Should turtles peel?

Answer by  meriba (103)

It is probably okay as long as long as the shell is peeling in very thin layers, and the shell underneath looks and feels healthy. If the shell looks red or deformed, or feels soft or spongy, please visit your vet.

Answer by  Britt (453)

Yes it is common for turtle shells to peel, in water turtle species. Peeling of the shell is a cleaning process. Dirt, grime, algae, oils and fats are all taken off the shell during the peeling process. Peeling occurs more often when the turtle is basking in the sun.

Answer by  PhillyFan (86)

It's a natural sign of healthy growth. The shedding will occur scute-by-scute (scutes are the little plates on the shell) and the stomach/bottom will shed in sections. Let the scutes come off naturally because pulling them off can hurt the turtle and lead to infection.

Answer by  Srfingfreak (697)

As a turtle grows, they add shell to compensate for their growing body within. The shell also thickens to protect the turtle from larger threats. Turtle shell is made from a fingernail like material, so just as a human grows and sheds fingernails, a turtle shell grows and sheds old shell.