We know reptiles shed as they grow. Turtles are reptiles, do they shed their shells or is it just their skin? The short answer is yes, turtles shed their shells. Shedding differs from species to species, nutritional status, environmental conditions, and growth rate.
In this article, our goal is to clear the mystery behind turtle shedding; (i) do they shed their shells, (ii) do they shed the skin around their neck, (iii) do all turtles shed, (iv) why do they shed, (v) what happens when they shed and more.
Do Turtles Shed Their Shells?
Yes, turtles shed their scutes, which is the outer layer of the shell. Scutes are plate like scales made from Keratin. As the turtles grow, they produce new scutes beneath the old ones. The previous ones are shed but at times they are retained.
Unlike snakes and lizards, which completely shed their skins, turtles just shed the shells in parts.
Shedding is normal in most aquatic turtles and has a number of benefits including making swimming easier as you will see later in this article.
There are times when peeling of the shell could be an indication of disease or abnormality. If you are a turtle owner, check the shell carefully for any signs of disease.
Here is a short video to show you what shell shedding in turtles look like.
How Often Do Turtles Shed?
Aquatic species of turtles shed their shells annually. Turtles kept at home as pets shed their scutes every 2 to 3 years.
This means that wild turtles shed more frequently than those in captivity. In the wild, turtles have the natural UV light, and a natural diet that aids in shedding. [1]
However, the frequency of shedding differs from species to species, and age as well. Young turtles shed more often than adult turtles. Since young ones are growing faster, they shed more scutes.
In the wild, turtles shed during two main periods. One is before hibernating and the other is right after hibernation. Turtles’ shed before hibernation to prepare for a long period of rest and sleeping. After hibernation, they usually bask in the sun, allowing another shedding to occur.
Why Do Turtles Shed?
1. It’s part of growth
Turtles shed their shells and skin as they grow. This means shedding is part of their growth. As a turtle eats and grows so do their shells, hence more shedding as they grow. A healthy turtle will normally shed their scutes.
2. Shedding helps prevent infections
Shedding helps prevent any infections, parasites, and shell rot. Turtles that spend most of their life in water are prone to infections because the water is mostly contaminated.
3. Helps with swimming
Aquatic turtles shed the scutes to help them swim. Swimming is difficult with a heavy shell. Therefore, shedding enables them to swim easily.
Shedding also helps them get rid of any algae present on their shells. Algae will prevent them from getting enough air and heat to their bodies.
4. To facilitate healing of damaged scutes
Sometimes turtles’ scutes get damaged either by infections or by injuries. They will have to shed these damaged scutes and grow new ones.
What Do Turtles Do When They Shed Their Shells?
When turtles are about to start shedding they will exhibit the following signs:
- Basking more – this helps them absorb UV rays to help them shed the scutes
- Pet turtles tend to rub and scratch their scutes against the wall of the tank they live in.
- Slight changes in texture, and color of the shells.
If you notice any of the signs above, do not attempt to peel off the scutes yourself! Let the turtles shed naturally. Just provide the right diet and environment to accelerate the shedding process.
Turtles may have a hard time shedding so you can take your pet to the veterinarian to help them shed faster.
Do All Turtles Shed?
Not all turtle species shed their scutes. However, all turtles shed skin on their neck, limbs, and head. Most aquatic turtles shed their scutes. Turtles that shed scutes include:
- Painted turtles
- Musk and mud turtles
- Murray river turtles
- Pond turtles
- Map turtles
- Baby turtles
Box turtles and some sea turtles do not shed their scutes. Soft-shelled turtles and the leatherback sea turtles lack scutes. They are covered with thick leathery skin instead of scutes like the aquatic turtles.
Related: How long do turtles live?
Do Turtles Shed Skin On Their Neck?
All turtles shed skin on their necks. It may differ in timing from species to species. This is a normal process that aids in turtles’ growth.
Skin shedding is hardly noticeable because the turtles’ body is mostly covered by the shell. However, it can be seen when turtles are in the water. When this occurs, you will notice small net-like translucent things clinging to the turtles’ skin.
If you notice large clumpy strands hanging from your turtle, this is a sign of excessive shedding. Remember turtles do not shed their skins as a whole like snakes!
This is caused by:
- Excessive water temperatures – This leads to excessive skin shedding. Maintain a temperature of 29 Celsius degrees for your turtle.
- Overfeeding – You have to control the amount of food you are feeding your turtle. If you overfeed the turtle, it grows faster hence excessive skin shedding.
- Excessive Vitamin A – Too much or too little Vitamin A could lead to excessive skin shedding. Ensure the turtle receives the required amount of Vitamin A that is essential for its growth.
- Fungal infections – They could lead to excessive skin shedding of turtles.
- High ammonia levels – Leads to skin damage ultimately causing excessive skin shedding.
- Unclean water – If water is contaminated in any way it could lead to your turtle shedding skin abnormally.
- Antibiotics treatment could cause excessive skin shedding.
To ensure turtles have healthy shedding, always ensure you provide a varied diet, proper water temperatures, provide a platform for basking, and change their water often.
Conclusion
Turtles shed in parts. They will shed the skin on their neck and legs as well as scutes. Scutes are located on the top and bottom shells of turtles. Shedding is an important process for the growth of these creatures.
Turtles need space and support when undergoing the shedding process. A proper diet, adequate UV light, and the right temperature.
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