Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Howdy,

I just recently bought a softshell online and Ive had him about thhree weeks. At first he seemed fine and normal with a great personality. We have noticed that over the past couple of weeks his shell has seemed to change. On the sides it feels normal but by the head and tail it seems to be getting softer and softer. His shell is best described as wrinkly on the edges. Over the last couple of days we noticed that we could see his spine thru his shell and now we can also see his ribs thru his carapace. Is this a calcium deffeciency or something more serious. So far I have fed him only Reptomin baby turtle food. I just bought a turtle bone and put it in the tank as well as buying a calcium supplement powder to coat his pellets. He doesn't seem big enough yet to chomp the turtle bone ( he's about 1" - 1 1/2" in diameter) Any help would be great...

Thanks,

Chase

Sometimes softshells that small will need more authentic food to get started. Try thawed bloodworms (look like little red mosquito larvae and can be bought frozen at many pet shops that sell fish) or small earthworms/red wigglers. Calcium powder doesn't work in the water. Those pellets will provide enough calcium, anyway.

Make sure the little thing has sand to bury in. Make sure of that. MAKE SURE OF THAT. Keep the water warm. 78 to 82F will work its metabolism much better than normal room temps.