How do I know when to get a bigger turtle cage?

Question

I have had my turtle for 13 years... I started out with a small cage and it has slowly progressed to a large cage.. standard aquarium. Now it looks as if she has been trying to shed her shell for about 6 months... does this mean I need to get a bigger one?? I will do anything just didn't think after this long I would need to keep upgrading... help!

Just so everyone knows... She can walk around and swim in this large cage. She also walks around my room so gets plenty of exercise and is not crammed in a cage where she can't move

Answer 1

Shell problems can mean many things- poor diet, no UVB lighting, etc.

As far as tank size the issue is pretty easy- aim for 10 gallons of water per inch of shell length. A 13-year old turtle, depending on the species, will run about 10", so should have about 100 gallons of water to swim in.

Experienced keepers generally do 3 tanks- about 20 gallons for babies and young turtles, an intermediate 50-75 for medium turtles, and a 120 or bigger tank or tub for adults. A lot of us use plastic stock tanks, kiddie pools, etc. for adults.

Based on your additional comments, I get the feeling that your turtle, who should have LOTS of room to roam around in, is pretty cramped. Figure out what the species is, what the adult size is, and get a tank that will handle it once and for all.

Answer 2

Shed her shell????? What kind of turtle do you have? I keep my turtles in a kiddie pool when weather permits and inside they are in a shallow tub. As long as they can move around and she can completely turn without hitting the size of her tank she should be fine (assuming she still has chances to get out like around your room). Is she just losing scales from her shell? That's a natural ongoing thing like growing finger nails.

Answer 3

Get her a bigger one so she can walk around!

Answer 4

hmm.....im not sure....six months is a REALLY long time for her to be trying to shed that shell....talk to a vet