Urgent Care :: My new RES have somthing wierd going on with their shell

[Gokuh]

At the beginning of January I purchased 2 small RES. Now they have somthing wrong with them. I dont have a Herp vet nearby to take them too.

Does anyone have any idea what is wrong with these turtles. They both have the same problem. The picture is here: http://www.angelfire.com/planet/daeb/turtles/

My current set up is a small 10 gallon tank, basking light, 5% UVB full spectrum flourecent light, 20 gallon rated filter with a dock designed using river rocks (They were boiled for 1 hour before i used them).

I realize this forum is not a substitute for vet care. I just want to know what i am dealing with. The orangish areas are hard, not soft. They also protrude from the shell.

I feed them crickets, some carrot, meal worms (rare), and turtle pellets.

[daredevilgirl013]

Ok first off, you need a bigger tank. 10 gallons per shell inch is the rule. So you have two turtles so it should be at least 20 gallons. Your UVB is the lowest possible for a turtle. You might want to get a higher UVB ublb. Also you didn't say anything about a UVA bulb/a bulb that provides heat. Nor a water heater, you need those. Also make sure that your makeshift dock is up high enough that no part of them is getting wet.

Has your turlte been doing anything odd?

Since both of them have the same problem it is possible that they gave each other this problem so you may want to go out and get another tank and separate them so that they do not keep giving each other this.

It is possible that they have this though I am not sure

Red or pink coloring on shell or skin
This coloring on the skin, on or between the scutes, on the carapace or on the plastron can be an indication of septicemia (blood poisoning). If your turtle has had a previous illness, infection, injury or improper habitat, it is best to observe carefully and prepare for intensive medical care.


You really need to update your habitat, get those lights and heater. You need the water temp to be boosted up to at least 80 degrees, and also up the basking temp to 90. Change the water if you can right now to help get rid of stuff.

[Gokuh]

My basking light does produce UVA. I do have a digitally controlled water heater. The 10 gallon tank is temporary. I am looking to go up to a 90 or so gallon tank in the relatively near future. Currently, I am checking on the classifieds for a 30 or 40 gallon tank for the mean time. Unfortunately, the few I have called on have been rediculously overpriced (more expensive than new).

The turtles have been normal. Begging for food, eating, and swimming.

[cam722]

The top of the shell looks fine.. the bottom (plastron) with the marks.. when you press on them are they soft.. does the color lighten at all or does it stay the same?

[fishandcandy]

I think this is the same thing I just posted about - if so, I hear it's normal.
On my turtle they don't protrude from the shell, though.
As long as the plastron is hard and the color doesn't change when you press on it, I think you're okay.

Here is my post http://redearslider.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3017

[Gokuh]

Thanks fish and candy.

The shell is solid.

[marisa]

It looks like normal growth to me, and the markings should come back into focus when growth slows down a bit.

You've had them since January and they're growing like this?

When you say they're protruding from the shell are you speaking about excess flesh? If so, what are they being fed? How much are they being fed at feeding time and how often are you feeding them?

And, what are the temps of the basking area and water?