What Does It Mean When Your Turtle Is Shedding White Skin?

Turtles are curious and sometimes complicated creatures. They also need their little lives to be well balanced all around to maintain their turtle health. From what they can eat to where they should live, everything is important. We love them anyway and do everything we can to make sure they are good. So when weird stuff happens to them, we panic. One of those weird things is shedding white skin. What is happening with that? Should we be worried?

What Does It Mean When Your Turtle Is Shedding White Skin?

Like every living thing, turtles shed from time to time. It’s just as normal for a turtle to shed skin as it is for a cat to shed fur. When the skin falls off it will be dry, flaky, and white. It may be a little gross finding old dead turtle skin, but chances are it’s come across a hair or two of yours as well. When a turtle begins to shed, you will probably see it most around its limbs and neck. It happens a lot with young turtles because they are growing. The shedding will lessen as they get older. However, there is another interesting reason why turtles shed.

At one point, all the turtles lived in the water and mud. They would shed to rid themselves of various algae, parasites, and bacteria. So, turtles will naturally shed to keep themselves clean.A turtle shedding white skin is usually not a cause for concern.

How Much Is Too Much?

When a turtle sheds, there will be 4 to 6 pieces (give or take) hanging from its body. It may seem like a lot, but it’s totally normal. The best way to explain if it’s too much would be to look at your turtle when it’s swimming. If it looks like the turtle is enveloped in a translucent sheet all over its body, that’s too much.

Why Would A Turtle Shed White Skin Excessively?

There are several reasons your turtle may be shedding excessive amounts of white skin.

1. The ammonia levels in their tanks are too high.

Turtles are kind of messy. It’s up to us to maintain and clean their tanks. Make sure their filters are clean, change the water, and clean the tank frequently. Do not let their food sit too long either.

2. It’s too hot.

The turtles basking area (where they lie/sit) should be 85 to 90 degrees. Their water needs to be between 75 to 85 degrees. Anything hotter will cause them to overheat and shed to try and cool off.

3. Eating too much.

When turtles eat too much they will grow. A bigger body needs more skin. So they will shed excessively to make room for new skin.

4. Fungus and disease.

These conditions can occur due to several factors. They are serious and could put the turtle in danger of developing, shell rot which can kill it. If the turtle is shedding a lot and is also shedding its shell, see a veterinarian right away.

5. Vitamin Deficiency

Lack of vitamin A can cause turtles to shed excessively. If the peeling skin is accompanied by other things like raw skin or skin ulcers, the turtle is likely lacking needed nutrients. Turtles should have a well balanced diet. Be sure to include foods like leafy vegetables, carrots, and sweet potato to avoid a lack of vitamin A.

Can I Help My Turtle Shed?

Never pick at a turtle’s skin or scutes (the scales  on the shell). It’s better to just let it fall off naturally. If you want to help your turtle, make sure to keep its tank in good condition. Make sure it has enough water to swim and room to bask. Keep the tank clean. Feed them a well balanced diet.

Can I Give My Turtle A Bath?

Absolutely. In fact, bathing your turtle is especially important for their shell health. Plus, they have nervendings in their shells, so it feels nice. Turtles tend to get algae build up and general dirt from their tanks. It’s important to help get rid of the algae when you see it.
The bath does not need to be a long, involved process. Just a few simple steps will have your turtle sparkling in no time. Grab a bucket, a rinse cup, and warm water (not hot), toothbrush, and gloves.

Do not put the turtle in the bathtub, sink, or anywhere else you may use for food (salmonella transfer). Do not use any soap or chemicals, this will harm the turtle. Put on the gloves and, holding your turtle with one hand , gently scrub its shell. Once all debris is cleaned, rinse the turtle and brush with the warm water. Then gently brush the limbs and around the neck. Rinse again.

While holding the turtle make sure not to turn them upside down or jumble them as this will cause stress. Put your squeaky clean turtle back in its tank. After the bath, it’s important to clean up properly. Dump the dirty water down the toilet. Clean the container very well with hot water and a splash of bleach or pet tank cleaner. Do not use the bucket for anything else except the turtle. Toss out the toothbrush. Dispose of the gloves and wash your hands.

How Do I Keep My Turtle’s Tank Clean?

One of the most important things you can do for your turtle is to keep their tank tidy. It’s the least fun part of owning a pet like this. But here is a set guide to getting it done in an orderly way.

1. Always wear gloves.

2. Each day, a net should be used to remove any uneaten food and turtle poop.

3. Every 2 to 3 days the pH level should be tested. It should be at a neutral  level of 7 to 8. Anything less is acidic, anything more, alkaline. Neither is good for the turtle.

4. At least once a week, old water should be taken out and fresh water put in. Make sure the water is lukewarm.

5. At least 2 times a month, the entire tank and everything in it should be cleaned. This includes the filter. Start by relocating your buddy to a safe container. Then:

6. Unplug any lamps, filters, etc.

7. Take rocks, furniture, etc. out, put them in a bucket and let them soak in warm water.

8. Take the tank outside to drain the water. Spray out with the hose.

9. Make a cleaning solution with warm water and vinegar ( tank cleaner can also be purchased). Do not use bleach or chemical cleaners.

11. Douse a sponge with the vinegar solution and scrub out the tank. Pay extra attention to the corners and bottom.

12. Rinse thoroughly.

13. Leave the tank to dry while you clean the filter and scrub the rocks and furniture with the vinegar. Rinse.

14. Return the empty tank to its place, then reassemble and fill with clean, warm water.