If you are a new turtle owner and one day you notice some white, fuzzy stuff on your turtle, it’s normal to panic a little, since you don’t know what it is. But you can calm now, most probably it’s just some normal shedding.
What is the white stuff on my turtle’s skin? In most cases, the white stuff on your turtle’s skin is shredded skin. Shedding it’s a natural process through which all turtles go.
As I said you can breathe easily now, there is no problem it’s just natural skin shedding. But, while skin shedding it’s something normal, excessive skin shedding is not. So let’s take a look at what skin shedding is, why it happens, and when it’s a sign that something is not right.
What Is Shedding and Why It Happens
Shedding is the natural process, through which most reptiles go through, of shedding their skin. Depending on the reptile in question shedding can have multiple benefits. In the case of the snake, shedding allows the snake to grow further. In the case of the turtle, shedding is used more as a cleaning process, than a way to make room for more.
Turtles spend a lot of time in the water which in the wild isn’t that clean, and even in the tank it’s not always 100% clear, and as a result, a lot of bacterias and parasites can get attached to their skin. So as a very efficient way of getting rid of the turtles will shed their skin.
Shedding is also very common when the turtles are smaller since this is a period when they reach their maximum growth rate. Just like snakes, turtles shed their old skin to make more room for themselves. While you won’t the old skin of the turtle-like the one snakes leave behind, it is somewhat a similar process.
Shedding in turtles usually goes unnoticed, because, unlike snakes who shed a lot of skin at once, turtles do it more gradually, and they also don’t have that much skin, to begin with. Another reason why it goes unnoticed is that shedding can usually only be seen when turtles are underwater. Where the skin will look like a small white, translucent thing that clings to your turtle.
Excessive Shedding
While shedding is a good and natural process, excessive shedding it’s not. Differentiating between the two of them can be quite easy, even if you are a new turtle owner.
Does your turtle have 4 or 6 white things clinging to it? If yes, then it’s simply normal skin shedding, while there isn’t an exact number, from my experience I would say that this is the case for most turtles. It can be even a little more if they are very small.
Is your turtle covered in white stuff that clings to its skin? If yes, then it’s definitely excessive skin shedding.
If your turtle is shedding its skin excessively then this can be due to one of the following reasons:
Sudden growth, in which case you should adjust the quantity of food that you are giving it to eat.
Overheating, overheating can damage the sink and this will result in excessive shedding. To make sure that overheating is not the problem then you should check the temperature of the basking area. ( If you want to know the appropriate temperatures for each turtle type check this list. ) But for most turtles 85 Fahrenheit ( 29 Celsius degrees ) should be a good temperature.
Vitamin A is very important in the diet of a turtle. Too much or too little vitamin A can lead to excessive skin shedding. If your turtle gets too much vitamin A the skin will start to thicken which will lead to shedding, and too much vitamin A can also lead to liver damage. Too little vitamin A will make the skin very thin and fragile.
High ammonia levels can damage the skin which will cause shedding.
An infection, if this is the case, you should go with your turtle to the vet as soon as possible.
Helping Your Turtle During the Shedding Process
At this point, you might ask yourself if there is anything that you can do to help your turtle get through this faster. The answer is yes and no.
You can’t really take any direct actions in helping your turtle. I know it might be very tempting to just take that small white thing off your turtle. But remember that the white thing is your turtle’s skin, and some of it might not be shaded, so if you take it you might hurt your turtle.
The only thing that you can do is to make sure that your turtle has a nice and balanced diet and all the necessary conditions for a healthy life.
The shedding process doesn’t take that long, so if you keep your turtle happy everything should be back to normal soon.
Conclusion
So this should help you with the white stuff on your turtle’s skin. Overall skin shedding is no big deal, and it doesn’t require you to do anything in particular, you just have to take care of your turtle-like you always do.
In case you aren’t able to deal with the excessive skin shedding on your own you should take your turtle to a vet that is able to help you.
I hope this article was helpful, and that your turtle is fine. If you have any questions about turtle shedding you can always leave them in the comment section and I will answer them as soon as possible.
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Dear Sir,
I have 3 turtles which I rescued from a China town street vendor. That was 30 years ago. They are now full grown. Aside from a respiratory infection one of them had several years ago, they have always been healthy and happy.
3 weeks ago I noticed one of my Turtles had a strange skin problem. It looks like a piece of her was bitten off, I took her to the vet to the tune of 500.00. The vet gave me antiotics and suggested a bunch of tests that would run about 7 gs! When I returned home disgusted of course I found that my other two Sliders also had the same condition albeit not as bad . I cannot find any reference to this particular skin condition. I fear all three will perish
Thannk you for your time
I am sorry to hear.
I’ve never experienced anything like this before, so I am not exactly sure what is happening.
But whenever there is a health problem my advice to go to the vet, following health advice from the internet is not advisable.
One other important thing that I want to mention is that when it comes to turtles not every vet is an expert, so do your research before choosing one.
Best of luck, I hope your turtles will get back to full health soon.
Hi this is Bill I have several baby snapping turtles that are truly turning white fuzzy I believe it’s the chlorine in the water in my right or am I wrong I put some salt water in there once or twice before but this time they are slimy and have a white fuzzy luck can you help me out what I need to do thank you 🐢 turtlewild1
Hello Bill, the presence of white fuzziness and slimy texture on your baby snapping turtles may indicate a fungal or bacterial infection. It’s not typically related to chlorine or saltwater in the tank. To help your baby snapping turtles, here’s what you can do:
Quarantine: If possible, move the affected turtles to a separate tank to prevent the infection from spreading to healthy individuals.
Water Quality: Ensure that the water quality in their enclosure is optimal. Snapping turtles need clean water with good filtration. Make sure the tank is properly cycled.
Treatment: You may need to treat the affected turtles with an appropriate antifungal or antibacterial treatment. You can find these treatments at pet stores or consult a vet with expertise in reptile care. Follow the product’s instructions for dosage and application.
Dry Docking: If the infection is severe, you might want to consider “dry docking” for the affected turtles. Place them in a warm, dry environment to let them heal. Ensure that they have a warm basking area with a heat source to maintain their body temperature.
Vet Consultation: If the condition doesn’t improve or worsens, it’s highly recommended to consult a reptile veterinarian. They can diagnose the specific infection and provide appropriate treatment options.
Prevention: To prevent future infections, maintain proper water quality and a clean environment for your baby snapping turtles. Ensure that their basking area provides the right temperature and exposure to UVB lighting.
Keep a close eye on the affected turtles during the treatment process and monitor their health. If they don’t show improvement or if the condition worsens, don’t hesitate to seek professional veterinary care. Respiratory and skin infections can be serious for turtles, so early intervention is important.
I’m new to being a turtle mom. I have an eastern painted turtle who is 2.5 months old. I noticed he has this film like substance under his lower neck and shoulders and a little in his back feet. I took a pic but appears I can attach one. Is there something wrong? Is it a skin infection? His shell looks fine.
As a new turtle owner, it’s great that you’re attentive to your pet’s well-being. The film-like substance you’ve noticed could be a few things, but it’s essential to keep an eye on it and consult a reptile veterinarian if you have concerns. Here are some possibilities:
Shedding: Turtles periodically shed their skin, and this might be what you’re observing. The old skin will typically peel off, revealing fresh, healthy skin underneath. Make sure your turtle has a basking area with appropriate UV lighting to aid in shedding.
Residue from the Water: Sometimes, turtles can accumulate water residue, minerals, or algae on their skin. Ensure that the water in their enclosure is clean and maintained with a good filtration system.
Infection or Fungus: Skin infections or fungal growth can appear as a film or discoloration. If you suspect an infection, it’s crucial to consult a reptile veterinarian who can diagnose the issue and provide appropriate treatment.
Environmental Factors: Review your turtle’s habitat to ensure it meets their needs in terms of water quality, temperature, and basking opportunities.
For peace of mind and your turtle’s well-being, it’s best to consult a reptile veterinarian who can examine your turtle and provide guidance on any necessary treatment or adjustments to their care. Regular veterinary check-ups are important for ensuring your turtle remains healthy and happy.