Soft-shell

Question
I have two male turtles 1 painted, about a year old, and the other 1 is a red-eyed slider, going on his 5th year, living together in a 20 gallon tank and I just noticed the painted turtle's shell is starting to feel very soft and easily bent. So I was wondering if it's normal for a baby painted turtle's shell to turn soft during the winter?

Answer
Tesia,

I am not a painted turtle expert (however, based on the overwhelming amount of questions I get about the more common turtles, I will be educating myself and rescuing some so that I will be better able to help others)

Anyway, if the baby painted's shell wasn't soft before, then I do not think it is normal.

It is important that you make sure the pellets you are feeding them are a good brand, and that you have a mercury/vapor bulb over a basking area (that they can all fit on) at a distance according to the insert included with the bulb.  Normally it is 12 inches max.  At a distance greater than that, the UVB can't reach the turtle).

So, high-quality food with calcium and a bulb.  One of these is best:

http://www.reptilesupply.com/product.php?products_id=435
http://www.reptilesupply.com/product.php?products_id=74

You can shop for the best deal online or in your local pet store.

They are expensive, but they are less that even one vet bill.  Your turtles need these.

THank you,
Amanda