General Care Discussion :: Shell question

[Rockyturtle]

IRocky has been shedding his shell lately, a lot. Since I got him I have always noticed that the ring between the marginal and pleural parts has always reminded me of tree rings. While I see that his skin appears to be shedding today it looks his shell is really shedding. Yesterday I finally finished his basking dock upgrade ( had a floating one that was too small)' and today when I got home he was basking and really dry, which made me notice that he appears to be "peeling" in layers all over his shell. Not sure how better to describe the effect. I dont know if he is just getting better care now or what. His shell does not feel soft, he gets so worked up when I pick him up that I have to have firm grip, so he doesn't feel squishy. I will try and get a picture tomorrow while he is dry to give a better idea. It was pointed out that I may have had him on a too high protein diet, but the last owners fed him pellets everyday and 5 goldfish a week, I have cut back fish and pellets and added jello shots made with red and green lettuce. He is about 8 inches, and at least 6 years old, but I have only had him for a couple of months and still trying to figure it all out, so any and all help is appreciated. Thanks

[Love of Animals]

Sounds like normal shedding. Glad you cut down on his protein. As res get older and bigger they eat less protein and more plants. Try floating the red and green leaf lettuce in his tank for him to nibble at will. Then you don't have to worry about him being hungry since you're cutting down his protein. What type of set up do you have for him? Look forward to seeing pics. My turtle is named Rocky too.

[steve]

Sounds normal to me too. A pic would help