Is my daughter's turtle sick? It's a red-eared slider *Only People Experienced with Red-eared Sliders, please*

A few weeks ago, we were going through our bi-weekly regimine of cleaning their tank (we have 2 turtles). I was doing the dirty cage stuff, and she was in charge of scrubbing their shells. She accidently used hot water to scrub them in, and as a result the larger of the 2 developed pink skin. Especially pink around the underside of her shell. Over the past week, (it is winter, which might explain this part) she hasn't been eating as well, and has been sleeping more. The pink skin hasn't disapated at all. Is this cause for concern?

Is my daughter's turtle sick? It's a red-eared slider *Only People Experienced with Red-eared Sliders, please*
i have a eastern painted slider( about the same as the red ear) mines not eating much right now either but i just changed my water yesterday and put a heater in it. maybe its not eating cause its winter is your water cold (below 70) my turtle ate 4 gold fish yesterday after its water was warm. the pink skin is alittle more serious. i would keep a close eye on it and make sure its not peeling or anything. it might just be a little tender from the hot water. but my turtle has pink armpits if that helps out ..... a question for you have you ever had your turtles shell peel or get white marks. it kinda looks like a dog had it in the mouth. ( i found this turtle crossing the road)
Reply:In my experience with these turtles, their shells do peel on a regular basis. As they grow, they shed the old shell to make room for the new shell-growth. Also xtra calcium and anti-fungal additives to the water is also a good idea Report It

Reply:The reason she is not eating and sleeping more, may be because of the temperature of the water in the tank. If the water is to cold in the tank, the turtles won't eat. The temperature of the tank should be between 75-86 degrees F. If it is lower than that, that is probably what is putting her off her eating and sleeping.





The red skin is due to the hot water on it. If it gets worse, like inflamed or peeling, then you should bring her to a vet that has experience treating exotic animals.





I hope that helps!



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