Turtles shedding?!? - Paw Talk

PiggieLuver · #1 02-12-2006, 08:19 PM

Today I have noticed my two russian tortises are peeling! Is this normal?

DVM12 · #2 02-12-2006, 10:48 PM

Yes to an extent. If the shell is comming away in thick chunks...NO... however if your torts shell is comming away in thin layers yes. it does this periodically. Dont worry. But if its chucks consult your lical veterinary specialist.

-Tabitha

PiggieLuver · #3 02-15-2006, 02:29 PM

Not the shell,its thier skin! Its peeling!

Ravnos · #4 02-16-2006, 11:23 AM

Shedding skin is pretty normal, but it shouldn't take that long, maybe a week or so. Making sure they are well hydrated can help in the process. Regular soakings are important for tortoises. Most people don't realize it, but in the wild a good number of species of tortoise spend much of their time down inside high humidity burrows. Even species we would otherwise consider to be desert or grassland tortoises still have an opportunity to be in that high moisture environment.

PiggieLuver · #5 02-16-2006, 07:05 PM

Should I soak them in water every few days?

Ravnos · #6 02-16-2006, 10:23 PM

They don't need to be entirely waterlogged, but placing them in a shallow pan of water every few days or once a week or so, for a few minutes at a time, can help hydrate their skin and encourage them to drink (and sometimes go potty).

DVM12 · #7 02-16-2006, 11:12 PM

Place your turtle in warm shallow water. This will help with shedding. ALL REPTILES SHED. People just dont realize that Turtles & Torts are Reptiles. The skin peeling off is normal. It takes 1-2 weeks. They should be soaked for about 5 min the first few times then increase the time to about 10 minutes- empitying the water and refilling with warm water every few minutes.

If you are really worried about the skin or shell take your dude to your vet.

Soaking for the correct amount of time ----- if you do this your turtle or tort will go potty----- it relaxes the muscles, and re-hydrates them, which encourages them to excrete.