Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a baby RES turtle. I have a 20 gallon tank with a UVA bulb.
I cleaned the tank on Saturday and he was fine. Now I picked him up
today (Monday) and noticed that his shell on the underside is kind of
soft. Is this soft shell? I went out and bought the UVB bulb and put
that with the UVA bulb. I have been feeding him gammarus(?) pellets and he would not eat them, but now he eats like 3 a day. Is there anything else I need to do? Is it to
late to take care?

What is the water temperature? If the temps aren't high enough, he/she may not be able to properly digest food. The water needs to be around 78 to 80. Also, try feeding him/her Mazuri turtle food or reptomin, it has alot of vitamins and calcium in it. Sometimes, despite the best care in the world, some babies just won't make it. I don't know the history of your baby, but more than likely it came from a turtle farm. Some farmers will actually force the hatchlings into hibernation which leads to health problems. I hope that the little guy pulls through! Best of luck. ~Christy~

I think those pellets are made for fish, try finding the ones made for turtles.

Anyway, it is normal for baby RES to have soft shells....not really soft but somewhat flexible. It should harden as he gets older. A UVB bulb and plenty of calcium will help his shell grow strong.
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A mans got to do what a mans got to do. A woman has to do what he can't.

Mom to:

1 little boy born 7/19/04
2 male RES, born 1999
1 ribbon snake, age unknown
3 FBT, ages unknown
1 female bearded dragon, born 5/2002
1 male lab mix, born 5/24/03
1 female calico cat, born 6/7/04
1 common musk turtle hatchling

i don't no much about RES more lizards,snakes but if i were you i would put a big tub with water with a few inches in it and a rock or log to bask on and put it outside with shade covering half of it so he don't get cooked and let him get real sun light maby do this on saturdays when you clean him let him sit out there for a good few hours because you can spend all the money you want on lights uvb or uva but it is nothing like the real sun light this migh help but you will need to check on him and make sure he is not to hot when out doors even in tubs of water will heat fast good luck
tjsreptiles