Urgent Care :: Soft shell

[TurtleHelp]

The VERY TIP of my turtle's shell is soft, everywhere else is fine, is that normal?
the very tip, where the tail is, is a BIT soft, not like cheese, just moves down easily, is that normal?
I'm kinda new to the turtle thing

[Chrisbarnett]

No this is not normal and a sign of Calcium and/or Vitamin D deficiency or possibly shell rot.

Are you giving your turtle Cuddlebone? This is a great source of calcium. Also are you giving your turtle Reptomin pellets or some similar turtle pellets? These also have calcium in them that is needed.

Also, Does your turtle have a spot to get out of the water and dry off completely with a UVB bulb as well as a heat bulb to bask under? If they cannot bask and dry off their shell it leads to shell rot.

Hope it helps.

[steve]

Can you answer the questions in this link: http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2142

[marisa]

Is your turtle a hatchling?

When you say it "moves down easily," do you mean the marginal scutes above the tail have some give to them? How much give? It's not that unusual for hatchlings marginal scutes above the tail to be a little pliable, but I can't tell from what you wrote to what degree your turtle's are.

What is your turtle's diet like? What is your turtle's set-up like?

[yomama]

ha sorry but you seem to have a lot of problems with your turtle =P

if nothing turns out well, you should go to the vet.


anyways, the answer to your question from my point of view...
since u said your UVB light broke, you should replace it so your turtle can bask. you should give it more stuff to eat, like lettuce or reptomin.

[Chrisbarnett]

Turtle help,

In order for us to better help you, you must give more info. Ie: filling out Steves Questionairre and telling us what your set-up is like.