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Kai's shell not getting better :(

PostPosted: Thu Sep 27, 2007 4:45 pm
by kaimarion
Well Kai has been on Repto-min with REPTO-CAL powder on them for 3 weeks now and his shell isnt getting any harder!!!
He also has a white spot on his shell , it isnt fussy none of it comes off when I scratch it!

I'll try get a pic or 2 up later but I need to find my camera :? .

PostPosted: Thu Sep 27, 2007 4:53 pm
by DavidY
Do you know what the pH and alkalinity are in your turtle's tank? I would think a baby's shell would tend to be a little more flexible anyway.

PostPosted: Thu Sep 27, 2007 6:35 pm
by SpotsMama
DavidY, that's true. The little ones' shells are somewhat flexible - but not soft. As their first year progresses, their shells get harder and harder. That last part to harden is the area by the tail.

Kaimarion, three weeks must seem like a long time but it really isn't very long. Give it a bit more time. And, was it definitely established that your turtle's shell is softer than it should be for a turtle his size and age?

The calcium supplement is good but don't overdo it. Did a vet tell you how much to use? If not, why don't you just put it on a few pellets two or three times a week, not every day. If it seems like the powder just floats off the pellets, you can get some pellets slightly moist, then roll them in powder, then let them dry.

The other critical ingrediant for a hard shell is, of course, UVB light. Is your guy basking under a good UVB light?

Is there cuttlebone in the tank for your turtle to nibble on when the mood strikes?

PostPosted: Thu Sep 27, 2007 7:01 pm
by kaimarion
I give them to him on monday and tuesday and they are soaked and rolled , he does bask every day and has a uvb light.
I dont have cuttlebone how long will it float for brfore it breaks up?

PostPosted: Thu Sep 27, 2007 11:08 pm
by Tenodera
the spot on nits shell could be some air bubbles under the scutes? Is it a coppery shiny colour?

PostPosted: Fri Sep 28, 2007 2:08 am
by SpotsMama
A cuttlebone will float until it gets waterlogged and sinks - but it won't break up on its own. You should break it into pieces of a more manageable size for your turtle. Be sure and pry off the hard backing.

On the white spot, can you post a photo?

PostPosted: Fri Sep 28, 2007 11:01 am
by kaimarion
It doesnt look shiny under the water and when his shell is dry its really white.

PostPosted: Fri Sep 28, 2007 11:45 am
by marisa
Are you dampening the pellets, coating them with the powder and letting them dry before you give them to your turtle (he'll get more of the calcium that way)?

What is the rest of his diet like?

PostPosted: Fri Sep 28, 2007 3:37 pm
by industrial_girl_2000
the babies do naturally have a more flexible shell. Make sure you continue to have cuttle bone in his tank for him to nibble on. And the baby reptomin has more calcium added as well.

You won't see much progress in only 3 weeks. A turtle's shell grows very slowly. Just keep up with the added calcium. It will work in time.

PostPosted: Fri Sep 28, 2007 8:54 pm
by SpotsMama
I'd be interested in seeing a photo of the white spot. A shell fungus condition starts as a white spot in one place that then spreads and spreads. Not saying that's what it is with your turtle, but it would be good to see a photo.

What about the basking situation? What kind of UVB light does he have? How much does he bask every day? Can he get completely dry when he basks - top and bottom?

PostPosted: Fri Sep 28, 2007 9:06 pm
by DavidY
Have you been able to test your water yet to make sure all the parameters are good? I know that excessive phosphates will interfere with the body's ability to utilize calcium. Some water supplies can be contain phosphates, but I don't know how much water borne phosphates will affect a turtle's metabolism.

PostPosted: Sat Sep 29, 2007 12:30 pm
by kaimarion
Sorry cant find my camera and I still need to get a water test kit.

PostPosted: Sun Sep 30, 2007 7:20 pm
by kaimarion
Well I got him some cuttle bone today and he ate one of the bits I put in , should I put it in on a daily basis?

Still cant find that camera though!