General Care Discussion :: how do you tell between a soft and hard shell?

[Shelldon]

i got my turtle july 19th this year and the owner said, while he was putting it in a little carrying container so i could take it home, yeah, thats a nice firm shell. was that his ZOMGWTFBBQ SALESMAN talking? how do i tell the difference between a soft to firm shell?
i ask because alot of post here say to check hardness of shells...

thanks!
-brian

[OxymoronFromMars]

Your salesman either is just saying something to break the tension or he actually knows what he's talking about. If turtles don't have proper lighting or proper water treatment then they can get MBD (Metabloic Bone Disease) or known as "Soft Shell". It causes the shell, which is bone, to decay and soften. If he said your turtle has a firm shell then GOOD! Meaning your little Shelldon is a healthy turtle.
I'm assuming Shelldon is a RES, but there are Soft Shelled Spiny turtles, which having a soft shell is normal.

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Hope this helps!

[Shelldon]

yea, shelldons a res! but how do i tell the diference between a soft and hard shell, is there any house hold thing that feels like a soft shell so i can get a feel of what its likeÉ

[steve]

I'd just leave the shell alone

[Shelldon]

alrighty then

thanks for the input everyone

[marisa]

Basically, think of two rolls (as in bread)---one has a crust and one doesn't. If you gently press on the crust of the first one, it's firm and there is no real "give" to it. This is a hard shell. If you press on the one without the crust, you'll feel it sink in a little. This is a soft shell.

I'm assuming your RES has a shell length of at least 4 inches because you mentioned the owner of the store was getting the turtle ready for you. Small hatchlings often have somewhat pliable shell, especially the scutes above the tail. But the shells harden after about a year.

[jozzep]

Basically, think of two rolls (as in bread)---one has a crust and one doesn't. If you gently press on the crust of the first one, it's firm and there is no real "give" to it. This is a hard shell. If you press on the one without the crust, you'll feel it sink in a little. This is a soft shell.

Great way to describe it......

[Shelldon]

ooook perfect, thanks for the help!!! love you all!