what is the white fuzz on their skin?
2006-10-02 04:22:42 · 8 answers · asked by chad w 1 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
If the white fuzz is clear and appears to be floating off their skin in the water then this is normal shedding. If it is like rough dry patches then this could be a fungus infection and you would want to bring your turtle to a vet to get checked out. But, make sure the water is clean, add some aquarium salt to the water, change the water often, at least once a week and make sure you are not overfeeding your turtle. Some say shedding is normal and others have said it is not. Overfeeding causes rapid growth forcing the turtle to shed it's skin, but this can be harmful to their kidneys, so monitor how much they are eating, but I'm sure your turtle will be just fine! Happy turtling!
2006-10-02 04:31:23 · answer #1 · answered by ERIN D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is probably a fungal infection, which usually indicates a problem with the basic care. You'll need to do two things at once- treat the infection and fix any care issues.
You did not say the species but I'm going to guess it is a Red-ear slider. The tips listed should work with most semi-aquatic (pond)species however.
1. Take the current tank apart and clean everything in it. Soak everything in a mild bleach solution (about an 1/8th cup bleach in a gallon of water or so) after it is cleaned for about 30-60 minutes. Rinse the bleach solution off.
2. Rebuild the tank. The correct habitat for most pond turtles is at least 10 gallons of swimming space per inch of shell. If you need a bigger tub, try a Rubbermaid or Sterilite tub. The water should be well-filtered and heated to 75-80 degrees. The basking site (and there should be more than one) should be heated to 90.
3. Treat the turtle. This won't be fun, but:
a.) Clean infected areas thoroughly with a strong, undiluted betadine, iodine or Nolvasan solution. Let the turtle air dry in a warm setting for about 45 minutes.
b.) Apply a generous coating of Silvadene cream. Work into problem areas.
c.) Leave the turtle dry and warm, ensuring that you do not over-heat, for 18-21 hours each day.
d.) The next day, scrub entire shell with a one of the previously mentioned solutions, using a soft-bristled toothbrush
e.) Place them into fresh, clean water. Let them swim, drink and eat for approximately 60-90 minutes.
f.) Repeat procedure from Step a.
It will take AT LEAST a week of 1 or 2 daily treatments, but could take up to a month for a pesty infestation. (Treatment advise from http://ww.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/ )
For more good turtle advice and ideas on things like good lighting or filters, try:
2006-10-02 13:03:31 · answer #2 · answered by Madkins007 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Omg some people dont know how to even talk about turtles! It's not an enfection i have been researching on turtles for 9 years now and have a forum that i talk to people on.
The white fuzzy stuff on there skin is there shin shedding as this happens on there shell. It should be clear or white and you will find out this will bake your tank a bit messy!
ALso if your water is to warm they may shed a bit to much.
Make sure your water is 78!
It will look like cobwebs in the water but wont be visible out of the water.
And everybody who said to put in salt!!
Dont do anything like that without seing a vet lol and it's not an effection. FOr more info that you need and want to talk come here....
http://invisionfree.com/forums/Happy_Turtles_Pub/
Thank-you.
2006-10-02 18:29:00 · answer #3 · answered by reslover99 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably an infection. Soak them in 0.3% salt (1 gallon water + 3 teaspoons salt) for an hour a day then keep them out of the water for another hour. If the condition doesn't improve after doing this for a week, take them to the vet.
You need to do a better job keeping the water clean to prevent this in the future. They need a place to haul out of the water completely and dry off under a heat light. They also need a light that provides UVB rays, unless they get real sunshine regularly.
2006-10-02 11:26:17 · answer #4 · answered by inghit 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
its probably an infection, or, depending on how dirty they are, it could even be mold/bacteria
you need to talk to a vet or take them to a clinic. you'll be able to get some meds for them, and clean their tank immediatly. you might want to put distilled water (available at groceries) in the tank. then youll know its not contaminated
2006-10-02 11:28:50 · answer #5 · answered by MRose 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
May be fungal infection. Anyhow just subject the water for testing. Just peep into the source for further reading...
2006-10-02 11:58:07 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is probably fungus. You'll have to treat it.
2006-10-03 21:03:41 · answer #7 · answered by Mishy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I AGREE WITH INGRIT DO WHAT SHE SAYS GOOD LUCK
2006-10-05 09:52:29 · answer #8 · answered by tonyinspain 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋