General Care Discussion :: What are the little hair like thinks coming from shell?...Al

[dtarver]

Hi
I see little hair like things coming our of my female turtle shell.

Also, i know they shed their skin but is shell shedding normal?

Thank you,Dora

[Daniel3507]

do you have pictures of the hair things? it would help with being able to identify what it is.

shell shedding is normal and good. just be sure not to pull the scutes off. just let them come off on their own

[SpotsMama]

Shell shedding is normal but I've never heard it described as hair like things. When shell sheds, the top very thin translucent layer of a scute (section of shell) usually comes off in a large piece. Sometimes it flakes off. Hair like things sounds to me more like algae growing on the shell. Do you only see the hair like things when your turtle is in the water? Photos would be most helpful.

[bradmeisel]

i have the same "hair things". It is mostly on the circle that forms a line on the perimeter of the top shell. lines that are on the top shell. I assumed it is just a form of shedding. I have just started noticing itrecently.

I don't think it is algae because my tank is not near a window, I change the water way too much, and I condition the water.

[dtarver]

do you have pictures of the hair things?n

Here is a link to a photo...
[img]turtle%20hairs.jpg[/img]

[dtarver]

Shell shedding is normal but I've never heard it described as hair like things. When shell sheds, the top very thin translucent layer of a scute (section of shell) usually comes off in a large piece. Sometimes it flakes off. Hair like things sounds to me more like algae growing on the shell. Do you only see the hair like things when your turtle is in the water? Photos would be most helpful.

Yes, while in the water it is visible.

[SpotsMama]

Those big pieces floating loose - look kind of like fingernails - look just like a shedding shell to me. Are they falling off on their own? If you give them just a slight pull, do they come on off?

I suppose the hair like stuff could be just a little shedding of tissue between the scutes. Perhaps someone else on here has a different opinion.

[dtarver]

Those big pieces floating loose - look kind of like fingernails - look just like a shedding shell to me. Are they falling off on their own? If you give them just a slight pull, do they come on off?.

I read that you should never pull the shedding shell. ...so I will not do that. It probably is stuff that connects the shell.

Thanks anyway!

[bradmeisel]

"If you give them just a slight pull, do they come on off?"

She did not say pull off the scutes. She said give those hair like things a "slight pull". Spotsmama knows more about turtles than both of us put together times two.

Be happy someone of this caliber responded to your post.

Good luck with your turtle. It is lucky its owner cares enough to check a very valuable site.

[steve]

From the pic, it does look like bits of the seam are shedding. I've seen that too and I'll consider it normal, though it doesn't happen as often as other types of shedding.