I'm a relatively new owner of a RES but did as much research as possible before deciding to ask you experts for advice. To make my story short, my baby RES has been shedding scutes for awhile now but today I came home from a few days trip and noticed something might not be right. Some of the shell had white spots about the carapace. Some scutes look very spaced apart from last shedding, mabye from growing too fast. Also it looked like he rubbed a scute off before it was ready and part of the bone is showing. But behavior has not shown any negative signs (he eats when I feed, swims normal, basks often). Based on the symptoms I believe I am dealing with:
- Mineral Deposits on the shell
- Exposed bone on shell
- Excessive growth from overfeeding
Despite my best efforts I cannot find a suitable or professionally documented photo of each scenario on a website. Many sites/forums have incorrect illness photos based on the feedback. If I could see what each problem looks like I might be able to figure out what to do. However, I believe my best option is to:
- Limit protein intake
- Use water conditioner
- Treat the exposed bone with something like neosporin to prevent infection while dry docked
- See a vet if shell condition doesn't improve
I am not an export so a second opinion "or harsh criticism" is preferred to help me learn and keep my pet healthy. Thank you for listening.
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How big is your turtle? 2 inches "Still a baby"
How long have you had it? A year and half
What is the water temperature? About 77 degrees (Its snowing outside my house but I try to keep it room temperature)
Did you use a thermometer? Yes
Are you using a water heater? Yep
How much water is in there? About 1/2 full (20 Gallon Tank)
Are you using a water conditioner? No
Are you using any filtration? Yes
What is the basking temperature? Thermometer registered about 84 degrees
Is there a basking light? Yes
Is there a basking platform that is easy to climb on? Yep
What kind is it or what is it made out of? 100w heat lamp bulb
Is there a UVB light? Yep
What have you been trying to feed it? Feeding is every other day. One to two tiny crickets a few times a week, lettuce, turtle pellets, cuttle bone supplement all on rotation.
When was the last time your turtle ate? Yesterday, ate two crickets in like thirty seconds (Appetite has not changed, he will eat even if not hungry)
How big is the tank? 20 Gal
Is the tank near a window? Yes, but not right up against it. About three or four away on my dresser.
Is the tank in a room with a lot of activity? Not really, When I enter the room he thinks its feeding time so he is not scared or stressed at all
Have you read the Basic Care section? Yes
Have you searched the forums for similar situations? Yes but I cannot find accurate photos of the illnesses like mineral deposits because the basic care section doesn't supply them. Many forums I searched said they "Think" the problem is this but the exports say no its another thing.
