General Care Discussion :: turtle has moving shell?

[xfallwithmexo]

I have 3 RES hatchlings about 1.5" long. I noticed their bottom scutes (is that the right word?) mostly from the legs to the tail seem to be very fragile? If you touch them even the slightest bit they seem to wiggle sort of like a loose tooth? I know there is something called soft shell, is that what they have? I tried to search soft shell here but didn't find anything that helped.

Here is a picture of one of them (or two, I can't tell who is who in the pictures)

[SSMcLeod]

Young turtles have soft(er) shells than adults. I wouldn't be concerned to much

[worldpeace]

Do they have access to a proper basking area? And do they use it?

[Diamondbacks4Life]

Yea at that size you dont have to worry, their end scutes will move like that till there about 2inches+ and then will be firm.

[xfallwithmexo]

They do have access to a basking area. They don't let you watch them bask and I'm at work all day, but when I come home and sneak in I do occasionally see them up there

[worldpeace]

That's good. I don't think you have anything to worry about.

[xfallwithmexo]

Thanks