Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2005 1:05 pm
Turtles shed their scutes/plates as they grow, and this is normal (they shed skin, too, but not to the extent other reptiles do). With normal shedding, there's no worry.
The 3 "scratches" do look a bit unusual (with that greenish tint, there also looks like there's a bit of algae on the area as well--not a problem and it could be removed with a soft brush/cloth). The clear covering sounds like the top layer of the scute (which at some point will shed). If the turtle came this way, the shell could have been somehow injured during shipping or at the petshop. The shell is hard and healthy? I'd keep any eye on it and make sure the turtle has ample opportunity to bask under proper lighting. If you're really concerned or in doubt after a bit of time goes buy, have it looked at by a reptile vet.
"You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed." -Antoine de Saint Exupery-