My Turtle Shell & She will not eat

Question
QUESTION: Why is my turtles shell flexible and she will not eat the food i give to her. The name of the food is Turtle Delight 100% dried whole shrimp.

Please get back to me

ANSWER: Hi Qwamaine,

Unless your turtle is a hatchling, the shell shouldn't be flexible or soft.  A soft shell is a  very bad sign.  The food you're giving is nutritionally inadequate--turtles need a good, varied diet.  What kind of turtle is it?  Most likely it should be getting both animal protein (boiled chicken, boiled egg, worms, crickets, etc.) and greens (turnip, dandelion, mustard, collards, kale, etc.).  You also need to be providing a source of UVB, or your turtle won't be able to metabolize calcium.

If you can tell me exactly how you have your turtle set up--enclosure size, filter, water and basking temperatures, type of bulb(s), and complete diet, I can help more.  You do need to make immediate changes or your turtle probably won't survive, unfortunately.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The turtle is red eared slider turtle. We just have it in a plastic vented encasting.

Answer
I don't know where you got your turtle, but whatever information they gave you was completely wrong.  Turtles have specific care requirements and can't just be kept in a bowl or plastic case.  Your turtle is going to die very soon unless you make some significant and immediate changes.  

You need a tank with a basking/UVB light (I recommend the T-Rex Active UVheat bulb), a basking area, and water filter.  Water temperature needs to be about 78 degrees, and basking temperature 90 degrees.  Your turtle also needs a much better diet than just dried food.  

Please go to this website and read everything there.  It will explain in greater detail just how you need to take care of your turtle.  www.redearslider.com

Another care sheet:  http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/caresheet-red_ear_slider.htm.  Don't panic at the cost estimates unless your turtle is an adult.  Hatchlings will cost less to set up, but they do grow fairly quickly and at some point you will need a large tank for yours.

Let me know if you have more questions.