Urgent Care :: The back of the shell is soft

[4Lancer4]

The backside of my turtles shell is really soft, I'm not sure what happened or how it happened. I just want to know if it can be fixed without a herp vet

[SpotsMama]

Can you answer these questions please so that folks will have more info to go by? Thanks so much!

How big is your turtle?
How long have you had it?

What is the water temperature?
Are you using a water heater?
How much water is in there?
Are you using a water conditioner?
Are you using any filtration?

What is the basking temperature?
Is there a basking light?
Is there a basking platform that is easy to climb on?
What kind is it or what is it made out of?
Is there a UVB light?

What have you been trying to feed it?
When was the last time your turtle ate?

How big is the tank/pond/enclosure?
Is the tank near a window?
Is the tank in a room with a lot of activity?

Have you read the Basic Care section?
Have you searched the forums for similar situations?

Is there any other unusual activity/symptoms?

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If you have a question about a skin or shell condition, please try provide pictures of the area when it is dry.

[marisa]

How old/big is your turtle? Hatchlings' (up to a year) shells tend to be a bit softer that older turtles (they harden up at about a year), especially the marginal scutes above the tail. That said, those scutes shouldn't be "really soft," just have a little "give" to them.

How long have you had your turtle? What is your turtle's diet like? Doesn't your turtle have a UVB light as well as a heat light?

[DeNulsky]

I was wondering the same with my two babies- they seem to be soft- not CRAZY soft, but soft... and they don't seem to be eating ... they are probably about a month or 2 old.

[marisa]

If their living conditions and diet are good, the above probably applies to them.