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do we have to clean the turties or do they know how to naturally?

Over time they may get algea on their shells. It won't hurt to clean them with a soft brush or a soft cloth. Just be aware that their shells are sensitive and they may not like it. For that reason they may wiggle to get down...don't drop them, or they may nip at available fingers. I've had mine almost a year and have never cleaned mine.

I'll brush them with a soft toothbrush when I see them scratching their backs on objects in the tank but that's about it. Mine like it tho.

Recently I've laid back on the cleaning to once every few months since they don't get dirty as quick as they used to . I will use a toothbrush when I clean them though. They try to crawl out of my hand and try to bite the brush but the whole scene is quick.

*thx*

I wipe my RES's shell down with a soft towel (his towel) if his shell begins to feel slippery, but his isn't that often. If you notice your turtle getting algae, a wipe down with a soft brush or cloth can be helpful--you can inspect the shell and check it for any problems during that time.

well you can clean them but it isn't absolutely nescessary is it? i do clean mine every now and again when it feels all slimey and stuff

The slimy feeling is likely bacterial build-up on the shell, which is good to remove/wipe off.

I cleam mine with a toothbrush and water. Algae itself isn't harmful, but it can hide fungal or bacterial infections on the shell, and sometimes make them worse. It is good to have a clear shell, because you can be more aware of the turtle's health.

aznxturtxlover wrote::? do we have to clean the turties or do they know how to naturally?

If necessary, I use a soft-bristle ("old") toothbrush.

one of the turties, ~sheldon~, keeps getting a slimey shell. but ~tiki~ doesn't . ~sheldon~ gets like a pinkish layer of slime. is it supposed to be pink??

A pink layer of slime sounds like a bacterial infection. Have you fed them any shellfish?

I brushed my turtle today and wowzers..never saw my turtle go so awall before. It was just constant biting of the toothbrush and biting of the water and biting of anything in its way. It did not like being brushed at all. And it used to! I don't know if her shell is getting sensitive or what but wow...I really had to watch my hands and her mouth while I was cleaning her shell.

What on earth does that mean?

reptilegrrl wrote:A pink layer of slime sounds like a bacterial infection. Have you fed them any shellfish?

?what is shellfish?

i don't think i have, and besides, i feed them both the same foods