Umbrella Turtles: Why Do They Shed Their Shells?

Part 1: Why Turtles Shed Their Shells

Turtle shedding is a natural process that occurs as they grow. Once a turtle reaches a certain size, its existing shell no longer accommodates its expanding body. Consequently, the turtle must shed its old shell to reveal the larger, newer shell that has been growing beneath. This shedding signifies that the turtle has grown. The Brazilian turtle, in particular, exhibits this phenomenon prominently, often shedding its shell almost annually. The process is gradual, with the shell shedding in pieces rather than all at once, which is why it can take a considerable amount of time. It is crucial not to attempt to pull off the shell that is about to shed, as this can cause the turtle injury and lead to bleeding. Always allow the shell to fall off naturally.

The duration of shedding varies among turtles, with some taking up to 1 to 3 months, while others may complete the process in just a few days. During this time, it's important for owners to maintain clean water and ensure adequate sunlight exposure. Feeding the turtle a clean, nutritious diet, including small fish, shrimp, or fresh lean meat, can help speed up the shedding process and ensure the new shell is strong and healthy.

The timing of shedding is not consistent; some turtles may shed once a month, while others might only shed once a year. As the shell begins to shed, the edges will turn white and may develop growth lines, indicating that the shell will peel off in layers. During this period, turtles may become less active and have a decreased appetite.

Part 2: Distinguishing Between Shell Shedding and Shell Rot

There is a significant difference between turtle shell shedding and shell rot, but beginners in turtle care often confuse the two due to a lack of experience and understanding. During shedding, the shell typically comes off in one piece without any odor. However, when a turtle has shell rot, the shell may crack and parts can peel off. Pressing on the cracked areas may cause water to seep out, and in severe cases, pus or decaying flesh may be extruded, accompanied by an unpleasant smell. Shell rot requires immediate attention and often involves drying the turtle and applying medication until the turtle recovers.

Part 3: Key Points to Remember During Turtle Shell Shedding

Allow Natural Shell Detachment: It's essential to let the turtle's shell fall off naturally during shedding. Never force it off, as this can cause injury and potentially lead to bacterial infections or shell rot. A natural shedding process avoids these issues.

Proper Nutrition: During shedding, provide the turtle with adequate nutrition, particularly calcium, to ensure the new shell is strong. A calcium deficiency can result in weak shells or soft shell disease, which is detrimental to the turtle's health. Also, encourage basking to promote vitamin D3 synthesis, which aids in calcium absorption.

Keep the Environment Clean: Turtle shedding can take a long time, so it's important to prevent the shedding pieces from polluting the water. Clean the pool more frequently and remove any shed shell fragments promptly to avoid water contamination and ensure the turtle's healthy growth.

We hope this overview of turtle shedding deepens your understanding of this fascinating process.