General Care Discussion :: Looks like scute shedding, but just to be sure.

[Nin10doGC]

I am a new turtle owner. I just got the turtle yesterday. He hasn't been basking up until tonight where he hasn't gotten off the basking area for about 2 hours. His scutes (I think those are what they are called....) are peeling off. I know there is such a think as scute shedding, but I want to know if this is actually another illness or something. Pictures of Lucas are below.





I also keep hearing clicks and cracks... although I think it is relating to the scutes popping up. He seems very irritated and is frequently moving his back right leg and scratching his face and just seems irritated.

[JimmyJam]

Looks like he's having a bad shed. The scales should be whole and it looks as if only they are partly coming off.

What temp is your basking site and water?

[Nin10doGC]

I hate to say this but, I don't currently have a thermometer to monitor the temperature. The sales person at the pet store was horrible and told me I needed a basking area, a light for heat, water conditioner and food. I really need to get on top of this turtle. I plan on doing this stuff tomorrow.

Two of his scutes came off so far. I feel like a bad pet owner at the moment, and I will go to my local pet store tomorrow and get what is needed. I only got the turtle yesterday... I wish this didn't arise so soon, but thanks for the info. I'll get back to you.

(Upon inspection, the shedding doesn't look bad now that he is in the water. He has lost 2 more scutes... I hope he will be okay. )

[JimmyJam]

I'm sure he will be okay, and don't put yourself down. Look at it as a learning experience. I got Crush and he still doesn't have a proper setup but I'm working on it, piece by piece. So you're not the only one without a proper setup.

And incase you haven't, check the care sheets on the homepage they will help you alot with buying the proper items for your turts setup. If you have any other questions feel free to ask us, that's what we're all here for.

[Daniel3507]

be sure and get a UVB bulb if you dont have one already

[geekyturtle]

Do price comparisons for the UVB bulbs! I bought a Reptisun 5.0 26w UVB bulb from www.thatpetplace.com for $19 + shipping. I saw the exact same bulb at the local Petco for $47! I laughed, but felt sad for the people who actually buy them there.

[Nin10doGC]

Yeah... some people are ridiculous that they would pay that much for something that is really cheap. Thanks for the replies, you put my mind at ease, but I really need to get a UVB bulb...

My dad is gonna take me to the petsmart hopefully, and if that isn't open, then I can go to the local pet store that is a mom and pop shop.

[crackerlady2007]

How long is your turtle? If you ask me, "he"looks pretty feminine.

[Nin10doGC]

My turtle is 4 inches long. The guy at the pet store said he was male... but I am beginning to doubt that, as "his" tail isn't very big and doesn't have really long nails. I would have preferred a male because they are smaller.

[megcornell]

How often are you hearing the clicking sounds? Scute shedding doesn't make any noise, so that's not what you're hearing. Your turtle may be getting a respiratory infection. It's important that he have warm water (78-80) and that you keep an eye out for other symptoms.

[Nin10doGC]

Ok, thank you.

[SpotsMama]

I think your turtle is shedding scutes and it's a really good thing because he was long overdue. Does the shell underneath when a scute pops off look healthy and dark?

One of the symptoms of a respiratory infection (RI) is wheezing or otherwise noisy breathing. Other symptoms are lethargy, poor appetite, irritated or swollen eyes, breathing with the mouth open or yawning a lot, difficulty submerging or swimming lopsided, and mucus around the mouth or nose. A turtle doesn't have to have all these symptoms to have RI. Just keep an eye on him and if you see other symptoms developing, best to take him (or her) to see a vet.

It's going to be complicated though because a normal turtle is usually upset when his habitat changes, even if it's a change for the better, and typically won't bask or eat for awhile - even for a week. So you won't be able to tell right away if signs like poor appetite or refusal to bask mean he's sick or just that he's upset by the new setup. I wouldn't worry about his behavior for awhile unless you think he's really acting like he feels bad.

To help him adjust, give him lots of peace and quiet. Don't pick him up unless you have to until he settles down. I think keeping him warm (78 - 80 degree water) for awhile is good. When he settles down, as long as he's acting like a healthy turtle, lower the water temp to around 75. Basking temp should be around 90 degrees.

Good luck - sounds like your little guy (or girl) is a lucky turtle, and that you're going to be a good turtle keeper.

[Nin10doGC]

Thanks, I'm doing my best to take care of "it". I've refrained from naming it for the moment.

Anyway, that was the most helpful info in this thread.

It has lost about.... let me count them... about 10 scutes, give or take a couple I've missed. The shell underneath is very opaque and almost glossy.

As for a RI I don't think he is showing any of those syptoms. I'll make sure to keep him nice and peaceful, I have kinda been picking him up a lot... it's just so cool to have a turtle, but as you recommended, I will refrain from that.

Again, thanks a bundle for the help!

[zoologist]

the uvb bulb will help him to shed better and easier. torti has been shedding a ton since i got her the uvb bulb and she has a problem with retained scutes due to poor diet (its been changed). i think your turtle has some retained scutes too.

[crackerlady2007]

Ya, if she's 4 inches, she's ripe for being able to tell that she's a girl. Don't feel bad though. She'll only grow to be about 12". Males can grow to 10 sometimes.