Question:I got a red ear slider turtle about 6 weeks ago. He has continuously been shedding a clear white substance mostly from his neck, although I do sometimes see it on his limbs as well. He is 5 inches long and in a 40 gallon glass tank (until we find a larger one). His water temp is between 75 and 80 degrees and his basking dock has a UVB and a florescent light and is between 90 and 100 degrees. I feed his mostly pellets, but the ocassional ground beef, chicken, salmon or tuna. I have tried colorful fruits and veggies and he won't really eat them. Except corn-he likes corn! lol there doesn't seem to be any other issues. We have been cleaning his tank weekly. I have not been treating his water with anything.
Also, I think "he" may be a "she. :)
Answers:
That's too much protein and you shouldn't be using hamburger AT ALL. Excess mercury found in large ocean fish such as tuna will also inhibit metabolization of necessary nutrients. Excess protein causes a metabolic and growth disorder that can lead to growing too fast, excessive shedding and possibly renal or liver failure. Corn has no nutritional value either.
Excess shedding can also be an indicator of renal failure.
You need to offer feeder fish instead of canned or ocean fish, along with some aquatic plants such as anacharis. Crickets and earthworms would be better sources of protein too.
See austinsturtlepage for RES information.
I have 2 RES who shed quite a bit too. As long as the shedding is clear, and not visible when s/he is basking, it's normal. The water temp should be kept as close to 76 as it can be, which will help excessive shedding. Also the basking temp should stay around 90. 100 is a little warm for the turtle. Also cutting down on the animal protein will help with the shedding. If you feed pellets every other day, your turtle will be more likely to eat plants. Water plants like Anacharis are a good way to get him to start eating greens.
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