wilbur
Level 1
Joined: 24 Mar 2008
Posts: 9
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 Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2008 5:29 pm Post subject: Little strands coming out from the top shell |
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| Sorry if this is not technical, but I'm not sure what they are called. There are little "tuffs" of fiber looking things coming out of wilbur's shell. Its coming out between the plates and so far he is a very happy, voracious eater who loves his crikets. Is this just a sign of shedding? Or something I should research heavily on? |
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STRAYKINGFISHER
Level 5
Joined: 11 Nov 2004
Posts: 3138
Location: Bryan, TEXAS
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| Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2008 8:50 pm Post subject: |
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There is a type of algae that grows on turtle's shells.
| Quote: | To remove algae from the turtle, brush it with a SOFT brush. A discarded
toothbrush works really well. Usually, not all algae will come off the
first time.
There are many different kinds of algae. Some grow in clean, healthy water,
and some grow in muck. As a general guideline: Algae that look dark green and
that grow in carpets or patches are fine. Long, stringy, slimy algae are not.
If you get the latter kind, change the water more often or get a bigger filter.
If the shell of your turtle feels slippery, but no algae are growing on it,
it is probably a film of bacteria. This is not good for the turtle. As a
first measure, you want to brush the turtle's shell off with a soft brush; for
example an old toothbrush. Keep doing this weekly, until the problem goes
away. If you don't, these bacteria will get into any imperfections and weaknesses
in the shell, and they will cause shell infections.
This kind of film usually occurs, if there are too many bacteria in the water,
and/or the turtle does not get to bask enough.
Change the water more often, get a bigger filter, make sure the turtle has a
warm basking spot to dry out (drying out will kill the bacteria).
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From: http://www.turtlecare.net/film.htm
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