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Hey all! I just got a new painted hatchling and I noticed a white spot on his belly. I didn't even see it until I noticed it in this pic but when I went to him to look it was there.

He's very very small ... is this just healing from his yolk sack?

possibly, but it might be his shell growing as well.

From my opinion, yes, it looks like the cavity where the yolk sac is, it looks like it, and is in the right place, not to mention your painted is a hatchling, it all fits.

Well now you have a very close estimation of how old that painted is, no more than 1-2 weeks old,

He is VERY beautiful.

How cute your new baby is, lots of luck
Evelyn

Looks like it to me as well. Very cute turt

Oh good I've also noticed that his shell is a little wonky, like his scutes look sort of mis-aligned. I assume that's also because he is so young and their shells take a little while to form properly after coming out of the egg?

I'm not sure if I'm right but I remember reading somewhere that their shells change after they hatch?

What's his name?

Cupid He was an early valentine's day present from my hubby!

when do RES get yolk sacks?? and what does it mean when the get one?

RES (as well as many other species of aquatic turtle) are born with yolk sacs as newborn hatchlings.

During the first few days (maybe a week), the sac is attached onto the turtle and it gives the newborn nutrients, since the turtle may be too young to hunt or look for food by itself at the time.

After this initial period, the yolk sac will fall off on its own and the turtle will most likely be capable of looking for food on its own.

Looks like the area where the yolk sac was is healing up.