General Care Discussion :: Turtle Scutes

[Eltemp]

I am fairly new to RES keeping and I want to make sure that my res are doing fine. I have been watching both of my girls for about 4 months now and I have noticed that some of their scutes are curling or lifting on the ends. I think this is just shedding but I wasn't sure. I was hoping someone would be able to look at them and give their opinion.
Turty wasn't being very cooperative today, swimming all morning and then sitting with her back where I couldn't get a good shot.


Hester I got two shots

[cameron740]

its looks like shedding to me..bcuz my baby turts all 3 of them are shedding and they r only 1.5 inches and they kinda look like that and im guesing its shedding so no need to be concerened..im kinda new too so might want to wait for another turt expert to awnser

[steve]

They are severely retained. How long have you had them? How big were they when you got them? How much are you feeding them?

The good news is that there is no major signs of pyramiding. Bad news is that debris can collect under them, leading to serious infections. It would be a good idea to give regular cleanings. Get a new soft toothbrush and gently scrub those areas with diluted betadine and then let it air dry.

[cameron740]

steve can i put diluted betadine on my baby turts shell...and to shed will they fall off on there own or do i need to help or do i just let them be and leave them alone?

[Eltemp]

I have had them since january. they are roughly the same size. this was the shape i received them in, minus that the scutes are coming loose now. Where do i get betadine? Pharmacy? I am feeding them every other day. they have lettuce in the tank every day. they get about the same amount of food as their head.

[cameron740]

at walmart any drug store or store that has a oharmacy

[steve]

steve can i put diluted betadine on my baby turts shell...and to shed will they fall off on there own or do i need to help or do i just let them be and leave them alone?

Betadine is not there to help shedding but to disinfect. If there is something wrong w/his shell, start a new topic and post some pics with descriptions.

I have had them since january. they are roughly the same size. this was the shape i received them in, minus that the scutes are coming loose now. Where do i get betadine? Pharmacy? I am feeding them every other day. they have lettuce in the tank every day. they get about the same amount of food as their head.

Yes, you can get Betadine over the counter at drug stores and pharmacies. Alternatively, you can try Hibiclens (diluted) as well. It's a bit sudsy, so you would have to rinse well afterwards.