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Yellow-Belly Slider

22 16:17:33

Question
I am caring for my child's school turtle. The day it came home with us it was in the process of "chuting" - it was shedding its shell (I believe that is the proper term - my turtles have never shed theirs and I have had them for 3 years). Anyways, I noticed that she probably had the skin fungus (the white wispy stuff) - so I did the dip that all of the websites recommended. Throughout the week, the rest of the shell did its shedding process and I treated her for the skin condition. Now the shell is turning red and I am wondering if that is because she just shed it or does she have the blood poising disorder. She does have a little bit of redness on her face. But she is eating great (eating a lot actually) and very friendly and basking constantly. I am happy to take her to the vet - my vet sees turtles. Everything said that with the blood poisoning her personality would change and she wouldn't eat. But she is the same happy turtle, just she is turning red. I appreciate your thoughts.

Answer
In blood poisoning, which is what it sounds like, there is often little change of personality- especially if other cares are solid. I would take it to the vet ASAP.

There are three main reasons for shedding...
- normal growth, results in paper-thin occasional sheddings of scutes, and 'peeling sub-burn'-like shedding of the skin that are rarely seen- they happen in small chunks once in a while.
- stress results in the same kinds of peelings, but they are more visible and happen on more of the turtle.
- shell rot results in thicker, discolored (black, grey, brown, or white) sheddings, usually with some tissue discoloration or smell underneath.

The first is normal, the second can usually be dealt with by improving the housing, diets, and cares, and the third can be a real pain.

Try http://www.redearslider.com for good cares for this near-cousin of the Red-ear.

Good luck!