General Care Discussion :: I need shedding help/advice

[meltedspork]

And meltedspork, did your turtle have algae on his plastron as well?

No, no algae on his plastron, just the carapace.

[steve]

Hmm, then the algae might not have been related to that "infection". I thought it might have contributed to it's environment and growth. So I'm not sure what could have caused that type of condition, but it looks like the worst is over. I'd make sure the shell remains clean to prevent anything building up in those pits.

[Swaypippin]

My Orlando's shell looks just like that.

I've had him for just over 3 months now. He too was covered in Algea when I got him (you gotta love petco) and he has that sort of "pitting." He hates to be scrubbed with the tooth brush and always attacks it, but thats just tough. The Algea is hard to get off without the tooth brush.

As for the condidion it's self, have you noticed it getting worse? Orlando's has not gotten worse, but he's still not shedding. He does love to bask though.

I personaly think it's just because these guys lived in bad conditions for so long and never shed. Orlando looks like he's about to but they don't come off. I'm keeping an eye on him and so far he's fine except just looking bad.

Good luck with yours. Keep us posted and let us know if anything works for you.

[marisa]

I agree with you, swaypippin, about the shell issues being related to continually poor living conditions. The pitting can be the result of bacteria on the shell. A good habitat, plenty of basking, a good diet and time will help the shell a lot.

[meltedspork]

Hmm, then the algae might not have been related to that "infection". I thought it might have contributed to it's environment and growth. So I'm not sure what could have caused that type of condition, but it looks like the worst is over. I'd make sure the shell remains clean to prevent anything building up in those pits.

I will make sure to keep his shell clean. He is quite used to me cleaning it now (before he would try to bite and scratch and jump from my hand, but now he stays very calm).

As for the condidion it's self, have you noticed it getting worse? Orlando's has not gotten worse, but he's still not shedding. He does love to bask though.

I personaly think it's just because these guys lived in bad conditions for so long and never shed. Orlando looks like he's about to but they don't come off. I'm keeping an eye on him and so far he's fine except just looking bad.

Good luck with yours. Keep us posted and let us know if anything works for you.

No, it hasn't gotten worse. And I agree that it is because of the bad conditions. I will be sure to let you guys know of any progress.

I agree with you, swaypippin, about the shell issues being related to continually poor living conditions. The pitting can be the result of bacteria on the shell. A good habitat, plenty of basking, a good diet and time will help the shell a lot.

Well he's got a good habitat, he basks, and he gets a good diet. I guess now it's just up to time and waiting and waiting and hoping and waiting until he sheds.