General Care Discussion :: skin question

[Sherakosmom]

My turtles legs seem to have a flakey halo (Sorry lack of a better word) around his back legs. Are they shedding or could this be a sickness?

[missibsu]

Probably shedding, but if you can post a pic someone can tell you for sure.

[Sherakosmom]

This is the best pic I could get he was moving too much.

[jenaero]

That's just shedding. No worries. What is your water temp? Water that is too warm can cause excessive shedding/fast growth.

[Sherakosmom]

the temp is 78 right now. Thanks for the quick response. He seems healthy, happy. I just wanted to be sure before we get another.

[jenaero]

you are aware of the quarantine period for new turts?

[Sherakosmom]

No can you tell me?

[sonyj]

Anytime you get a new turtle it needs to be quarantined for at least 90 days in it's own set up prior to adding it to your existing turtle. This is a necessary precaution to insure you do not spread illness from the new turtle to your health existing turtle. This means you will need all new tank/ filter/ heater/ basking & UVB light/ basking area etc.

Also, in case you are unaware, having more than one turtle may mean that you will need two complete set ups in the future. Turtles that get along together now, even being raised together from hatchlings, may not get along in the future. If aggression occurs between them to the point of injury, you will have to keep them each in their own complete habitat.

And when getting a new turtle be sure to get one that is the same size as your existing one. You never want to mix larger turtles with smaller/younger ones. It can lead to aggression/injury or even death of the little one in severe cases.

[Sherakosmom]

Thanks so much. I have another set up Ill use but Im not sure if I can find a turt the same size.