, do turtles even need to go to the vet?

Answer 1

They do occasionally shed "scales" from their shells, that is normal. You should take him to the vet if you have concerns, though. Look for one that does "exotic pets" in the phone book. You can also get a good book at the pet store-- they cover simple things like health problems and dietary issues.

Answer 2

Sliders don't require regular vet checks, but should go every now wand again to make sure things are going good.

As for the clear filmy thing was it was it "fuzzy"?If so then it may be a fungus. Here is a link for a care sheet on this little guy. It also gives a visual so you can tell if that's what you have or not

http://www.petco.com/caresheets/turtles/Turtle_RedEaredSlider.pdf

Good Luck!!

Answer 3

1.) Turtles are reptiles. Reptiles shed. They shed from the shell in thin sections, from their skin in sunburn-like peelings.

2.) Turtles DO need to go to the vet occasionally- thankfully, not very often if good care is offered.

Try this site:

Answer 4

Yes they shed. DO not pull it off as they have nurves in there shell and it will hurt. And a vet checkup should be every year.

Come to this sight it has 700 members and lots and lots of info!
http://invisionfree.com/forums/Happy_Turtles_Pub/index.php?showtopic=6831&st=15

Answer 5

this is normal,it is only a dermal scale and they are often shed.