Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I cleaned my turtle tank on Saturday. Now on Monday when I picked him up I noticed that the underside of his shell is kind of soft. I have a 20 gallon tank with a UVA light. As soon as I noticed the soft shell I went right out and got UVB light. Is it to late? Is there anything else I should do?
Thanks

Make sure the UVB light is close enough to the turtle to be effective. It would be even better if you can take him outside for some real sunlight. What are you feeding him?

I feed him 2 wax worms and gammerus pellets. He would not
eat the pellets, but since Sunday he has been eating 1 or 2 a day.
He is acting normal, swimming, basking, and eating.

The light is close. It has been cold here, so I havent been able to take him outside. As soon as it warms up I will. I did notice yesturday that he is shedding his skin. Could this be why the shell was soft?

Even with shedding the shell should not be soft. The addition of the UVB light should help. Even if you can get him outside for 10-20 minutes a couple of times a week that would give him a big boost.

Wax worms should be considered a treat as they have little nutritional value. Try some small crickets, mealworms, feeder guppies. Most people give their turtles Reptomin as far as commercial food goes. What's the water temperature?

The water temp is about 78 degrees. I had him outside yesterday in a pool with a place to bask and be in shade. He did not bask at all, he only swam around in the pool. I will try different food.

back by the tail and their bellies. It will harden up
as the turtle gets a little older.

I would make the staple diet Reptomin turtle sticks and then
supplement for variety. Also, use a UVB source such as
Reptisun 5.0.

Your baby is most likely just fine. Just check the areas
each week to make sure it is not getting softer or moving
to its shell.

Linda

I have checked his shell everyday. The shell is a little soft. And today, the underneath is kind of indented in the middle. I have been taking him outside, but he wont bask. He swims around or hides in the shade.

How big is the baby in inches?

He is 2 inches long from one end of his shell to the other.Even though he will not bask outside, is he still getting the UVB from the sunlight while being in the water?