What to feed baby soft shell turtles

A Guide to Caring for Softshell Turtles as Pets

If you're interested in an aquatic pet that's a little out of the ordinary, consider a softshell turtle. As the name suggests, these strange-looking turtles lack the one characteristic almost all turtles share: a hard shell. This makes them more susceptible to attacks in the wild. But unlike their fellow turtles, softshells can move quickly on land. This family of turtles is native to parts of Africa, Asia, and North America. In places where turtle soup is a regular menu item, it's likely that softshell turtle meat is part of the recipe. But if they can avoid the stew pot and the occasional alligator, softshell turtles can be intriguing pets for the right owner. These turtles are more for watching than for handling as pets. And they do require some effort to get their housing setup correct. But once you establish a routine, their agile swimming and other antics can entertain you for many years.

Species Overview

Common Names: Softshell turtle, smooth softshell turtle, Florida softshell turtle, spiny softshell turtle

Scientific Names: Apalone mutica, Apalone spinifera, Apalone ferox

Adult Size: Up to 14 inches long for Apalone mutica and Apalone spinifera; over 2 feet long for Apalone ferox

Life Expectancy: 25 years or more

Softshell Turtle Behavior and Temperament

These turtles are foragers in the wild and prefer to submerge themselves in mud when on land. Because they are vulnerable to predators due to their lack of a shell, softshell turtles can be aggressive. It's not a good idea to house pairs of them together because they'll likely attack each other. They have sharp claws and strong jaws that can do serious damage. Likewise, these turtles generally don't like being handled and aren't timid about attacking a person if they feel threatened.

Furthermore, don't plan to have a softshell turtle as a pet in a home with a small child due to their aggressive nature. Plus, curious dogs, cats, and other pets can do serious damage to a softshell turtle and also might be injured in the process.

Female softshell turtles get to be much larger than the males, so owners must be prepared to find them a sufficiently large enclosure. That large enclosure also requires a moderate amount of care to keep it clean and properly heated, so this isn't a low-maintenance pet.

Housing the Softshell Turtle

The kind of softshell turtle you choose will determine the size of tank you need. For instance, the Florida softshell turtle can weigh over 40 pounds and reach over 2 feet long, requiring a large area to swim. At roughly half that size, the spiny and smooth softshell turtles are more manageable as pets. They can be kept in a large aquarium that's at least 75 to 100 gallons.

The water must be kept very clean, and there should be nothing sharp or rough that could cause a wound on your softshell turtle in that tank. Canister filters, submersible filters, and other efficient filtration systems should be utilized to prevent bacterial and fungal infections. Moreover, provide driftwood or a floating island to allow your turtle to leave the water and bask when necessary. And include live aquatic plants if possible.

Heat

Most softshells do well in enclosures that are kept at 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Water heaters designed for fish, as well as reptile heat lights, can be utilized to maintain an optimal temperature. A basking lamp around 90 degrees Fahrenheit is usually ideal.

Light

UVB lighting is recommended in addition to heat lights to allow the turtle to metabolize calcium. These lights should be kept on for around 10 to 12 hours per day to mimic a natural day-night cycle, and they should not be blocked by any glass or plastic. The bulbs typically should be changed every six to nine months, following the manufacturer's recommendations.

Substrate

In the wild, softshell turtles love to bury themselves in the sand and mud. Provide clean play sand at the bottom of their tank to encourage this natural behavior. Don't use harsh substrates, such as gravel, which can hurt the turtle's fragile body.

Turtle and Tortoise Lighting

Food and Water

Softshell turtles eat a variety of insects, amphibians, eggs, and fish in the wild. In captivity, they are also primarily carnivores but will adapt to eating floating turtle pellets. Fish, gut-loaded crickets (crickets fed nutritious foods that then pass to your pet), worms, and other readily available prey items are typically offered to pet softshell turtles.

Larger softshell turtles will even eat pinky mice and small amphibians, such as frogs. You should always place the food in the water and let your turtle eat without having to get out of its pool. In general, feed adults once daily as much as they can consume in 15 minutes. But check with your veterinarian about the quantity and timing of the feedings for your turtle's age and size. They do not need a separate water dish.

Common Health and Behavior Problems

In the wild, softshell turtles are a favorite meal for alligators. And even in captivity, these turtles are much more vulnerable to injury than other pet turtles because they lack a hard shell. Wounds and consequent infections are common in softshell turtles, along with ear infections and intestinal parasites.

Annual checkups with a veterinarian who specializes in exotic pets are recommended. Opt for a fecal exam to check for parasites, which can wreak havoc on a turtle's immune system and overall health. Along with routine vet care, proper tank setup and water quality are key to keeping a healthy softshell turtle.

Choosing Your Softshell Turtle

Because of their complex care needs, softshell turtles usually aren't recommended for beginners. If you think a softshell turtle is a good fit for you, get your turtle from a reputable breeder or rescue organization that can provide information on its origin and health. Expect to pay between $50 and $150 on average.

Look for a turtle that is alert, moves quickly, and does not appear lethargic. (Remember, these animals move faster than many other turtle species.) Any scaliness or cuts on the turtle's shell might indicate a turtle that has suffered an injury, which could mean it has other less obvious health issues as well. Moreover, its eyes should be clear and free of any mucus or crustiness.

10 Types of Turtles That Make Great Pets

Similar Species to the Softshell Turtle

If you’re interested in similar pets, check out:

Otherwise, check out other types of reptiles and amphibians that can be your new pet.

What Do Baby Softshell Turtles Eat?

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Softshell Turtle Swimming in The Sea

Consider a softshell turtle if you’re interested in an unusual aquatic pet. As the name implies, these weird-looking turtles lack one of the fundamental characteristics possessed by virtually all turtles: a hard shell. Turtles that do not have shells are more likely to be targeted in the wild. Softshells, on the other hand, can move quickly on land.

The softshell turtle is a species that can be found in North America, Africa, and Asia. It’s likely that softshell turtle flesh is used as a component of turtle soup in areas where it’s a popular dish. Softshell turtles, on the other hand, are fascinating pets for the appropriate owner if they can avoid the stew pot and perhaps an alligator now and then. Turtles of this sort are more for viewing than for handling as pets. They do, however, need some effort to get their habitat set up correctly. Their fast swimming and other activities, on the other hand, may keep you entertained for many years if you establish a schedule.

What Do Baby Softshell Turtles Eat? Small Fish Are Eaten By Baby Softshell Turtles

The baby softshell turtle is one of the most difficult turtles to maintain as a pet. They’re about the size of a half-dollar when they’re newborns, and youngsters develop at a sluggish pace. They do not become sexually mature until they are approximately eight years old. They emerge between August and November, then hibernate during the winter months.

Can turtles eat broccoli?

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Can turtles eat broccoli?

Turtles are meat-eaters. However, don’t believe that feeding them raw beef and ham is fine. These creatures must consume a balanced diet that includes natural foods found in the wild and healthful options developed for their unique requirements. In the wild, a baby softshell turtle’s diet includes insects, worms, small fish, and newborn crawdads.

Vitamins

Vitamin A, calcium, and protein are required for baby softshell turtles to grow. Fish flakes or pellets will not provide the nutrients they require. When necessary, turtles can survive extended periods without food; therefore, if you’re having difficulties getting it to eat any of these foods, just wait a little longer.

To get your turtle to eat softshell pellets, mix them with chicken liver. Calcium sulfa blocks might also assist your turtle in getting the calcium it needs without devoting too much time or money to nutritional supplements.

What Do Baby Softshell Turtles Eat As Pets? Food Pellets Can Be Given To Baby Softshell Turtles

In the wild, Softshell turtles feed on a wide range of invertebrates, eggs, fish, and amphibians. They are also primarily carnivores in captivity but will adapt to eating floating turtle pellets.

Pet softshell turtles are fed a diet that includes insects, worms, crickets, and other readily accessible prey items.

Pinky mice and tiny amphibians, such as frogs, are also eaten by larger softshell turtles. To feed your turtle without having to get out of the pool, but the food in the water and allow them to eat. In general, give adult feeders one meal a day as much as they can consume in 15 minutes. However, consult your veterinarian about the quantities and timings of the feedings for your turtle’s age and size. They do not require a separate water dish.

Bloodworms and Mealworms Are Eaten By Baby Softshell Turtles

What Do Baby Softshell Turtles Eat in The Wild? Baby Softshell Turtles Eat Snails

The softshell spiny turtle will consume almost everything in the water that can be stuffed into its mouth, which might include aquatic insects, fish, and crayfish. They’ll burrow themselves down at the bottom of a lake and just their heads will stick out, capturing dinner as it swims by.

How often Do Softshell Turtles Eat? Insects Like Grasshoppers Are Eaten by Baby Softshell Turtles

It is vital to understand the dietary habits of any turtle species before adopting them. How much or how often should you feed your pet, for example? I realize that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, but I’ll try to provide an overview from my own turtle-keeping experience. As this essay is about the softshell turtle, only its food-related behaviors will be addressed.

Every day for the first six months of its life feeds a softshell turtle. After that, feed the softshell turtle once every two or three days. Continue with the 2 or 3 times each week diet plan as long as you keep feeding your turtle.

From this post, you will learn how often and how much to feed your softshell turtle. In addition, I’ll go through its balanced diet as well as nutrition-related issues. So read everything until the end of this post.

Feeding Schedule

A baby softshell turtle requires additional nutrients than an adult one. Because most of the body and bone growth takes place during the early phases, this is an excellent time to start feeding your hatchling. As a consequence, you must offer your youngster vitamin-enriched meals. Due to a lack of adequate nutrition, the pet may become fragile.

You must feed a softshell turtle every day for the first six months of its life. By dividing the entire meal into two halves, you may feed the pet twice a day. The majority of the species’ known predators are Carnivores. As a result, include commercial pellets, earthworms, small fish, and bloodworms in the diet. Vegetables and tiny plants should not be offered to the hatchlings.

Vitamins and minerals are required for calcium to be activated. The vitamin is produced in the pet’s body using UV radiation. To enable the softshell hatch to digest minerals and vitamins, you must provide a UV bulb within the habitat in captivity.

However, for the sake of safety, nutrients like vitamin D3 and calcium should be sprinkled on each meal. Calcium is available in the form of a cuttlebone. The addition of the cuttlebones occasionally will assist the pet to achieve its calcium needs.

Feeding Schedule After 6 Months

After six months, your softshell turtle’s diet plan will alter. You must now feed your pet every other day. To the meal, you may add plants or leafy greens such as kale or romaine lettuce. Plants are not loved by softshell turtles. However, if the pets are ready to eat a tiny amount of vegetables on a daily basis, you may offer them some.

Continue feeding the pet with small fish, large fish, crayfish, snails, insects, pellets, and worms. Vitamin D3 and calcium supplements should be sprinkled on each meal. Softshell turtles may like cuttlebone once in a while.

How To Take Care of Baby Softshell Turtles? Softshell Turtle

Fish Tank

Individuals keep these creatures in aquariums, but a big tub or plastic pool with a capacity of at least twenty gallons is acceptable. A tank with a capacity of fewer than 20 gallons is suitable for a short-term solution, but you’ll eventually want to move up to a 20-gallon tank.

Turtles require a lot of space, so the ideal tank is one that is at least 20 gallons in size. The larger the tank, the better (provided your turtle can swim freely for exercise and exploration), but anything smaller than twenty may be too restricting.

Creating A Safe Environment in The Tank

Turtles shed their shells on a regular basis to keep themselves healthy, so they must have something to climb out of the water. It doesn’t have to go all the way out of the water; only deep enough for it to have its shell dried up, should be more than adequate.

When it comes to water turtles, the most crucial thing is to keep your turtle’s head above water while submerged. It’s also critical to provide a solid place to stand and breathe while submerged in water so that the turtle’s neck reaches the surface. They will spend the bulk of their time in this shallower region. If a resting area for them to rest in is not accessible, the turtle will eventually drown.

What Are The Natural Predators of Baby Softshell Turtles?

Turtles may be attacked by a variety of predators, including fish, birds, snakes, frogs, and lizards. Chelonians are susceptible to predation by a variety of animals.

Turtles may be attacked by a variety of predators, including crocodiles and hawks. They have several protection mechanisms against predators, such as hard shells and the capacity to withdraw into their shells.

Chelonians are also unable to retreat into their shells, as not all chelonians can do so. Adult turtles have fewer predators than juvenile or immature ones, but eggs and hatchlings are exposed to a plethora of dangers from birds of prey to mammals.

The primary cause of the turtle population’s decline is that only a small percentage of the eggs they produce hatch. This is due to them being eaten by predators before they have a chance to develop.

In captivity, you must keep your pet turtle safe from predators such as opossums and raccoons. Even cats and dogs have been known to attempt to eat your pet chelonian. The need for complete protection is obvious.

Your turtles aren’t entirely secure even if you have a turtle pond at home. Because of this, the following article discusses what eats turtles and how you can keep your turtles safe from predators.

Predators of Baby Softshell Turtles

The North American softshells, also known as the Apalone genus, are the species of softshell turtles we will focus on. These are the most popular softshell turtles. There isn’t much information available on other softshell turtles from around the world, especially what they eat.

Humans are the number one predator for softshells, such as the black softshell turtle. Florida Softshell, Smooth Soft-Shelled Turtle, and Gulf Coast Spiny Softshell are three varieties of American softshell turtles.

Crows, red foxes, raccoons, skunks, eagles, otters, herons, snapping turtles, egrets, alligators, and water snakes are all potential predators of baby softshell turtles.

How Do Baby Softshell Turtles Protect Themselves?

Turtles, like all other animals, must collect resources from their environment, avoid predators, and reproduce. Turtles have a solid shell to protect them from predators and aid in their survival methods, but the softshell turtles (family Trionychidae), by contrast, have abandoned the protection of the hard shell and evolved a way of life that compensates for it.

A lack of a hard, protective shell is one of the most significant difficulties for softshell turtles. While it’s true that the softshell’s shell is leathery instead of horny, it is robustly defended by an enormous rib cage.

Softshell turtles may grow to be as big as 14 feet long and weigh upwards of 1,000 pounds. Additionally, because softshell turtles may reach tremendous sizes, they are protected against the majority of predators. The swimming ability of these turtles also aids them in avoiding predators better than some other species that aren’t as quick in the water.

The softshell turtles utilize their floppy, flatter shells to stay extra vigilant. These reptiles may act swiftly and swiftly in the event of an assault or emergency. The hefty physique of the softshell turtles, on the other hand, works in their favor. They make use of it as a protection against tiny predators by using it as a shield.

Another technique wild softies use to preserve themselves is to hide and wait for the predator to pass by. This one, despite its flaws, has to be acknowledged as a smart strategy.

The softshell turtles are strong swimmers. They can go anywhere, even if the water is turbulent or still. When threatened, softshell turtles may not just hide to defend themselves; they may also attack predators.

The softshell turtles’ assault is quite ferocious. These turtles utilize their long sharp teeth, thick necks, and forceful clawed feet to attack predators. The softshell turtles have horny beaks that act as weapons in battle.

The bite or assault of the softshell turtles is harmful, regardless of whether you believe it or not. If a softshell turtle attacks an opponent, it will cause significant bodily damage.

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Types of turtles - description, photo, maintenance and care of the turtle at home

Content:

Domestic turtle species
Keeping aquatic and tortoises
Hygiene and care
Turtle feeding
Terminals

Land and water turtles are unpretentious in care, they can adapt to almost any living conditions. In order for the reptile to feel comfortable and live for many years, it is necessary to provide it with a comfortable content.

Domestic turtle species

Red-eared (yellow-bellied) turtle

Type: water.

Carapace diameter: 18-30 cm.

Appearance: red spots around the ears, green stripes on the paws. Males have long sharp claws.

Lifespan: up to 30 years.

Nature: Species terrarium recommended. You can have several individuals at once, in the presence of a large terrarium, of course.

Recommended care

Type of food: juveniles feed mainly on animal food. With age, the proportion of vegetable matter increases, which is taken into account in age-related foods for turtles.

Water temperature: 28 degrees.

Air temperature in the warm zone: 30-32 degrees.

Central Asian tortoise

Type: land.

Carapace diameter: 20-25 cm.

Appearance: yellow-beige color with dark patches.

Lifespan: up to 30 years.

Character: is slow.

Recommended care

Type of food: vegetable.

Air temperature in the warm zone : 30-32 degrees.

Features of care: does not like limited space, so a large terrarium is required.

Chinese trionics

Type: water.

Carapace diameter: 35-40 cm.

Appearance: soft shell covered with leather. Elongated proboscis on the muzzle.

Lifespan: up to 30 years.

Character: aggressive. They prefer to live alone.

Recommended care

Type of food: animal origin.

Water temperature: 25-32 degrees.

Air temperature in warm zone : 30 degrees.

Musk

Type: water.

Carapace diameter: 13.5-14 cm.

Appearance: dark gray color, white stripes on the head and neck. The crests on the carapace of young animals are a characteristic feature of musk turtles.

Lifespan: up to 20 years.

Character: does not show aggression towards the owners.

Recommended care

Type of food: animal and vegetable.

Water temperature: 22-25 degrees.

Air temperature in warm zone : any above 22 degrees.

The musk turtle is unpretentious in care and food. Spends most of the time underwater.

Mediterranean (Greek)

Type: land.

Carapace diameter: 35 cm.

Appearance: large carapace, powerful paws with sharp claws. There are spurs on the hind limbs.

Lifespan: up to 30 years.

Character: non-aggressive.

Recommended care

Type of food: vegetable.

Air temperature in warm zone : 30 degrees and above.

Features of care: loves warmth, therefore the air temperature in the warm zone should be at least 30 degrees, and the background temperature should be 24-27.

Caspian

Type: water.

Carapace diameter: 30 cm.

Appearance: dark green shell, yellow stripes on the body.

Lifespan: up to 35 years.

Character: non-aggressive.

Recommended care

Type of food: animal and vegetable.

Water temperature: 18-22 degrees.

Air temperature in the warm zone : 30-31 degrees.

They like to climb up rocks and "islands". Most of the time they are under water, while sleeping they burrow into the silt. Wintering in captivity is optional.

Indian (star)

Type: land.

Shell diameter : 25 cm.

Appearance: Bulging carapace with patterns resembling stars.

Lifespan: up to 80 years.

Character: You can put several turtles in a terrarium, and they will not fight for territory.

Recommended care

Type of food: vegetable.

Air temperature in the warm zone : 27-32 degrees.

Silt ("heady")

Type: water.

Carapace diameter: 18 cm.

Appearance: small carapace, large head, powerful paws.

Recommended maintenance

Type of food: animal origin.

Water temperature: 30 degrees.

Air temperature in the warm zone : 25-27 degrees.

Keeping aquatic and tortoises

To furnish the home of turtles of all kinds you will need:

container (aquarium, aquaterrarium - for aquatic, terrarium - for land).
UV lamp (required for aquatic reptiles UVB 5-10%, terrestrial reptiles 10-15%.
heating lamp .
thermometer ;
feeder ;
lamp .

Turtles will also need:

water heater ;
water filter ;
thermometer ;
a piece of land - "island ".

Important! Make sure that the temperature of the water in the aquarium is correct. Check the health of the equipment daily. Change the water several times a week (once a week with the right filtration system and normal volume is enough).

Land tortoises will need:

House. These reptiles like to rest, some of them hibernate for a long time. For a comfortable pastime, you need a small house.
Feeder. The model must be stable so that the reptile does not turn it over.
Water container. Turtles absorb water through their skin. Bathing is not just a hygiene procedure, but a way to quench your thirst. You can simply organize a "wet" zone.

About lamps

For all types of turtles, you need to purchase 2 types of lamps - ultraviolet and heating.

An ultraviolet lamp is needed for the production of vitamin D and the absorption of calcium. The absence of these substances can lead to the development of rickets.

A heating lamp replaces the sun's rays that promote metabolism. Turtles are cold-blooded creatures, so the vital activity of their body directly depends on the amount of incoming heat.

Both lamps must be installed side by side. For aquatic reptiles, the most successful place is above the "island".

Primer

Many tortoise owners mistakenly believe that sand is the correct substrate for reptiles. It's a delusion! Turtles swallow it, which leads to serious health problems, sometimes to death. Do not use very fine sand, as well as sharp stones.

Usually zoned horizontally. In the sleeping area - hay, in the feeding area - pebbles. You can use sawdust or wood chips if the turtle won't eat them.

For aquatic reptiles, soil is needed for biofiltration purposes. it is advisable to use pebbles 5mm-1cm, a layer of about 2-3cm.

Large stones and shells can be placed on the bottom of the aquarium - this will add aesthetics.

Decor

It is permissible to decorate terrariums and aquariums with various decorative elements:

stones;
driftwood;
artificial and live plants;
figurines and figurines;
shells;
corals;
background.

General rules:

1. Decorations must be large and durable so that the reptile cannot bite off a piece of them and swallow them.

2. Make sure that the turtle does not get stuck in the decor elements.

3. There should be enough space in the aquarium/terrarium.

4. Choose jewelry without sharp corners.

Hygiene and care

Like any other pets, turtles need regular hygiene procedures.

1. Tank cleanliness.

It is necessary to regularly clean the walls of the aquarium or terrarium from plaque. This should be done using ordinary water.

2. Washing.

Aquatic turtles should be bathed periodically to wash away dirt from their shells.

For land reptiles, washing has an important function - it stimulates the intestines. Healthy individuals up to 3 years old require daily water procedures. For older pets, a weekly wash is sufficient. The water in the bathing container should be warm. After bathing, the reptile must be wiped dry.

3. Shell care.

It is strictly forbidden to lubricate the shell. An exception is the use of antifungal drugs prescribed by a veterinarian.

Important! Turtles are prone to molting. In aquatic representatives, it occurs throughout life and consists in the exfoliation of dead shell scales. In land turtles, molting is reduced to a change in the skin on their paws. This process is natural and does not require any intervention from the owners.

4. Nail and beak trimming.

The claws and beak grow in land reptiles throughout their lives, so they need to be trimmed periodically with wire cutters. Aquatic turtles do not need a procedure. Improper grinding of the beak is not the norm, if there is a need to cut it - you should pay attention to bedding, nutrition and vitamins.

5. Walk.

Both land and water turtles can be walked - no ultraviolet lamp can replace the natural rays of the sun. Turtle walks are not strictly required, although they are useful.

The best temperature for walking is above 25 degrees. The weather should be calm and sunny. Choose clean and shady areas away from roads and pet runs.

The optimal time spent outside is about an hour. After the walk, inspect the pet for wounds, then wash.

Turtle feeding

The optimal diet of land turtles is plant foods, namely greens. Its content should be 70% of the diet. Dandelion leaves, vegetable tops, some types of weeds are suitable. Vegetables and fruits can be given once every 1-2 weeks.

A good supplement would be ready-made dry food containing dried herbs, vegetables, and a protein component.

Aquatic turtles are predators, so the basis of their diet should be protein food (up to 80%). Plant food diversifies the “table”. Dry food for reptiles fully satisfy the daily requirement for protein and fiber.

All turtles must be given vitamin and mineral supplements, and daily. No matter how balanced the food is, in apartment conditions it is difficult to obtain the set of micro- and macroelements necessary for the body.

Land and aquatic turtles up to 1 year old should be fed daily, after - once every 2-3 days.

Conclusions

Turtles are unpretentious pets.
Proper living conditions are a guarantee that the reptile will live for many years.
Reptiles need regular hygiene procedures.
Vitamin-mineral complexes must be added daily to the turtle's basic diet.

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The soft shell of the red-eared turtle, what to do and how to treat it

Red-eared turtles are aquarium animals that, despite their unpretentiousness, sometimes get sick. A sign that a turtle is unwell is a soft shell. A similar symptom most often indicates rickets, to which this type of amphibian is especially susceptible.

Contents

1 When is it normal for a red-eared slider to have a soft shell?
2 Soft shell - a symptom of calcium and vitamin D3 deficiency
3 How to cure a pet?
4 Preventive measures

When is it normal for a red-eared slider to have a soft shell?

But the soft shell is not always an alarming symptom. In small turtles under the age of 1 year, it should be so. These animals are born with a soft shell that hardens over time. By the 12th month of life, their "armor" becomes quite strong and hard.

Soft shell - a symptom of calcium and vitamin D3 deficiency

Often, the presence of a softened shell in an amphibian is accompanied by some other symptoms: redness of the eyes, the appearance of small bumps and swellings on the protective shell, increased body temperature, bends in the edges of the shell.

The above symptoms may be the result of many diseases, namely, abnormal thyroid gland, intestinal dysfunction. The hardness of the turtle shell is directly affected by the amount of calcium that circulates in the animal's body. It is with a lack of this element that deformation of the shell and other symptoms occur. A turtle in this condition should not be left untreated, otherwise, over time, the bones of the skull will deform in it, and the animal will not be able to eat normally.

Calcium deficiency can be caused by a malfunction in the intestines or kidneys, as a result of which the rate of absorption of calcium in the body of an amphibian is significantly reduced. Lack of ultraviolet radiation and, as a result, vitamin D deficiency can also lead to softening of the pet's shell.

How to cure a pet?

If your turtle shows these symptoms, you can try to take some measures yourself. In summer and warm spring, a pet can be taken out in an aquarium to a balcony or outside and placed in the sun. At the same time, it is important that direct sunlight does not fall directly on the animal, but illuminates the aquarium well.

In cloudy seasons, in autumn and winter, the aquarium with a turtle should be put under an ultraviolet lamp for a while, having previously pasted the turtle's eyes with a plaster. This is necessary so that the radiation and bright light do not damage the organs of vision.

The turtle's diet should be reviewed: you can add multivitamin complexes containing vitamin D and calcium to it. Shrimp can be a natural source of calcium for turtles. Hard-shelled mollusks or minced fish with bones should be added to the animal's diet.

But if the disease is in an advanced form or the measures taken have not brought the desired result, then the amphibian should be taken to the veterinarian. The doctor will conduct a course of injections with vitamin complexes and the condition and appearance of the red-eared turtle will improve significantly.

Preventive measures

The best way to prevent the development of a disease is to prevent it. To prevent the softening of the shell in the red-eared turtle, it is necessary to sunbathe the animal several times a week. A good way to prevent calcium deficiency is to add crushed eggshells to the turtle's daily food several times a week. In winter, when the days outside are cloudy, the turtle needs to be given a solution of vitamin D-3. 3 drops of vitamin D for an adult turtle 2 times a month will completely prevent the development of rickets.