All Turtles Message Board

Linzlou83 · Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2008 12:38 pm Post subject: Shell Shedding

Hello, has anyone encountered any shell shedding problems with their aquatic turtles? My painted turtle hasn't shed his scutes in what seems like months, however they'll get dry looking and flake off along the edges. I don't pick at them, because I've heard it's best to let them come off naturally, but his shell doesn't look as smooth and flawless as it used to be.

Some of his scutes are half flaked off, some are opaque like they're ready, but have stayed that way for weeks. He's perfectly healthy and active in every other regard.

Is there anything I can do to promote heathy shedding? He gets a diet of pellets, crickets, and fresh veggies and also has a basking lamp (UVA/UVB) and maintains a water temp of 78. No sure what I'm doing wrong!

Has anyone had experience with this type of thing? Thanks!
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