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If you remember I rescued Shelly from horrible conditions about a month ago, A plastic tub, 4 inches of water and gravel. She had been standing on her toes to breath. Thanks for your advice on the original crack I was worried about. She's been doing really well. She's eats great. Is swimming some. She still likes to swim straight up grab a plant and then drop back down after breathing, then come straight up again for air. If she wants to go to another area of the tank she walks across the bottom. I check her shell over at least two or three times a week since I can't get her to bask often. At least she is sticking her head out by the basking area. I wonder if she's absorbing enough UVB rays through her head. Seriously, that's only way she's going to get it. Anyway, today when I checked her plastron it looks like the middle and lower seams are wider...maybe even a slight crack. I have posted pics the first one is of her tummy a month ago. The brown crack in the lower left hand corner near my thumb in the first pic hasn't changed so I'm not worried about it. It's the middle and lower seams that have me concerned. She is eating baby reptomin, has cuttle bone that she doesn't touch, has heat and UVB lights, basking area, temp in tank 79 to 80 degrees, basking temp between 10-12 higher, and water is about 6 inches deep for now, since she still doesn't seem to have the hang of actual swimming. Thanks in advance. You all are the best. Living in Naples, Italy, and still haven't found a reptile vet that isn't out of town for one reason or another.


Shelly about 1 month ago
[img][img]http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/tt139/Myboyoliver/Shelly8-30-09.jpg[/img]

Today
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Today
[img][img]http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/tt139/Myboyoliver/Shelly10-2-20091.jpg[/img] [/img]

Oliver'smom,

To me, your turtle looks fine. The behavior looks normal to me too, at least
compared to my turtles. You're taking a really good care of your turtle.

Could be growth. Is that area slimy or smelly?

Kemul - Thanks. I'm new to all this, but want to provide them the best care possible.

Steve - Not slimy or smelly. She has grown some since we've had her. I will keep an eye on it. Thanks

my turtle got the same thing. its just natural growth

If your turtle is healthy you may want to gradually lower the temp. a few degrees at a time, until he starts to bask more. They are temp driven and will bask more when the water temp is lowered.

I finally caught her basking! She's really shy, but getting better. Thanks.