Reptile & Amphibian Forums

.... and had a very good vet visit. It's just a wellness exam, but it answered a few questions I had. My turtle, Mike, is probably only 9 months old. The vet said he looked very good but that he has a small area on his top shell near the tail that was "giving" when he pressed on. So he gave me a calcium suppliment that I have to give him; I just have to figure out how to get him to open up his mouth when I want him to. He's too young to determine sex.

All in all, it was very good. The vet didn't realize Mike was so small so he had to use magnifying glass to get a look at him. The lights I have are good, but I should put them on a timer.

I have a followup appt. in 2 weeks w/fecal and to see how his shell is progressing.

That's great news! I did want to say that it is very normal
for a young turtles shell to be flexible back by its tail. It
should harden up shortly after its 1st birthday. If you are
feeding a good diet and have the proper heating and UVB bulbs
I would not worry about it. It will be very stressful to pry
the mouth open on this very young turtle. I do not want to
say your vet is wrong! I do think it's great that this was
noticed by your vet. My RES shell where the same way and I
sorta panicked. Never had a problem though!

Hope this helps
Linda
2 RES
2 Painted Turtles
1 Redfoot Tortoise
2 Iguanas

If you can get a good picture of the tail I could probably tell
you the sex. Otherwise, tell me where the cloaca is located
on the tail, even with the shell or far out toward the end of
the tail.

Linda

Neither.... his cloaca is kinda located halfway between the shell and the tip of his tail.

>>If you can get a good picture of the tail I could probably tell
>>you the sex. Otherwise, tell me where the cloaca is located
>>on the tail, even with the shell or far out toward the end of
>>the tail.
>>
>>Linda

If it is even with the edge of the shell it would be a female.
From what you describe it sounds like a male. It is still
young but I was accurate on mine at 1 year of age.

Linda