General Care Discussion :: Turtle won't shed?

[scopenoob]

I have two turtles, one that seems completely healthy (and has grown larger), and one that doesn't seem to grow. Its shell seems like it wants to shed, but it's been there for a few months now. I saw some layering on the bottom of its shell and that seems definitely abnormal. I see the healthy turtle remove scutes by rubbing its shell on the filter, but the unhealthy one never touches it.




How big is your turtle? The shell's about 2 inches
How long have you had it? I think 5 years

What is the water temperature? room temperature. It's about 84* in air temperature right now.
Did you use a thermometer? Don't own one.
Are you using a water heater? No
How much water is in there? 2 inches in a 10 gallon tank
Are you using a water conditioner? No
Are you using any filtration? Yes, a small aquarium filter

What is the basking temperature? N/A
Is there a basking light? No
Is there a basking platform that is easy to climb on? Yes
What kind is it or what is it made out of? A large rock
Is there a UVB light? No

What have you been trying to feed it? "ReptoMin" pellets from Terta
When was the last time your turtle ate? Last night

How big is the tank/pond/enclosure? 10 gallons
Is the tank near a window? Yes
Is the tank in a room with a lot of activity? No, just a bedroom

Have you read the Basic Care section? Yes
Have you searched the forums for similar situations? Yes

Is there any other unusual activity/symptoms? N/A

[Kemul]

Wow, the shell and plastron really don't look healthy. Do you have UVB and
basking area for the turtles? Please answer the questions under the Urgent Care
section so we can help you better.

[novroz]

That's not a healthy shell.

Did you feed him cuttlebone?? it's very good for his shell.

My kroten started shedding after she ate cuttlebone

I agree with kemul...you should post it in urgent care

[jozzep]

You need a better filter,bigger tank,UVB light, heat lamp,water heater,thermometer.
Read the "basic care" section one more time.

[mikee]

The condition of your turtle is because of the care it has been receiving. Tank is too small, filter is too small, no basking light, no uvb lighting, short on calcium intake. Water temp should be between 74 and 78; basking temp should be between 90 and 91 degrees with uvb lighting. The basic rules of the turtle road have not been followed. If something is not done soon he is a candidate for MBD. M.