Mississippi maps

Question
Hi,

The last question I posted was to yourself, regarding green appearing on my turtles shell - but on,y one of them. You advised me to give him a warm bath and a little scrub. I did this but the green is firm;y stuck on the shell and is now all over rather than just on the shell behind his head.

I was thinking that maybe they are just shedding their shell and that this is caused by this.
How do turtles shed their shell? Do the edges fall off or what??

sorry I am just so worried there is something wrong with him and I would be heartbroken if I left this too late and it turned out he was ill.

Tasha :-)

Answer
Hello Tasha, when they shed they shed one scute at a time. The scute is the individual scale like pieces of the shell. And one at a time the scutes start to peel up and come off. Usually the edges will start first.

Is there a way you can send me the picture?? you can attach a photo to your question or email it here:

reptilianyex@live.com

It still sounds like algea and it is perhaps that you smeared it while trying to wash it off? I suggest trying one more time and use running water to help.

I am not sure what type of problems occur with green coloring of the shell. Mold grows fuzzy like, shell rot is usually a white or yellow color. It sounds like algea to me.

But if that doesn't help and after you send a picture we still can't figure it out I suggest going to www.turtleforum.com become a member and ask them. Some of them have more experience with health conditions then I do.

Best of luck
Yexalen