My wonderful RES,Shellby has been shedding alot lately more than normal. When I first read about shedding they told me turtles shed in WINTER! And can I clean her tank? PLEASE ANSWEAR!
2007-04-30 12:34:33 · 6 answers · asked by Teh Otaku 2 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
Generally they shed in water but not always. Depending on how much she grows, she will either shed a lot or a little. Her skin may shed too as her body grows as well. During winter? This is interesting. It's been my experience that they shed whenever they feel that they need to. Of course you can clean her tank. It's actually more healthy for them if you do.
2007-04-30 13:48:59 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You really need to define "what" is "more than normal". What does that mean? A captive turtle's normal shedding cycle has little to do with the seasons, and more to do with the diet and growth.
If a turtle is shedding "excessively", then there is only three possible explanations. Either it is getting excessive protein and growing too fast, there is a shell infection of bacterial or fungal origin, OR, the turtle is suffering from renal failure. Turtles suffering from renal ( kidney ) failure will often shed their marginal scutes.
If the turtle is losing mainly marginal scutes you need to take the turtle to a reptile vet to diagnose possible renal failure or check for shell rot infection before you proceed with anything else.
2007-04-30 13:45:37 · answer #2 · answered by Fireside3/Phrynosoma-Texas 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Turtles shed when they grow- not in the winter.
If it is shedding a lot, it is either growing fast, or stressed. You may want to review the basic cares, diet, and portion sizes at a good site like http://www.austinsturtlepage.com
2007-04-30 15:54:00 · answer #3 · answered by Madkins007 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mine sheds a lot too. Get some water conditioner for the tank to keep her healthy and happy and make sure she has a basking rock to dry out her whole body if she wants. As for cleaning its best to drain the tank, take it outside and hose it out. Mine is a 50 gallon and is difficult to clean but its the only way to get the whole thing clean.
2007-04-30 12:42:19 · answer #4 · answered by Lindsay 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could just be growing, look to be shure it does not have a form of shell rot. It is probably just shedding, but it is still a good idea to check for any infection
2007-04-30 13:50:45 · answer #5 · answered by Han Solo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is she a water turtle? If yes, I would wet her shell. It may be just dry.
2007-04-30 12:42:26 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋