All Turtles Message Board

kiwigal · Posted: Sat Jan 07, 2006 5:19 pm Post subject: Shell too soft??!

My RES is just a baby still, roughly about 3 months old, just wondering if you can tell me how firm Schnappi's shell should be. I dont use a uv light because its very difficult to source one down here, however my baby spends roughly 2 hours a day outside in the sun. (is that enough??)
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cant find something nice to say.......

deesygirl · Moderator Joined: 12 Sep 2002 Posts: 1232

2-3 hours of unfiltered sun is good and is actually better than a UV bulb as far as the over all health of your little one.

CeCe · Level 2 Joined: 04 Jan 2005 Posts: 56

Hi

I buy calcium blocks to put in the water (that fred swims in) as this allows for a direct source of calcium

you should be able to pick it up at either your pet / reptile store and they are really cheap. they disolve into the water as needed and once done just add another one they last aprox 1 month each

I have always been told if that has not been in the water then it can risk the shell on that level

Ce

dixieee · Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2006 10:00 am Post subject:

yep i agree calcium blocks will help hardening the shell. and yes 2 hours of direct sun rules Smile

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Wed 10/27/2004 is the worst day..i lost my best friend Leo

so now i have a female RES, Green, and a cute stupid male YBS, Mint

5/4/2006 RIP Lemon, u were my first rescue and i'm so proud of u. will never 4get u

kiwigal · Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2006 4:40 pm Post subject:

Thanks guys I do use calcium blocks, but just wanted to check about the softness of the shell, I mean its not really soft SOFT, but its not hard either, was just wondering if that was normal??!! Confused

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cant find something nice to say.......

deesygirl · Moderator Joined: 12 Sep 2002 Posts: 1232

Actually for a hatchling it is normal.

Babies are born with very soft shells and it takes a little while 6-9 months to really harden all the way. So you are doing fine.