Other Turtle Discussion :: Do turtles shed their skin?

[almmaaa]

HI everyone, My 4" turt is shedding skin is this normal? Also where can I find a list of turt vets in my area? Also do they charge more than dog and cat vets?
Thanks

[jenaero]

Turtles shed their skin and their shells as they grow. Totally normal.

There are 'stickies' at the top of the Urgent Care section for locating vets in your area.

[almmaaa]

OH phew, thank you for reasuring me. I feel much better now. I let them have some sun yesterday and I had them out there for like 2 hrs and I thought the sun must of made her shed. So they shed skin when their growing only?
Thank you

[jenaero]

If you must take them outside, make sure they can't run away. Even if you turn your back for a second or two, you can still lose one. Also, when outside, make sure they have access to a shady area. You don't want them to over heat.

Yes they shed as they grow. Over feeding and water that is too warm will cause excessive shedding so make sure to control those.

[almmaaa]

THank you, I put them in a bird cage with water on the bottom of it but I did not put something on top of the cage to give them some shade :O( I will do that next time. This was in improptu thing I read some people put them outside to get some sun exposure. My water temp is 78 is this ok? Also I have to have uvb and uva can you tell me which brand of bulbs to use please? Right now I have a blue colored one from zoo med I think but that gave all the light it could LOL so now I have a household bulb is this ok for the mean time?
THanks again for all your help

[jenaero]

78 is good for water temp. Basking temp should be 10degrees higher. I'm not up on all the brands for uvb but I see Reptisun 5.0 and 10.0 being recommended a lot. A household bulb is fine for heat as long as it gives the right temp but uvb is needed in addition to that.

[almmaaa]

Thank you for your help I really appreciate it. This forum rocks!!!!!!!!!