General Care Discussion :: Is my turtles shell not growing fast enough?

[Junta]

Hi guys,

Just have a question about the growth of turtle shells.

Recently, I've noticed that my turtle (Mississippi map turtle) has a lot of excess skin, almost like fat or love handles, sticking out of the sides where their arms and legs are. To me, it almost looks as if their shell is growing too slow for their body. Has anyone else experienced this? Is this normal growth?

I'll attach a picture if possible later on when I have the chance.

Thanks in advance
Bernard

[steve]

Well, it's definitely possible for a turtle to be fat. I suppose they can also get bloated under certain illnesses... a pic could be very helpful.

[RunninWideOpen]

overfeeding can cause obesity. sometimes it causes the shell to grow rapidly (which is not healthy either), but not always.

a couple of mine were fat and bulging out of their shells when i got them. i just put them on a normal diet, and now they are the good.