Reasons for Soft Turtle Shell: Causes and Solutions

Section 1: Causes of Turtle Soft Shell Disease

The most prominent symptom of turtle soft shell disease is the weakening of the turtle's shell. This condition is typically caused by a deficiency in calcium. The causes of soft shell disease can be categorized into two main aspects: first, the poor health of the breeding turtles or inbreeding among them, which can lead to the hatchlings being undernourished or suffering from other issues from birth; second, the turtle's posthatching malnutrition, resulting in a lack of calcium and trace elements in its body.

In summary, the specific causes of turtle soft shell disease include:

Genetic Factors: The poor health of the breeding turtles or inbreeding can lead to hatchlings developing soft shell disease.

Environmental Factors: Posthatching, improper care or other reasons can cause the turtle to lack calcium and trace elements, leading to the disease.

宠物 owners should ensure that their turtles receive adequate calcium and expose them to sunlight daily to facilitate calcium absorption.

Section 2: Symptoms of Turtle Soft Shell Disease

Turtles with soft shell disease become less active and less inclined to forage. Their carapace and plastron become soft and deformed.

Section 3: Prevention Methods for Turtle Soft Shell Disease

During the care of turtles, pet owners should regularly allow their turtles to bask in the sun; add a moderate amount of animal organs or a few drops of fish liver oil to their diet; small shrimps, which are rich in calcium, can be included as a regular food source; and if the turtle develops chronic diseases, they should be treated promptly.

Moreover, pet owners should not assume that keeping turtles in welllit rooms or patios will prevent calcium deficiency, as glass windows and containers can block UVB rays. Turtles that lack UVB exposure are also prone to developing soft shell disease.

Therefore, to effectively prevent turtle soft shell disease, pet owners should take the following measures:

For turtle owners using heated turtle tanks, UVB light tubes should be used to expose the turtles. For aquatic turtles, the light should be positioned about 30 centimeters away and照射 for 4 to 6 hours daily.

Ensure a diverse diet for the turtles, including small fish and shrimps to supplement calcium.

When the turtle's shell appears soft, reduce the water level and increase the feeding of calciumrich foods.

In severe cases of soft shell disease, vitamin A and D can be administered to aid in calcium conversion, and calcium supplements like lactose calcium can be given to replenish calcium levels.

With this, the Oxygen Pet Doctor's overview of the causes and treatment methods for turtle soft shell disease comes to a close. We hope this information is helpful. In essence, soft shell disease in turtles is easily manageable, and ensuring an adequate supply of calcium in their diet can effectively prevent the disease.