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Scute Shedding

Posted:
Fri Feb 17, 2012 6:43 pm
by RedEar
How long does the process generally take and how often do they shed? I just noticed today that they look to be shedding, noticed the edges of the sections slightly raised like they were getting ready to come off. Spencer basked daily on his dock now, so it would seem since he is always on it when I get home from work and he is completely dry by that time. Today is just the first day that I noticed the slight spacing on the sections of his shell.
Also, is it a sign of more growth, or is it just a out with the old and in with the new thing?
Re: Scute Shedding

Posted:
Sat Feb 18, 2012 4:18 am
by Diamondbacks4Life
Sign of growth, and shedding happens more often in smaller turtles. I think mine average 2-3 sheds a year
Re: Scute Shedding

Posted:
Sat Feb 18, 2012 4:49 am
by penelope
Diamondback4life, please correct me if I am wrong.
As for how long it takes, it doesn't happen all at once like a snake or lizard. In my experience, It happens over a period of time, but at a fairly consistent rate. I have found 2 or 3 shed one day, maybe one the next day, and then a week may go by before finding several more several days in a row. I think you get the picture - no cut-n-dry amount or time, just steady progress.
The basking you mentioned helps the scutes completely dry out, leaving them ready to shed.
Re: Scute Shedding

Posted:
Mon Feb 20, 2012 3:11 pm
by Diamondbacks4Life
penelope wrote:Diamondback4life, please correct me if I am wrong.
As for how long it takes, it doesn't happen all at once like a snake or lizard. In my experience, It happens over a period of time, but at a fairly consistent rate. I have found 2 or 3 shed one day, maybe one the next day, and then a week may go by before finding several more several days in a row. I think you get the picture - no cut-n-dry amount or time, just steady progress.
The basking you mentioned helps the scutes completely dry out, leaving them ready to shed.
You are correct.