Should a red-eared slider turtle "shed" it's skin?

Question

If not then how bad is it that mine are shedding?

The 'shedding' I am referring to is shedding of the skin.

Answer 1

Yes, red-eared sliders shed. It's very noticeable as they get older. I find pieces of skin floating around the tank and caught in the filter, and sometimes when they're swimming around I can see little pieces hanging off. It sounds gross, but it's perfectly normal.

However, if it's extreme shedding, your turtle could have fungus. If you suspect fungus only a vet can treat it. Otherwise, turtles should, and do, shed.

Answer 2

Shedding is natural and normal for RES. Shedding skin has a thin, wispy and translucent appearance. Most often it is around the neck and the front and rear limbs. It is very easily visible underwater. Excessive shedding is not normal and is usually the result of water temperatures being too high, high protein diets, inadequate basking and fast growth. It could be a symptom of poor water quality or a developing infection. Proper diet and water conditions should be introduced to help avoid this.

Answer 3

if you refer to shedding small sections then yes...that's normal. we find them in the basking areas from time to time and when he is being cleaning he sometimes loses a few. We can tell it will happen because our turtle will crawl under things that he can use as a scratching post. we call it the turtle two step.

Answer 4

Turtles shed skin in small, thin layers, like peeling after a sunburn. They sometimes shed shell scales (scutes) in what look like thin fingernail-like sheets.

However, it might also be a fungus, etc. so you might want to review basic cares adn concerns at places like
http;//www.redearslider.com
http://www.austinsturtlepage.com

Answer 5

yes this is normal its just old skin coming off if u feel ur turtle is sheding alot then it could b bcoz of over eating or over heating

Answer 6

NO