Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My turtle has this white/clearish film coming off of his legs and around his neck. Most of it is like following behind him, as he swims, as a sheet. But, some of the stuff is hooked on his skin. Someone told me he is just shedding, but he is really tiny(only about an inch), I didn't think that you would be able to see it that well. It scares me because it resembles ick, and I have had fish die of that. Please help. Thanks!

The person you asked was right it is just shed skin. my 2 baby western painted turtles are shedding right now.

Yes all turtles shed and painteds in particular seem to always Have skin hanging from them. Its perfectly natural.

Turtles should shed their skin so little that you should not
notice it. You need to closely look at your set-up. The
water temps should be around 72-74 and the basking spot needs
to be about 85 degrees. I assume the turtle has a dry area
with the 85 degrees. What are you feeding it? Too much
vitamin A will cause this. Reptomin is a good staple diet
and add other things along with this.

Please explain your set-up including temps and such and
exactly what your turt is eating. You may find if you
don't make some changes your turtles skin will start getting
infected.

I have had my Painted Turtles now for almost 6 years and
the only time I noticed skin shedding is several years ago
when I was giving them a shrimp treat that was high in Vitamin
A. When I stopped the condition cleared up and I have never
noticed skin shedding again.

Linda

i have seen painteds shed all the time. In a variety of wild and captive situations. But a review of the husbandry may indeed be in order. It could be a problem. But i really doubt it. Always better to be safe though.