The Turtle Shell: Care And Maintenance Guide

Turtles are fascinating pets, but they are sensitive animals that require specific care. One of the most important aspects of turtle care is maintaining the health of their shells. While regular shell cleaning is usually not necessary if the habitat is set up correctly, there are certain circumstances where you may need to clean your turtle's shell. This paragraph will discuss the signs that indicate the need for shell cleaning and provide a step-by-step guide on how to effectively clean a turtle's shell, ensuring the health and well-being of your pet.

Provide a healthy home

Providing a healthy home for your turtle is paramount. A happy turtle is one with a healthy, glossy shell.

Firstly, the size of the tank is important. The tank should be at least 40 gallons, with three-fourths of the area being water. The water should be as deep as the turtle is wide. The tank should be big enough for the turtle to swim and turn around comfortably. If you have more than one turtle, the recommended habitat dimensions should be increased by 25%.

The tank should be made of glass or plastic and be watertight and well-ventilated. It should be secured with a screened lid to prevent escape, as turtles are good climbers.

The water in the tank should be maintained at 75°F (23.8°C) with a heater. The water should be treated with a turtle-safe water conditioner to remove chlorine and pollutants. The water should be changed regularly, with 25% of the water being changed weekly, or 50% every other week.

The tank should have a dry, elevated basking area that the turtle can easily access from the water. This can be a sturdy pile of rocks, floating wood, or cork bark, or a commercially available basking spot. The recommended temperature for the basking area is 85–95°F (29.4–35°C), while the cooler end of the tank should be around 75°F (23.8°C).

The tank should be decorated with a substrate (material placed at the bottom of the tank), which can be slate, rock, or gravel. Live or artificial plants can also be added, but they must be safe for turtles to eat. Cuttlebones can be affixed to the side of the tank or left to float in the water, as they are an excellent way to supplement calcium and other trace minerals.

Turtles require exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light to produce vitamin D in their skin, so a UV lamp is necessary. The lamp should provide 10–12 hours of UV light daily.

A high-quality filtration system is also essential to keep the tank clean and remove harmful toxins such as ammonia from the water. The filter should be powerful enough to process all of the tank's water at least four times per hour.

It is important to keep the tank clean. Leftover food should be removed daily, and the tank should be deep-cleaned at least once every three to four weeks.

If you are keeping your turtle in an outdoor pond, it should only be done during the warmer months, and the pond should be cleaned regularly.

Keep the shell clean

Keeping your turtle's shell clean is an important part of maintaining its health. Even aquatic turtles that spend a lot of time in water need their shells cleaned to prevent algae buildup and remove hard water spots. You should also clean your turtle's shell if you notice it is shedding or if there is a buildup of dirt and debris on its shell or limbs.

Materials

• A container to bathe the turtle in, such as a plastic washtub or bucket. It is important that this container is only used for bathing your turtle and is not used for anything else, including feeding.
• Lukewarm water (not hot or cold) that has been dechlorinated. You can dechlorinate the water by using an aquarium water conditioner.
• Reptile water conditioners, such as ZooMed Reptisafe Reptile Water Conditioner.
• An unused small soft brush, such as a toothbrush.
• Cotton swabs and balls (optional).
• A cup or scoop for rinsing with water.

Steps for Cleaning

• Fill the container with water: Fill the container with lukewarm, dechlorinated water at room temperature and deep enough for the turtle to swim in.
• Use a toothbrush to scrub the shell: Moisten the bristles of the toothbrush and gently scrub the carapace, removing any algae, dirt, or dead skin buildup. Be sure to clean between the scutes, as it is easier for dirt or algae to build up in these areas. Remember to be gentle, as turtles have pain nerves in their shells.
• Clean the rest of the body: After cleaning the shell, move on to the turtle's neck, limbs, and tail. As these body parts are not as protected as the shell, proceed with extra care.
• Rinse the turtle: Rinse the turtle with clean dechlorinated water, using a cup or scoop to pour water over it.
• Check for injuries or abnormalities: As you clean the turtle, be on the lookout for any signs of disease or injuries, such as discolored patches on the shell, skin abnormalities, swelling, swollen/sunken eyes, cuts, bruises, shell pyramiding, or any irregular growth. If you notice any of these signs, consult a veterinarian.
• Return the turtle to its enclosure: Once your turtle is thoroughly rinsed and cleaned, place it back into its tank or enclosure.
• Dispose of the water properly: Salmonella is a serious concern, so make sure to dispose of the water used to clean the turtle properly. Pour the water down the toilet and flush, rather than pouring it down the sink or bathtub.
• Clean and sanitize your equipment: After cleaning your turtle, it is important to properly sanitize your equipment to prevent the spread of bacteria. Empty the dirty bathwater and clean the container with a disinfectant or a bleach and water solution. You can either throw out the toothbrush or boil it to sanitize it. Finally, wash your hands thoroughly.

It is important to note that you should not use soap or shampoo when cleaning your turtle, as the chemicals can cause irritation or inflammation on their skin. Gentle brushing and water should be sufficient for cleaning. Additionally, always support your turtle with one hand while cleaning with the other to reduce stress and avoid turning it upside down, as this can be harmful to the turtle.

Ensure access to sunlight/UV light

Ensuring your turtle has access to sunlight or UV light is essential for their health and happiness.

Sunlight

If you are keeping your turtle outdoors, they will benefit from the sun's ultraviolet rays. If kept indoors, you will need to provide them with a UVB light.

UVB Light

Turtles require exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light to produce vitamin D in their skin, which is essential for absorbing dietary calcium and maintaining healthy bones and shells.section

You should provide your aquatic turtle with 10 to 12 hours of UV light daily to imitate natural sunlight.

When choosing a UV light source, check the specifications of the light to ensure it meets your tank's needs. The wattage needed for the heat bulb depends on the size of the enclosure, the distance of the bulb from the turtle, and the ambient temperature of the room.

Lights should be replaced every six months, even if they still emit light, as their potency decreases over time.

Heat Lamps

A basking bulb or ceramic heater should be placed at one end of an aquatic turtle's tank to create a basking area for the turtle to use during the day. The recommended temperature for the basking area is 85–95 °F, while the cooler end of the habitat should be around 75 °F.

Signs of Not Enough Sunlight/UV Light

If your turtle is not getting enough sunlight or UV light, they may develop shell rot or a fungal infection. This is usually caused by poor lighting, poor water temperature, and poor habitat conditions.

Early-onset shell rot will generally appear as white patches on the shell, with indentations or bits of shell missing. The infected part will be soft to the touch, and in severe cases, you may see bits of flesh.

Feed a healthy diet

Feeding a Healthy Diet to Your Pet Turtle

A good diet is essential for turtle health. Learning the dietary requirements of the species you are keeping will be vital in determining the correct diet. Vitamin and mineral supplementation may be needed depending on the food you feed.

Diet for Juvenile Turtles

Younger aquatic turtles are more carnivorous and require extra protein in their diet for healthy growth. Juvenile turtles under 1 year old should be fed every day.

A nutritious and well-balanced diet for a juvenile aquatic turtle consists of:

• Protein-rich foods: including mealworms, earthworms, freeze-dried krill, aquatic snails, silkworms, bloodworms, or bits of cooked chicken.
• Dark leafy greens and other vegetables: Plant matter should make up about 25-30% of a juvenile aquatic turtle's diet.
• Commercially available pellets or sticks formulated for aquatic turtles: Pelleted food should make up no more than 25% of a juvenile turtle's diet.

Diet for Adult Turtles

An aquatic turtle is generally considered an adult when it reaches around 1 year of age, although this can vary by species. Turtles over 1 year of age should be fed every two to three days (unless otherwise instructed by a veterinarian).

• Leafy greens and other vegetables: These should make up about 50-60% of an adult turtle's diet.
• Commercially available sticks or pelleted food: This should constitute no more than 25% of an adult turtle's diet.
• Fruits: Small amounts of fruits such as apples, cantaloupes, and berries can be offered as an occasional treat.
• Treats: Including fruit, treats should not make up more than 10% of a turtle's total diet.

General Feeding Guidelines

• Turtles of all ages should be fed in warm water (in the upper 70s F) to stimulate their appetite and aid digestion.
• Leftover food should be removed from the habitat daily to keep the habitat clean.
• Turtles can be fed outside the tank to reduce waste. Many turtles will eliminate shortly after eating.
• Do not overfeed to keep waste down.
• Cuttlebones can be affixed to the side of a turtle's tank or left to float in the water to supplement calcium and other trace minerals in a turtle's diet.

Keep the water clean

Keeping your turtle's water clean is essential for their health and comfort. Here are some tips to achieve this:

Water Container and Temperature

Use a dedicated plastic container for bathing your turtle. Don't use your sink or bathtub due to the risk of salmonella transmission. The ideal water temperature should be lukewarm, and you can use boiled and cooled water or water treated with a conditioner 24 hours in advance. Ensure the water is deep enough for your turtle to swim in comfortably.

Cleaning Products

Avoid using soap or shampoo when cleaning your turtle, as the chemicals can irritate their skin. Instead, opt for chlorine-free water or use a reptile water conditioner like ZooMed Reptisafe. If your turtle has a medical condition, consult your veterinarian for prescribed shampoo.

Cleaning Process

Gently scrub your turtle's shell with a soft, unused brush, such as a toothbrush. Remember to be gentle, as a turtle's shell is sensitive, and they can feel the sensations of the brush. Pay extra attention to the crevices and the area between the scutes, as dirt and algae can build up in these areas. After brushing, rinse your turtle with clean water using a cup or scoop.

Drying and Returning to Enclosure

Before returning your turtle to its enclosure, ensure it is thoroughly dried. You can use cotton towels to pat excess water off their shell and skin gently. Make sure your turtle is completely dry before placing them back into their tank.

Clean-Up and Disposal

Proper clean-up after the bath is crucial to prevent the spread of salmonella. Dispose of the dirty bathwater in the toilet and never pour it into sinks or bathtubs. Clean the container with a disinfectant or a bleach and water solution. Sanitize the brushes by boiling them or throwing them away. Finally, don't forget to wash your hands thoroughly after handling your turtle and its enclosure.

Frequently asked questions