Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Timmy's shell seems to be very dry. A few months back it was peeling and I was told that was normal because he was just growing fast. But now he isn't peeling, his shell is just extra dry ( some would say it looks "ashy". I'm worried about this and wondering if there is any kind of shell conditioner to help it.

thanks!

i am not real sure about the 'dry shell' part. i would say to use some kind of shell cream on it or something. (not sure if htey sale this)

but i did want to comment on the pic you posted. how old is your turtle? maybe it was just the angle of the camera or something, but it looks like your turtle has major shell damage, which was probably caused from overfeeding. you are only supposed to feed your turtle the amount of food that would fit into his/her head every other day and greens offered everyday for turtles over a year or so old. and also i have 'heard' that your turtle is only supposed to grow about an inch per year. (not sure if this is true or not, but it seems to be the way mine are growing) but anyways, i am sure if you are asking questions on this forum you are obviously concerned about your turtles care. i dont mean to be 'putting you down' or anything. this was not my intent. i just wanted you to be aware of the condition of your turtle! (please, if i am wrong, correct me) i hope this helps
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~ Evie

Pets:
0.1.0 German Shepherd {Dusty}
0.1.0 German Shepherd/Collie mix {Shadoe}
0.0.2 RES turtles {Booger and Snot}
1.0.0 African Clawed Frog {Bingo}
0.0.1 Snail {Gary}

Are your hands up by his head? Why isn't he biting you? Mine would bite me in a second if I had my hand that close to his head!
Sorry I can't answer your question about the dry shell either. Maybe you could get one of those water conditioning turtles. They are white and they disolve in the water. Someone correct me if I am wrong, please.

There is nothing wrong with his shell, he is just shedding. He does have a serious shell deformity from overfeeding, but nothing that you put on his shell or in his water will change that.
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How is it deformed??? He looks normal to me besides the dryness of his shell...

I think the white on the shell is probably mineral deposits from hard water. If that is the case I don't think it is harmful. I see it on my turtles sometimes.

I do not see a shell deformity. Doesn't mean there isn't one, but I do not know what the others are seeing. Maybe the split in the back? Is that really serious? I don't see any pyramiding which is good (good to not have it).

Nancy

i have seen people say that the split in the back is a deformity, even though there is no apparent pyramiding. I believe the 'split' is caused by overfeeding as well. but i HAVE heard that the split is serious... i can't say myself that's why i was asking others for their opinions. hopefully this new topic will catch someone's attention that knows anything about it.
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~ Evie

Pets:
0.1.0 German Shepherd {Dusty}
0.1.0 German Shepherd/Collie mix {Shadoe}
0.0.2 RES turtles {Booger and Snot}
1.0.0 African Clawed Frog {Bingo}
0.0.1 Snail {Gary}

yea, u can buy some shell cream for them.
i personally use terrafauna's Vitashell
apply generously all over the shell, and then put it somewhere it can bask for a lil while, but watch it VERY carefully, u dunt want ur turtle to overheat. u only want the shell cream to be absorbed before it jumps into the water and washes the cream away.
keep in mind, the cream is for all over his shell, but try not to get it in his eyes. or nose for that matter.
really rub it in tho, and when i say apply generously i mean GENEROUSLY. apply all over the shell, carapace as well as the bottom.
itll really help, no matter how much ur turtle hates the process. ive done it for mine for a while and they got used to it, so theyre pretty calm

Do you use the shell cream to make the shell more attractive? Does it offer any health benefits? It seems rather unnecessary to cause your turtle stress if you are only doing it to make the shell prettier. Stress can have a negative impact on your turtles health. Just something to think about.

Nancy

the shell cream isnt for aesthetic purposes, its actually therapeutic. hell id love to not do it, becuz they used to really hate it. that equals clawing..lots of clawing..besides, its a big time-eater..and they still sometimes claw..

it establishes proteins and oils that are necessary for the turtle's shell to maintain its natural elasticity (for lack of a better word). basically, its like hair conditioner for humans, but with the ingredients to condition a turtle shell.

umm..to further clarify my previous reply, a balanced diet shuld take care of that shell. if its urgent i suggest shell cream, but u still need to check the diet, check for calcium. if there isnt enuff in his diet, crushed cuttle bone always helps.

I know several breeders, rehabbers, rescuers, and hobbyists, and not one of them uses any shell cream. There's just no need for a daily (or even weekly) shell cream for a healthy turtle.

Katrina