General Care Discussion :: Red-tinted shell

[Bassikpoet]

I have had a RES for about 6 months now. However, she has been growing rapidly over the past two months and today, after an inspection of her shell, I saw that the underside of her body (the yellow part) is slightly tinted with red. One of the joints between the yellow scutes is actually a dark red color. She is active, playful, and basks often. I feed her reptomin pellets. The only thing that I can think of is the fact that I live in Japan and being that there is no interior heating, I can never quite get her water temperature up to 26C. Is this serious?

[Arisu]

could you possibly take a picture? it would help a lot. did it look anything like this?



I don't know if your turtle has the same condition as mine did, but food coloring in some turtle pellets tinted my turtles shell and also made her poo red. what is the texture and color of her poo?

this is taken from the main portion of this site (redearslider.com > health > shell conditions)

Red or Pink Coloring on Shell or Skin

This coloring on the skin, on or between the scutes, on the carapace or on the plastron can be an indication of septicemia (blood poisoning). If your turtle has had a previous illness, infection, injury or improper habitat, it is possible that is has developed into septicemia. Consult a qualified veterinarian regarding appropriate testing and treatment.

[Bassikpoet]

That is exactly what it looks like. Her excrement is black.

I would take a picture but I cannot find my usb cord at the moment.

[Arisu]

hmm, do you feed her anything besides reptomin pellets? any kind of food that may stain her scutes?

I immediately stopped giving my turtle those red colored pellets and everything went back to normal, tho it freaked me out in the beginning