My turtle's shell looks bumpy. Is it pyramiding? How can I fix it?

I don't think this is anything to worry about. This does not look like shell rot - appears to be a scrape. She may be pyramiding. It is hard to tell from the photo angle. You can't reverse it, but you can prevent it from worsening by making sure the diet is 100% correct, as well as the rest of the husbandry. You can refer to this link: ( http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Red-Eared-Slider-Care-Sheet/ )

Those appear to be normal formations on the shell. The ridge can be seen in some sliders but is not a health concern. You can review slider care at the link below. http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

He should be eating some greens and vegetables as well. Avoid the fish flakes as they are high in protein. Use both a multivitamin powder and a calcium powder on the food. Rep-Cal and Zoo Med products can be found in the local Petco. Make sure the UVB light is not blocked by glass, plexiglass or fine mesh. Depending on the strength of the bulb, place the source between 12 and 18 inches from the surface of the basking area. Provide a piece of cuttlebone to float in the tank as a calcium supplement for when he wants to munch it. If you can provide the species of turtle in a new post, we may be able to provide more accurate and comprehensive advice.

Hi there. It would be most helpful if you could post some photos. Without seeing what you are referring to it makes it hard to say.... That being said, my guess is that you are talking about pyramiding which is not normal. It indicates a nutritional deficiency. Pyramiding is a form of metabolic bone disease (MBD). Usually if you push down on the shell it feels soft in places. If you want to post again with specifics about her diet and some photos that would be best. Take care!

Bobbi looks fine. Pyramiding is not as common in aquatic species as it is in terrestrial species. The wideness of the black lines indicates rapid growth. Ideally, they should be half as wide or even thinner. Continue to provide proper environmental parameters and a balanced diet including animal protein, fresh greens and vegetables and commercial pellets. You can review slider care at the link below. http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

Retained scutes may be caused by poor husbandry. Confirm adequate water quality, temperatures, UVB lighting and nutrition. Make sure the basking area is completely out of the water. Add foods high in vitamin E and calcium to promote shell health. Limit protein as this can cause rapid growth and lead to pyramiding. Monitor for signs of infection such as soft or pitted areas on the shell, fungal/bacterial growth, bleeding or lethargy. The following link will provide more information regarding care and husbandry of sliders. http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

This degree of deformity is likely permanent. It typically is due to a poor diet and improper husbandry. The result you can do is maintain proper environmental parameters and feed a balanced diet including a calcium supplement and a multivitamin. Trimming the nails is also recommended. You can review slider care at the link below. http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Red-Eared-Slider-Care-Sheet/ http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html