General Care Discussion

Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2009 12:45 pm **Gold on shell?**

I notice my turtle has a two little spots of gold on her shell, right by her head, I'll try to attach a picture in a little bit, but it's a metallic gold, she's had it for at least a few months now, is this normal?

Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2009 12:55 pm

Without a picture, it'll be pretty hard to diagnose any issues. It could be anything from shedding to fungus. See if you can get a pic of the shell when it's dry.

Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2009 12:58 pm

Will do, I'll do it right now, actually.

Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2009 1:15 pm

Oh, nevermind, my computer and camera suck. But I did realize when pulled her out and got a closer look that it's just shedding. It looks gold in the water haha.

Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2009 1:20 pm

Yup, sounds like that's it. Nothing to worry about

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 12:58 pm

Gold flecks on the shell are air bubbles trapped under a scute that's about to shed. So there's nothing to worry about!

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 11:38 pm

Is it okay to help them with their shedding? To peel off some of the pieces? I never have because I don't know if it hurts them or not.

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 11:47 pm

No, do NOT help. They will come off on their own when they are ready.

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2009 12:36 am

Can they feel it or something? Why is it bad?

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2009 12:37 am

I imagine it as like pulling hair out, rather than having it fall out on its own. But yeah, they can probably feel it, and it could potentially do damage.

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2009 12:43 am

Hatch71 -- DO NOT HELP THE TURTLE WITH HIS SCUTES. You will pull up parts of the next scutes before it is ready and could cause an infection and or a place to fungus to get started. NO NO -- Now, most of us cannot
diagnose a turtle's condition or health unless there is a licensed vet on this board. I/we can only comment and advise others due to our experience. Always seek a vet diagnoses when in doubt. Good Luck. m.

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2009 1:22 am

...okay, calm down. I've never pulled them off, I was just asking. Thanks guys.

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2009 1:30 am

Pulling off shedding scutes can actually be quite dangerous. If the shell hasn't completely dried out, you could pull off multiple layers of shell with minimal effort. This could result in exposing the bone and it could cause the shell to bleed. It's definitely not a good idea.

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2009 1:33 am

got it. thanks.

General Care Discussion :: Gold on shell?

Who is online