Habitat - Indoor :: Shell Cleaning?

[izziepop07]

Our RES turtle has a small amount of algae beginning to grow on her shell, would it be normal to clean it off with something or just let it take its course naturally?

[turboturtle8]

Try cleaning off the algae with a small toothbrush or wet cloth. Your turtle would be a lot happier I think with the algae off.

[octpusgirl8]

It's best to clean it off, the algae makes it a little easier for something like shell fungus to take hold. You can brush it gently with a soft toothbrush, or if it's a very small turtle try wiping it gently with a cloth.

[izziepop07]

Thank you, we tried it with a soft toothbrush, and she didn't like that so we used a soft cloth and we got a little bit off, so we will try again later or tomorrow to do a little at a time! Thanks for the advice!

[TheComputerGremlin]

Izziepop, you need to decrease your avatar, it exceeds the limits of 80x80. As for algae, I've read that some people on here wipe their turtles down daily with a wet paper towel or soft cloth. You might also try a baby toothbrush, one of the super super soft ones. That might not upset your turtle as much.