Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi all,
I just adopted 2 sliders that according to the woman I got them from were about 1 & 1/2 inches six months ago. (She sent me a pic and they were tiny!)
They are now 5 to 6 inches long. They also have weird, bumpy shells. From what I've read this means they were over-fed and grew too fast. Is this true? If so, is there anything I need to do besides feeding them less? Are they permanently disfigured? Should I avoid protien?
Lots of questions! Thanks,
T

That is way too fast! The bumpy shell is called pyramiding and yes it is caused by too much protien and overfeeding. It cannot be reversed. Start feeding those guys every other day, only as much as would fit inside their heads. They will act like they are starving but they just don't need that much food. Offer them leafy greens in between. Toss some romaine lettuce or dandelion leaves in the tank and they will learn to like them. You can offer greens as often as you want.

They are lucky you have them now...Nancy

Thanks, Nancy. Luckily, I have them in a small, outside pond with my own baby res, Peanut. Now, hopefully, they will swim some of the fat off, at least.
Thanks again for responding.
T

The bumpy shells or pyramiding is common with turtles that haven't received enough UVB rays and/or Calcium. If they were kept inside that's probably the problem along with the diet. If they are outside now any UVB deficiency will be corrected. Feedings about 3 times a week are plenty. Since they are young, some of the pyramiding may become less noticable later but they may always have some even if the diet and all else remains good. They shouldn't continue to get bumpier with proper care.

Yes are way too big. They will be disfigured permanently but some of the bumpiness may grow out in time.

Just reduce feedings and feed them about 3 times a week.