Do Turtles Shed Their Shell?

Turtle

Do turtles shed their shells? What does it look like? Is it healthy and normal? The answer to these questions is yes. Turtles do shed. Not many people are aware of this, but when turtles start to shed, pieces of their shells will come off. These pieces are known as scutes. In this guide, we will learn more about turtle shedding, why this happens, what to look for, and what to avoid if you find your pet turtle is shedding. Let’s dive in.

Why Do Turtles Shed?

Turtles need to shed pieces of their shell because they are growing. Shedding most often occurs in older turtles. The shell is a living part of the turtle, so when the turtle grows, the shell grows too. Did you know that a turtle’s shell is primarily made of bone? In fact, the shell is an evolved rib cage. Just like a rib cage, the purpose of the shell is to provide protection to the soft body and organs of the turtle.

The hard outer layer of the shell is made of keratin. This keratin is the same material that makes up our skin, hair, and fingernails. The turtle’s shell is made up of layers of keratin. Each layer is called a scute.

One of the reasons you may have never seen a turtle shedding is that this only happens to older turtles. When turtles are young, the shell simply grows right along with the animal. However, as the turtle ages, the keratin layers will start to peel off as the turtle grows. This is totally normal for older turtles. If you have a pet turtle that is very young, and it begins to shed, there may be a health problem that needs to be dealt with. You should visit a vet.

How Often Will This Happen?

The frequency with which shedding occurs depends on the turtle’s age and species. There are some turtles that do not shed at all. If you own a pet turtle or tortoise, you need to be well educated on what is and is not normal for your animal. A vet can help you with these details. If you are concerned about your animal shedding, you should call your vet to discuss it.

Here are a few common types of turtles that do shed:

  • Red-Eared Slider
  • Yellow Belly Slider
  • Painted turtles
  • Map turtles
  • Diamondback Terrapins
  • Others

Because shedding is caused by growth, the frequency could depend on how the turtle is being fed and how healthy it is. It is not unusual for some species of healthy turtles to shed a few times a year. Turtles living in the wild may shed more often than those living in captivity. This could be due to their exposure to natural sunlight and a more natural diet. Turtles that are never exposed to natural sunlight may have a hard time shedding.

Why Do Turtles Shed?

Turtles shed to make room for new growth. It could be compared to the way humans lose their teeth when they get older. As the shell tries to grow, the scutes will come off in layers. This will look like the shell is peeling away. The pieces can come off in large layers or it may come off in smaller flakes. Turtles continue to grow for years. Often, a turtle will not reach its full size for many years. Since turtles have a relatively long lifespan, they may shed many times as they mature.

Where On The Turtle Will I See Shedding?

Shedding can occur on the carapace. That is the top side of the shell. On the plastron (the bottom side of the shell) there can also be shedding. There is also a space called the bridge which connects the plastron and the carapace. This part can also be shed as well.

What Does Healthy Shedding Look Like?

The first thing you will notice when a turtle starts to shed is that the shell will be slightly discolored. You may notice the turtle seeking to bask in the sun more often as well. Some turtles will also try to scratch their backsides against other objects. Turtles’ shells do have nerve endings, so they can sense the itching sensation that peeling will cause. This is a good thing. Do not remove objects from the turtle’s enclosure. Scratching up against objects will feel good for your turtle and will help them shed the old scutes.

You may notice the turtle will want to wet itself and then bask for long periods. This is exactly what the turtle needs to lift the old scutes from the shell. Be sure your turtle has plenty of water and a good place to bask in the sun. When the scutes begin to come off, they will look thin and clear. The exception is if the turtle has not shed for a long time. Built up scutes could have a darker color.

A turtle that has a very high protein diet that is not varied enough, could develop problems when it is time to shed. Be sure that you are not feeding your animal too many pellets. Follow your vet’s recommendations for a healthy diet for your pet.

Prior to shedding, the shell will start to appear cloudy and discolored. This is similar to what happens to a snake before it sheds. You will notice when a scutes comes off that if feels much like a thin piece of plastic. Because these layers are made of keratin, they are strong and flexible.

As more and more pieces of shell are shed, a beautiful new shell underneath will be revealed. You will notice that the new shell is shiny and fresh looking. Some turtles have a more brightly colored shell underneath. This can be a fun part of owning a turtle.

Some Final Thoughts

While your turtle is shedding, you should not try to “help” by peeling off layers. Remember, the shell is a living part of the turtle. If the scute is not ready to come off, pulling it off could be painful for the animal. It is better to simply leave the animal alone and let the shedding process happen naturally.

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