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Hi there! Good news for any keeping up with the soap opera SHMEIGEL ATE APPLE! Finally! Now that he did that, I"ll slowly widen his horizons

on a different note... I mentioned that I was concerned abotu his shell. When we got him, I assumed this was scarring or something. AFter reading up... I suspect something is wrong. He's eating, swimming, and is active. He does NOT bask often. I've started bringing him outside for an hour or so each day. I took some pix. Please note: I just previewed and they're large. Yikes. Also, the hairs you see on him? That's just from walking around on the deck where our dogs often lie. I keep them inside when he's out now. Also, I rinse him off of hair before returning him home. Has anyone seen anything like this?

HEre's his overall shell:


Here's some "pitting" I think it's called


Here's some white stuff in the pits--it is dry, and comes out when I use a Qtip. Which I don't want to do too hard, I'm afraid of hurting him


Here's his underside, which also has a coupla pits:


And finally, here's an example of the edges of his shell. Are they supposed to be smooth and even? His is not so much...


Do I need to tell everyone, AGAIN, how much I appreciate any advice and input? What do you think of this?

I wouldn't worry about the edges of the shell as long as it's not rubbing against his skin when he tucks in. Just wear and tear of an older turt.

The pitting on the carapace (top shell) looks like remnants of shell rot that has healed. The pitting on the plastron (bottom shell) looks a bit fresher. You might want to get that checked out. You could just keep an eye on it and get it looked at if it worsens rather than rushing to a vet right now.

What were his conditions before you acquired him? Looks like someone didn't know how to properly care for him.

THank you. I will keep an eye out. Thanks too for the carapace/plastron info

I got him from a pet store. He really looked like that when I got him. There were quite a few turtles in a pond type thing. But you know, I don't remember a light source...and now that I think about it? I brought my mom in a few days later to look at accessories with me (she's a science teacher, and digs this stuff). I said "Hey, look at the pond with the sliders. Cool huh?" and she looked and then looked at me horrified. I walked over and all teh fish were floating on top. Another time, the fish were dead. So I'm guessing he could have used better treatment.

He's very sweet, but when I clean him, he tends to give little bites, or sit looking defensive with his mouth all open. Sad!! I hate to hurt him. Thanks!!

I agree with Jenaero. The spot on the plastron looks like it still may be active shell rot. Keep an eye on it, like Jen said.

It is normal for a turtle to bit or look defensive as you say when he is being handled. It doesn't necessarily mean that you're hurting him. He just doesn't want to be handled.