Hello all,
We adopted a RES female, approx 5-6 years old. We don't have a complete history on the turtle however, based on her condition she wasn't properly cared for. We have tried to compensate for years of bad husbandry. Have read a lot, and think we have the right tank 10 gallon per inch, filter canister 2X, UVB, diet, water temp 78, basking temp around 90. Lights are on 12 hours per day approx. Feed every other day veggies mostly green leaf and other, pellets 2x week and a calcium supplement.
Our worry is her shell and her lack of basking. It appears cracked and dry, flaky, some whitish patches but firm to the touch. My gut tells me lots of retained scutes. Initially our turtle was in a good routine of basking twice a day no issues for hours but as soon as late fall came, then winter she stopped. We encourage her of course but, its been a while since she has routinely basked - she goes once a week now if that, lots of resting her head on the ramp but won't go up.
I have attached some pictures of her shell. No smell. Any help would be appreciated. She is otherwise active, responsive, playful, no swollen eyes now, healthy appetite. We test the water regularly PH good, Nitrites 0, Amonia 0 the only thing we can't seem to control are the nitrates but we do water changes regularly (not sure if our tap water is high in nitrates to begin with) but this might not be related to shell issues.
With thanks for any HELP.....I was against my son getting the turtle initially but now that we have her I feel a great sense of responsibility and want to do our best to take care of her... I am converted now to loving turtles.
