Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a RES and his shell isnt smooth like any other RES ive seen its like a snapping turtles shell if anyone could help me out and tell me why that would b awsome

np
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Jenea

1:3 Eastern Hognose
0:0:1 Florida Redbelly
0:1 Gulf Coast Box Turtle
1:0 Red-eared Slider
2:0 Cats
1:1 Kids
1:0 Spouse

What is UVB?

Sunlight is made of UVA and UVB. UVB is necessary for proper calcium processing. Without it they will have irregular shell growth, as well as other health issues. Pet stores which sell reptiles will also sell these type lights. I have also heard that a high protein diet can also cause irregular shell growth, but I do not know how true that is.
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Jenea

1:3 Eastern Hognose
0:0:1 Florida Redbelly
0:1 Gulf Coast Box Turtle
1:0 Red-eared Slider
2:0 Cats
1:1 Kids
1:0 Spouse

Here is some advice. Go to your cheapest hardware store and find a cheap, plug in lamp fixture that takes one of those tube shaped bulbs. Make a note of the size of the bulb, probably 18 inches long and go to the petstore. There, you are looking for a display of reptile lights of the same shape as your fixture. Find one that says it is UVB (and possably UVA) designed. Then you are good to go. At least, thats what I did.
PS, do you have a heat lamp for them to bask in? I am not meaning to be nosy, but turtles, as I have found, need 2 special lights: UVB and basking.
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-Ferg

"The only day wasted is the day in which nothing is learned."
-My neighbor and friend.

That's exactly what I did also. The fixture I used came from Home Depot for about $10. The light itself was a heck of a lot more at Petco. One other thing, when you get the fixture, remove the plastic strip that covers the bulb as it will cut the UVB.

Both statements are true. Most of the time it is due to overfeeding and too much protein. The UVB issue can contribute to the problem as well.