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My son's mississippi map hatchling (1.5 - 2") has what looks like a bit of peeling skin. I've noticed it for the past week or so around his neck, and today while changing up his tank I saw some on a back leg. It's not much, and I was able to rub the leg (very gently!) and a small bit of loose skin came off easily. Is this common for hatchlings? His water is 78, basking 85-88 and he has regular water changes & a filter...no other symptoms. No pic possible as it's only noticable underwater, and pics don't show what I can see. We've only had him about a month, but he seems to be a very active & healthy little guy.

Yeah, peeling is normal. They're growing at that size/age. Don't worry, just let the skin peel on its own.

I would say some shedding is normal. High water temps can also promote sheding so make sure you watch the water temp. But from what you are decribing it sound pretty normal.

Definitely normal. At around 1.5 months or so both my babies shedded all of their skin. And you can only see it underwater which I thought was really weird. I don't remember if you have more than 1, but my babies would eat the peeling skin off of each other (eeew).

Bumby's Mom wrote:Definitely normal. At around 1.5 months or so both my babies shedded all of their skin. And you can only see it underwater which I thought was really weird. I don't remember if you have more than 1, but my babies would eat the peeling skin off of each other (eeew).

1.5 - 2 mos is about exactly his age. Only one in the hatchling tank, thankfully. I think my son would flip out if his turtle was eating another's skin.

Thanks everyone!