Hello, my name is Rod and this is my very first post,
I have recently taken over care for a turtle named Bert and I am wondering if anyone could help identify the type of turtle it is and whether or not he looks sick. The person who no longer wanted Bert informed me that he was told it was a red eared slider and is around 3 years old, however, Bert is only about 3-4 inches long and also lacks the signature red color behind then eyes. They also told me that they did not have any UV light or heat besides the water temp being kept at 80-85* for the first year to a year and a half. My other question is whether or not this could have prevented the red color from forming at an early age or whether it could have possibly stunted his growth? His shell also looks like it is flaking and has white areas that I am not sure whether they are from a fungus, mineral deposits or just the natural look of his shell.
So basically,
1. What kind of turtle is he if not a RES?
2. If you do think it is a RES, why doesn't he have and red spots?
3. Does his shell have a fungus or mineral deposit? Or do you think he is just in the process of shedding his scutes?
Your help will be much appreciated!!
These are the links to a couple pics of him: