General Care Discussion :: shell shedding

[khobbs]

How often should a turtle shed it's shell? I've had mine about 8 months and they still have yet to show any signs of the shell soon to shed. I was just wondering how often this takes place?

[steve]

I think individual scutes will shed on their own timetables. I've had my RES 3 years but have only shed a few scutes.

[khobbs]

ok, thanks. i didn't know if i should be worried or not.

[steve]

As long as they are able to bask uninterrupted everyday, they should be good.

[marisa]

Shedding depends on how fast a turtle is growing.

[steve]

Shedding depends on how fast a turtle is growing.

I have only been able to observe "normal" shedding when they are able to bask on a regular basis. The pyramiding I've observed is from fast growth without allowing time for the scutes to shed.

[industrial_girl_2000]

How often should a turtle shed it's shell? I've had mine about 8 months and they still have yet to show any signs of the shell soon to shed. I was just wondering how often this takes place?

My adult RES sheds all her scutes about once/year.

It depends on nutrition & rate of growth though.

[grizz4me]

One of my turtles looks like he is shedding skin on his neck and leg? Is that normal?

[marisa]

As long as the shedding is not excessive or prolonged, it's normal. Periodically seeing a few wispy threads of skin while your turtle is in the water is not a problem. They do this as they grow.

If your turtle looks like he's about to step out of his skin (like a snake would shed his, for example) that's not normal, and could indicate a problem like temps that are too warm or a high ammonia level in the water.

[grizz4me]

Thanks Marisa
I am a very nervous new turtle mom. Every new thing that happens to them, I worry about. lol

[marisa]

N/P