Reptile & Amphibian Forums

What are the most likely causes of near constant shedding in my otherwise very healthy 4inch male? Great filtration, basking and water temps around 78=/- 2 degrees or so?

Cool the water to 72-74 degrees and make the basking area
85 degrees. I would also look at how much you are feeding
and how often. Constant shedding is a sign of fast growth
due to pushing the turtles system with overfeeding and
warmer than normal temps. It is very important for these
guys to have a temperature gradiant. From what you stated
the water temp and basking temp are the same. There is no
thermoregulation with this type of setup. If you think
about it, in the wild they have many more microclimates than we
could ever give them in captivity.

My turtles were raised this way. Mine are 7 years old now
8-9" shell length and weigh in at 3-4 lbs.

Try changing the two things mentioned above and see if the
shedding slows down. One question: You said your turtle
was 4", how old is it?

Linda

Thanks Linda. I do not know speedy's age. I have him since February when he was somwhat smaller. The vet cured him of pnuemonia early on and since then he seems super good except for the shedding. I will enact your suggestions immediately. How long you figure before I might see a change. He has a voracious appetite. How much and how often do you subsrcibe to? Thanks again--Scott and Speedy in Fort Lauderdale

It should be fairly quickly. I know it is hard to not overfeed
these guys because they always act like they are hungry. I
call it tough love

I would feed him only once a day. Give meats one day and
then give greens and veggies. Alternate different foods
each day. Try to keep a varied diet with a good pelleted
food as the staple. My RES will eat just about any veggies
or fruit that I give them now. Yours may not be too fond
of this stuff yet due to his size.

Let me know if it helps
Linda

Hi Linda, Thanks so much. I have lowered the water temp. Speedy loves strawberries but not greens yet. I'll let you know! Have a great weekend---Scott