Reptile & Amphibian Forums

How hard is a RES shell supposed to be. I just picked my RES up today and gently squeezed. The shell isn't very soft but it isn't very hard either. Around the edges (especially the tail) is pretty soft but the rest of it is sort of hard. Is that normal?

That sounds pretty normal. Remember, little guys like yours will have a bit more flexible shell than a big grown adult. This is especially true around the edge and in the back above the tail. So, what you described is normal for a hatchling like yours. Should you notice some real softness, not just a touch of flex, but truly soft, then you would have issues and need to get to a vet.

Your turt is fine! Enjoy your lil stinker!

Get a piece of chalk and just drop it into the tank and it will dissolve into the water. It's a great way to provide calcium and prevent shell problems.

I prefer to use Cuttlebone instead as a calicum suppliment....it's actually intended to be ingested by animals (used for birds, and also herps) so I would logically think that is much more safe than a piece of chalk. Especially if it's a piece of chalk, out of the box...how do you know what's in it? Chalkboard chalk is made "mostly" of calcium carbonate, but other types of chalks with a more arts/crafts purpose are made out of plaster of paris. Plus, there could be other ingredients in it that are simply not meant for consumption, because the chalk is not intended to be ingested. Is it non-toxic, yes because it's for people to use. But not producted to people/animals to eat!

Go with cuttlebone...it's cheap, safe, and effective. Just remember to chip off the hard backing before dropping a chunk in the tank. And if your turtles don't like it you still have reptile calcium suppliments like Repti-Cal that you can dust on to their food also, just make sure you read directions and are careful about quantity/frequency.

I have cuttlebone in my tank. I took off the backing and broke it into sections of 4 and threw it all in the tank. He nips at them everyonce in a while.

I have always used just 1 piece of chalkboard chalk and I have never had any problems with my RES due to the chalk.