redearslider.com

HI everyone
I am Stephanie and I came to this site to get information on my rescued RES who doesn't have a name. He was a Pastor's son's turtle and he had a kid and he couldn't take care of the turtle anymore. He kept the turtle in water for 13 years. So I said I would take him as his shell was in bad shape and he had fungus on his feet. And has never saw the real sun or any artificial light. He/She had at least 10 layers of rotten shell stuck on its back and some holes in teh back of the shell at the base above the tail. They almost look like drill marks.

It has been a few months, and since I am good at rehabilitating animals he/she is doing really well. And has a basking spot and the whole deal. Much happier turtle now I think. Here are a few pictures. He/She is doing a lot better the shell is a lot healthier and he/she has a lot of energy when allowed to run around the yard or in his/her pool.

This one is from August 10, 2006


And this one is from today after his/her bath and tank cleaning. Eats a more wide variety of foods now like greens, veggies and the occasional fruit. But can't resist those turtle sticks LOL.



and one more so you can see his/her beautiful face I think I read its a her because of the short fat tail. I could be wrong.



Sorry such a long post and so many pictures

She's a beautiful girl. How did you get her to shed the layers of old shell?

Hey there thanks for the welcome

They layers were starting to peel off on there own, so after I put her in the pool outside with basking spot in the sun, the layers started to lift, so I know your not really supposed to peel them off, but I did anyway. There was just so much of it there, I don't think it would have came off on its own healthy.
I could do a water change and in 10 minutes of swimming around the water would be filthy with dead scales and grimy stuff, it was just discusting.
I guess I'd be rotting too if I stayed in water for 13 years.

Does look better now though right?

Well, she's a very lucky girl to have found you!

Welcome! Wonderful job rehabbing her! Short nails are also an indication of female. Love the pics!

Wow, considering the neglect she's been through, she looks wonderful I'm surprised her shell isn't even more deformed than that.. guess he wasn't overfeeding her.

Great Job!!!!

she looks cute.

welcome!

she looks good

that was very cool of you to take her in like that

Nice rescue! Welcome to the forum. I agree with the mentions above. I think she's a she. Unless he was trimming the nails. Seeing as how he neglected other more important things I doubt he took the time to do that either, which is a good thing, lol.

She's beautiful!

I rescued a 3 yr old RES a few months ago and she was in bad shape as well. I also had to help her shed some scutes. I also found that a soft toothbrush works well to get the layers of grim off.

Good luck with her, does she have a name?