General Care Discussion :: shedding and retained scutes

[Simba]

When I adopted my gal she had several layers of retained scutes. I've had her since maybe June of July and still waiting for her to shed. I have the cuttlebone, a variety of proper vegi's that I've read on here depending on what is on sale uvb, minus the tank size and the fact I think I'm now ok with the fact that she eats the dock, I think I'm a pretty good turtle owner...

cuz I know those questions may be asked So... how long does it take to shed, and when she does shed, will those retained scutes come off as well?

[Daniel3507]

the fact that she eats the dock makes me think she isnt getting enough cuttlebone. how much do you give? and really there is now way to tell how long it takes to shed.

[BullDog]

It takes a looooong time for retained scutes to shed. I've had Frankie for a year, and so far I've only found two plastron scutes. It's just a waiting game. All you can do is give her the good veg when you can, and make sure her UVB is fresh.

[Rubicon]

The 5" painter I rescued is shedding layer after layer of them. She's never had a UVB bulb, heat bulb, or cuttle bone. I just can't believe she survived.

[Raphulk]

well you're definitely on the right track.
I had my turtle for almost a year before I got him UVA and UVB (crazy I know)
but he had several layers of retained scutes

but once I got him the UVB, he shed it ALL off within a couple of months
he has a couple of retained scutes right now, but like the others said, it's really just a waiting game.