Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I got my little baby turtle around 3 months ago. At first, the shell was soft, and I am guessing that it is because it was just a hatchling. The shell grew harder over time as he ate a bit more and more. However, his shell is becoming soft again. I have been changing his environment a bit, because it seems that my little baby turtle has been choking constantly on the food he eats, and has constipation. I thought that this might be due to an excessive amount of basking because the food might have dried up a bit. Therefore, I reduced the basking abount to half and stopped feeding it baby shrimps as well. After, the shell started to turn soft (especially the part that touches the water), so I increased his basking time again, but it doesn't help. I noticed though, that everytime he finish basking, his shell becomes hard again, and once I put him in the water, the shell turns soft all over again. What should I do??

Another turtle of mine, her shell is peeling, parts of it at least. I don't what to do.

-Desperately in need of help and advice.

I'm not sure why you would change his set-up because he had trouble eating. Perhaps try feeding him some veggies like lettuce, and break it up for him so it's easier to eat. My turtle loves soft carrots once and awhile. I'm sure it's normal for his shell to be alittle soft because he is young. I would start to be worried if it gets any worse. Are you restricting his basking time ? Your turtle should have his freedom to bask when he needs to. I don't know much about turtle stress, but changing things often, including diet and habitat, can't be that good for him. How is your other turtle peeling ? Some shedding of the scutes happens when they grow.