Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am the caretaker of two hatchling snappers. They are about three months old. However I noticed their shells appear to be either shedding or they might have shell rot? It looks like dry flaky, skin. Is this shell rot, and if so what can be done to remedy the situation.

Thank you kindly,

Stanley

If your snappers are three months old and when in the water it looks like there shells have loose skin all over, its probably just the shell growing. I am no expert on snappers but I have two which I rescued. I have gone through the stage you describe and was originally a little worried too. Once it warm enough I hope to release them back into the wild.

To see these two now Click Here.

Rick
theTegu.com
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theTegu.com(munity)

i have heard that this is normal and happens to all snappers but i have some snappers that are about ten years old aand it has never happened to the but you should brin the m to where you bought them or just bring them with oyu to a pet store and let them have a look or even a vet or you can get a calcium block and put that in there it is in the shape of a turtle

Snappers shed their shell scutes regularly at a young age. Sometimes they will appear to be fuzzy as the shell sloughs off. I have seen picture of shell rot, and you should be able to tell the difference.

A picture would really help. No one here can diagnose anything online, but they can tell you if it looks normal. If your very worried, take him to your herp vet (any other clinical signs, like lethargy, reduced appetite ect.). Don't kid yourself by taking it to a pet store. The level of experience varies so much from store to store and generally is lacking overall it is quite likely that you will be mislead.

I have worked with snapping turtles various times and i've never had your situation but I have an idea. Try soaking it in sulfabath for about an hour, then let it dry, then apply ridrot to the areas of rot and dryness. Then place it back in the tank. If the shellrot is still present after a while try again and if that doesn't work you better see a vet.