General Care Discussion :: History of Curing a Turtle's Shell

[steve]

What were you told? This thread is mainly about shell fungus, which is very different. I'd agree there are some retained scutes, notable the marginal ones but that doesn't seem like the primary issue. How about just dry docking overnight to see if that helps?

[dagenturt]

My apologies; I wasn't sure if it was just a scute shedding issue, or something more. I was told to dry dock him for about 4 hours once daily until I saw improvment. I asked for clarification on that, but no one replied. Hence, the reason I'm here... I'm unsure what to do. I'm unsure what exactly it is, and what treatment is needed, if any. I've noticed that the scutes look like they might be popping up more on the sides, which I'm assuming is a good sign.

[Kansasslider]

This is what my turtle looked like when she wasn't shedding and had retained scutes. I switched feeding 50% of her diet to hikari wheat germ. She looks great now. I need to get a picture of her now. I also started taking her outside for sun so I can't say it was wheat germ only that fixed her. Does your turtle bask? Mine doesn't.

[dagenturt]

No, he doesn't bask. When it was warmer I took him outside and let him bask in a kiddie pool, and he enjoyed that... but he doesn't bask in his enclosure. But mine looks exactly like yours pictured above.... and of course, out of all the fish food I have, none have wheat germ in them lol.

[Kansasslider]

I thought yours looked a lot like mine. Just wanted to show you your not alone and it can be fixed. I'm off work today so I will get a picture of her.

[Kansasslider]

She looks much better now. Yes I know she is fat.Lol

[dagenturt]

Oh thank you soooo much! I've ordered some hikari wheat germ pellets, and now we wait lol. I really appreciate your information Kansas!!

[Kansasslider]

It was actually Steve that first told my what was wrong with my turtle so I can't take credit for that. I think I finally figured out why my turtles were not basking. Not enough heat or light. Why didn't I think of that before? Anyway now I have a 100 watt on their rock and a 75 watt shining on the ramp and just seen three of them on the rock at the same time. I just had a 75 watt on the rock until today. Hey, it only took me two years to figure this out. How awesome even big Mama slidet is up there!!! We never stop learning around here.

[steve]

@dagenturt - Can you post a picture of the basking area? If you want to dry dock, do it at night and your turtle can sleep.

@Kansasslider - Also feels good to see them bask. You can probably dial back the lights now they know it's warm up there

[dagenturt]

Don't mind the low water level on the third picture, I've since topped the tank off. It evaporates so quickly in the winter!!

[steve]

I think the next step will to get him to use the topper. Cover the sides, give his room more privacy and lure him up there with food.

[dagenturt]

He's using the topper now! And, soon our wheat germ food will be here. Thank you Steve and Kansas for all of your help

[Kansasslider]

No problem:-)

[sirenlove]

O man this looks similar to my Atticus posted about it in the forum. It may not be the same but I'm scared.

[dragonsmew]

Oh my gosh what an improvement! I'm having the same problem with my Buddy, but how do I solve it? I'm not sure how exactly to get the perfect diet for him, perfect water condition ect. My Ph is always low even though I use a powder to raise it - how do I fix this especially? I have hard water where I live so idk how to change this. I really just want to get my baby's shell looking good and healthy again. Please help!!