General Care Discussion :: Back agian with another question about my new Res..

[karli]

I was told that brushing her shell with a soft tooth brush is a good way to clean her. Does anyone know if this should be done? Also I noticed since she has been basking her shell is peeling in some areas but not alot is this ok? Please keep in mind this is her first week of her basking under a light in 2 years... & she is a little over 2 years old. I have been reading alot here on turtle talk but, still have some ???

[marisa]

A gentle rub with a soft brush is fine, especially if the shell is dirty or gets a slimy feel to it. Wiping the shell with a soft cloth is another option. If the shell's OK, you really don't have to do anything.

The peeling in one area was noticeable in the pics you provided in your other post. After not basking for 2 years, there likely are some scutes that need to come off, so the peeling isn't surprising. Basking under a UVB kight and heat source is important for the health of the shell.

[karli]

Thank You!!! After reading your reply yesertday I did alot of reading today and now understand about her shell peeling. I was really worried something was wrong but, now know its ok.. As for the brush cleaning I dont think she needs it since her shell seems to be pretty good.. I do have one more ? for you.. As for the cuttlebone if I use that do I leave it floating in the tank? and how small of a piece should I feed her? Or will she bite it on her own? Sorry so many ??

[marisa]

No problem.

Cuttlebone floats, but if not eaten it will eventually become waterlogged and sink. Members feed different amounts and sizes depending on their turtles---some love the stuff and will nibble on a whole piece if put in the tank, others prefer smaller pieces. Others will eat it in a more leisurely manner; some don't really take to it that much and it winds up sinking to the bottom. My turtles eat it more readily at certain times than others, and I think it depends on if they need more calcium in their diets.

In my case, my turtles prefer the smaller pieces, usually about head-size, and I will cut up a number of pieces and keep them in containers so I don't have to cut them so often (it can get messy, and I've poked myself with a sharp knife more than once).

Whichever way you try (one piece or smaller pieces) you need to take off the hard backing which is on one side. I use a sharp knife to pry it off, which usually causes the piece to break up.

I usually keep several pieces floating in the tank, so they can be nibbled on at will. If they're going through a phase where the cuttlebone isn't really being eaten, I cut back a bit. Your RES might not take to it right away, it would be good to give it a try.