pet turtles, do they shed scales ?

Answer 1

Lots of misinformation in this thread. All turtles have scutes on their carapace (the top part of their shell). In some species, the old scutes are replaced by larger new scutes. However, in a lot of species (box turtles, tortoises, etc.) the scutes merely add growth rings to the edges of the existing scutes and they do not shed them - similar to how trees grow.

Great information on turtle/tortoise anatomy can be found here:

http://animal.discovery.com/guides/reptiles/turtles/anatomy.html

Answer 2

All reptiles shed.

Turtles shed the scales of their shell once in a while- and often it happens and you won't even notice it. If you do see it, the signs of a normal shed are that the shed is paper thin, translucent, and the tissue underneath looks healthy.

If the sheds are thick or discolored, or the skin underneath looks 'bad', it may be a sign of shell rot.


Turtles also shed the skin on the rest of their bodies in little flakes, also easily overlooked.

Answer 3

well they shed their skin and their shell but if it sheds too often there is a problem and you need to take it to the vet. believe me i just had to take my turtle to the vet today and found out it had an infection under its shell because the shell was shedding too much

Answer 4

I have a turtle, and he sheds the scales of of his shell. sooooo........Yeah

Answer 5

yes

Answer 6

yes

Answer 7

yes, they do.