General Care Discussion :: Can You Make Scutes Shed

[Mom2RES]

So if you've looked at the "What's Up With Angelina's Shell" thread, it is obvious that she is retaining scutes. What can I do about that? I never really know for sure if she is basking and for how long, because she won't do it when we are around. Should I dry dock her and force her to bask daily? I did that the other day when I was adding new water to her tank (water was cold, so I didn't want to leave her in there). She was not happy about it. I think doing that daily would stress her out.

I just put a new UVB bulb in her fixture Saturday, so maybe that will help? As for the UVB bulb, the last one I had was a repti-glo 5.0. That is what I bought this time, but they are different. My first one was a 26W. The new one is a compact 13W (didn't realize they made two different ones). Other than the wattage they put out and the size is there a difference? Do they put out the same UVB? Also, should I go with a 10.0 instead of a 5.0?

[Diamondbacks4Life]

A new uvb is a good start, try feeding blueberrys every once and awhile. Its susposed to help them shed. As for wattage and size it will put out same uvb. 10.0 is for desert reptiles and the uvb could be too intense coming from it.

Besides a correct diet and lighting not much you can do. Come summer let your turtle outside. Natural sunlight does wonders for a shell. I myself notice much better shell health and appearence once i put my turtles outside for the summer. They shed better too.

[steve]

To help shedding, I've been hearing a lot of talk about using wheat germ-based koi/fish pellets and/or a pellet rich in vitamin E. You might want to try this once a week.

[happycamper]

I added wheat germ based pellets in my last batch of shots, it seems like it helped!

[steve]

Hmm, I'm definitely going to have to try it now. Was it the Hikari brand?

[happycamper]

Yep, it was Hikari.