General Care Discussion :: Excessive Shedding?

[bananakiri]

I have 3 RES turts together, but only one of them sheds a LOT. I read that it was a possible overfeeding of protein in their diet, so I cut back on the protein a little over a month ago. It had seemed to get better a week after I stopped giving him protein, but recently he started shedding a lot again. He hasn't had any crickets, bloodworms, or any insects for a little over a month though. I recently changed them to a new tank with a ATBA a week ago, however out of the 3, hes the only one who hasnt figured out how to go up the ramp to bask so he also hasnt basked for 6 days now, if that might be a problem? I also feed reptomin dusted with reptical and veggies (various lettuces with occasional random veggies) though he doesnt seem to eat them anymore (he ate them when i cut off the protein but after like 2 weeks he started ignoring them). I wonder if he just started shedding a lot of skin right now because hes going to shed? Hes currently scratching against a rock right now as I type this.

If anyone has had any experience with excessive shedding and knows how to fix it lemme know please!

[steve]

Maybe he's shedding a lot of skin because he's not basking? Is he shedding scutes? Are they about the same size?

[bananakiri]

Yeah im wondering if its because hes not basking too, but even before he was shedding a lot too even when he was basking before? And atm it looks like hes going to shed some scutes since it looks like its peeling up. But he just sheds A LOT of skin 24/7, like so much you find it floating around in the water.

And no not exactly. They're all the same age, but size wise hes the smallest. Hes about 3-4inches while the other two are 4-5 inches.

[steve]

Maybe the water is too warm? I also think some just shed more than others.

[bananakiri]

Hmm, I have the heater at 76F, although my strip thermometer doesnt seem to be reading anything atm...but yeah I would normally agree, but you can visibly see fuzzy skin coming off around his neck area and the back of his legs (I would take a pic but I tried and cant get anything since hes super camera shy and wont stop moving). I think I'll just wait out another month of no protein to see if he gets any better...If he gets any worse I'll have to look at my husbandry. Thank you!

[bananakiri]

Also adding onto this....not related to shedding but my other two seem to have a pinkish hue to their plastrons? Im reading that this is most likely just them growing...I hope...

[bananakiri]

Sorry for worrying about every little thing;; its just they always seemed generally healthy but once I got onto this site I feel like im examining every little thing about them;;;

[steve]

Can you post a picture? Pinkish coloring... could be something abrasive, could be fast growth, could be bacteria, etc.

Also, pick up a good thermometer to double check your temps... I recommend an infrared temp gun.

[bananakiri]

Heres Herbert:


and heres Leo:

[steve]

I'd lean towards fast growth and try to keep a close eye on it.

[bananakiri]

okay!! Is there anything I should be looking out for just in case?

[steve]

If it's more reddish or soft spots on the shell. Also lookout for aggression, males at that size will start to exhibit that behavior.

[bananakiri]

yeah, im really worried about the aggression, since the one that seems to be the meanest is Leo who tends to bother Squirt a lot with mating dances and getting in his face a lot. Squirt and Herbert tho get along really well despite all 3 of them being boys. I might have to end up giving Leo to someone in the near future before any serious aggression can break out.

but will do, I will look out for anything out of the ordinary with them!