How do you treat a soft shelled red eared slider?
How do you treat a soft shelled red eared slider?
If your turtle has developed a soft shell it is probably caused by one of two things. It could be Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) which is caused by a lack of calcium in the diet. If the condition is not too advanced it can be corrected by increasing the Calcium and Vitamin D in the turtles diet.
What do you do if your turtle has a soft shell?
Keep in mind that a soft shell could be a sign of metabolic bone disease and shell rot. If it is not treated quick enough, it could become fatal. Some of the main causes of soft shell in turtles include calcium deficiency, unbalanced diet, poor lighting, and inadequate basking platforms. What is this?
What does a healthy red eared slider shell look like?
The shell of a RES should be hard and relatively smooth. The carapace (top) should be dark green and the plastron (bottom) should be bright yellow. It should not be pitted, soft (unless a juvenile), cracked or bleeding. It is normal to have a small amount of algae on the shell.
How do I give my turtle calcium?
Like most reptiles, turtles require more dietary calcium than phosphorus. Most veterinarians recommend lightly sprinkling the vegetable matter offered to the box turtle with a calcium powder (calcium gluconate, lactate, or carbonate) 2-3 times per week.
Why is my turtle shell squishy?
Most likely, your turtle’s shell is soft because it has metabolic bone disease. Metabolic bone disease is often caused by poor diet or poor lighting, both of which prevent the turtle from properly absorbing calcium within the blood. Without calcium, turtles develop metabolic bone disease, leading to a soft shell.
How can you tell if a red-eared slider is unhealthy?
Swollen eyes or eyes that are continually held shut are signs of illness in red-eared sliders and other turtles. Look for signs of respiratory disease including discharge or mucous from the eyes or nose, open-mouthed breathing, or a clicking, wheezing, or bubbly sounds when the turtle breathes.
How do you tell if a turtle has a calcium deficiency?
Turtle Calcium Deficiency
- Swimming or walking awkwardly.
- Lack of appetite.
- Turtle shell pyramiding (where the scutes start to develop strangely, resembling a pyramid)
- A soft or rubbery shell.
- Swollen areas or lumps on the head.