General Care Discussion :: New Turtle, need help to ID and toenail issue

[mel236]

I just adopted this turtle from someone who could not keep it anymore. It looks different than my other RES' and has a definite toenail problem! The woman I got him from kept him in a 60 gal tank with another turtle. I have that one too.
I am posting pics of shell for ID and toenails - any suggestions are appreciated. Vet cannot get him in for over a week so I wanted to get some info from here if I can.





Thanks
Melanie

[CountryGirl68]

I don't know if this is what's wrong with your turtle's nail but I had an issue with the same nail on the same leg on my turtle when I got him, though it wasn't crooked like your turtle - mine's "finger" was slightly above the others. My vet said it appeared that another turtle had bit him and possibly broke the finger (there was also a scar on the same arm).

[BullDog]

I'm not sure about the toenail, but as for the shell, as long as it's not soft, and doesn't smell, I think it might be melanistic, like the one in this thread:
http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4644&highlight=melanistic

[cam722]

Are you talking about a curve in the nails or the length of them?

[mel236]

His nails are VERY long and perhaps that is normal but they cross and get tangled. He does not seem to care, but I wonder what, if anything needs to be done about them. I have several other RES and none have this coloring. The melanistic you refer to - is it harmful in any way? Would extra sun help or does it not matter?
I just want him? to be healthy and happy.
Thanks for your replies!
Melanie

[marisa]

Turtles darken as they age, and some become melanistic (they loose all color to the point that the red stripe on the side can be difficult to distinguish). This is normal and not a cause for concern. Do you have any idea of approximately how old he is?

If the nails don't impede his mobility, I'd just leave them alone. My RES sometimes walks with his long nails tucked under the pads of his feet.

[mel236]

I believe he is about 5 years old. The woman I got him from had him from the time he was very small. I have several other RES and none have crazy toes like this. The coloring is not such a big deal so long as it does not indicate a problem with his health. Again, won't be able to see vet for another week.
Thanks for all your input.
Melanie

[flutterby]

What was his setup like before you took him? Did they have basking with UVB and UVA?

[mel236]

There were 2 turtles in a 60 Gal tank - the woman said their light had not been working for about a month, so no basking for about a month.
The other is very social compared to this one. She (?) will eat from my hand and is not as scared. The woman had them together from when they were very small. approx 5 years old.
Are the toenails being so long normal?

[flutterby]

Normally males have "longer" toe nails.

The only reason I asked about the lights and the basking is because I'm wondering if thats the reason for the color of the shell.

[mel236]

Yes, that occurred to me. Odd that it did not seem to effect the other one. He may just be very sensitive!