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Related Articles & Questions
- Home & Habitat
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- Food & Nutrition
We’ve recently bought a pet snail and I’m wondering if we should put calcium rich sand on the bottom of the tank we have some made for hermit crabs and I feel as though he shouldn’t be submerged in water all the time so should I put some down or is h
Calcium rich sand can be used as a substrate for snails. You should still use a calcium supplement though. If you can get a clear image of Gary and post it in a new question, we may be able to identify the species for you.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
- Health & Wellbeing
I have a red eared slider turtle of 5 months old. Recently his shell has become soft from edges is this something i should worried of. And if i am doing something wrong please tell a proper way to pet him.
Sam may not be getting enough calcium and UVB light exposure. This can lead to a soft shell. Make sure he has at least 30-60 minutes of exposure to full, unfiltered sunlight each day or provide a UVB light source in his tank. It should be no more than 12-16 inches from the surface of the basking area depending on the type of bulb. It should not be blocked by glass, plexiglass or fine mesh. The ZooMed ReptiSun bulb is an excellent light source. Feed a commercial pelleted diet and supplement with fresh greens and prey. Dust with a calcium supplement and a multivitamin. Leave a cuttlebone in the tank as a source of calcium that can be munched on when needed. It would appear there may be a vitamin A deficiency based on the swollen eyes in the image posted. Feed red or orange vegetables and dark, leafy greens as these contain higher levels of vitamin A. ZooMed Repti Turtle Eye Drops should also help. You can find it online or in most pet stores. The link below will provide more inform
Updated on August 12th, 2025
- Health & Wellbeing
I have a box turtle that lives outside in a large caged habitat. His shell is dry & cracking on the edges. He also has a sore on top of his head that is dry and flaky. What could be the cause and what treatment would you advise? Thank you, Terri Sy
Box turtles need a fairly humid environment so that may be part of the problem. However looking at the pictures, I'm worried there also may be some nutritional deficiencies. If possible find a veterinarian comfortable treating reptiles to examine Squirtle. In the mean time give him soaks in warm water daily. You can also alternate soaks with carrot juice or green veggie juice. Either buy in the produce section of grocery or make your own by blending warm water with appropriate veggies. They absorb some nutrients this way and usually drink while soaking as well. Make if not humid outside to mist or house part of his enclosure daily. Here is a great article on box turtle care. Remember they can live 50+ years so make an investment in keeping him healthy for a lifelong pet. http://www.anapsid.org/box.html
Updated on August 12th, 2025
- Health & Wellbeing
My tortoise's shell is very weak and wrinckles and there is also some sort of wound on it's shell.What should I do?and also it's whole body skin is wrinckled and I don't have any vetrinary support near my place.
It would appear this turtle, not a tortoise, is suffering nutritional deficiency. Reptiles require UVB lighting, either natural unfiltered sunlight or artificially produced by an appropriate light source, in a addition to an appropriate diet with adequate calcium and vitamin supplementation. All these things will aid in the development and maintenance of a health shell. The deficiency may be reversible, however the shell may be malformed for years to come if it survives. Ideally, this turtle should be examined by a veterinarian. A specialist can be consulted via phone or online to obtain proper treatment information. In general, turtles need clean water, a heat lamp for basking, a UVA/UVB light source and a dry area for basking. Most are omnivores and will eat small prey (feeder fish, worms, crickets), fresh greens and a commercial pelleted diet. As stated above, they also require calcium and vitamin supplementation. You can find general care information here: http://www.austinstur
Updated on August 12th, 2025
- Health & Wellbeing
I have a 15 year old toroise turtle. Her she'll looks dried out. Can I put some avacado or Olive oil on her?
It would be more practical to provide regular baths or soaks in warm water or a 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte. Adequate hydration, UVB lighting, a balanced diet and vitamin/mineral supplementation will all promote shell health as well as overall health.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
