General Care Discussion :: Shell rot...? (pics)

[maelunoc]

Hey,

I'm concerned that Socrates is experiencing a bit of shell rot. The scutes at the edge of his shell are coming off in large chunks, rather than in the think whisps that are normal when shedding. Is this a form of shell rot? Is he just shedding a large portion of his shell? What's going on? Sorry for not having clear enough photos... he's really camera shy.



Also, how does his shell look in general?

[blackforces get you]

looks like normal shedding. the 2nd pic shows air bubbles in the shell. its common after a shed

i wouldn't worry. it seems healthy

[marisa]

Looks fine to me. That's how the marginals shed.

What do you mean by the "think whisps" that are normal when shedding?

[maelunoc]

Sorry, that was supposed to say 'thin whisps.' Normally when he sheds it comes off as thin bits of skin, like a snake, or if you had put toilet paper in water and then broken it up. His shell has never come off in large chunks like the first photo shows. How come all of a sudden it is? [/b]

[Diamondbacks4Life]

Actually the large chuncks are what you want. that shows he is having a very nice healthy shed. The bit and pieces shed usually means scutes are sticking and having a hard time coming off.

[JonandAshly4]

Sorry, dont want to hijack your thread but when do they start shedding the scutes? I have had my turtle for almost a year (my guess is she is 3). She sheds around her neck but she hasnt shed a scute yet.

[maelunoc]

Oh, right on, then I am happy it's happening like that. How long does it usually take from onset to end?

No worries about hijacking the thread, I'm curious about the answer to your question as well. Is there a certain time in the life of a turtle that they begin shedding scutes like Socrates is? It could be that he's just coming to maturity and that's why he's shedding in such a good hearty way.

Thank you all for sharing your info.

Cheers