General Care Discussion :: Solutions to encourage shell scratching?

[anonya]

What are your solutions on encouraging shell scratching? I've seen people say use drift wood, or stones, but I've tried that with my turtle and he just doesn't seem to utilize them at all. For now, he just uses the notched part of a submersible heater, but I worry it might damage it in the future. Can I get an idea of what everyone's turtles are using or if there's anything I can buy to help my turtle switch to some other ornament to scratch it's shell on?

[steve]

Good question. I'm not sure if shell scratching is something that is necessary, but my turtles would use something like this in their tank: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004PB8U98

If he starts to bite it, then you should remove it. Even if he can't damage it, he could hurt himself (chip his beak).