Is my baby red-eared slider's shell soft, spotted, or pyramiding?

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

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

It could be some minor shell rot. Use a soft bristled toothbrush and some diluted betadine or chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) to scrub the affected area once or twice daily. Allow for a 1 hour dry dock (out of the water) after each cleaning. Maintain pristine water quality via filtration and regular partial water changes. If the spots do not resolve or if they spread, have Squirtle physically examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. A UVB light source, calcium powder and multivitamin will promote shell health. You can also float a piece of cuttlebone in the tank for him to munch on as needed. It will provide additional calcium. Find the cuttlebone in the Bird section of the local Petco. The link below will provide additional information regarding the care of sliders. http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

Sly's shell does not look bad. The ridge you see is normal. True pyramiding is rare in turtles, that's not saying it doesn't happen. When it does, it is usually a result of poor diet and environment. Pyramiding is much more common in tortoises. YBSs are omnivores. They should be fed mostly greens and vegetables with a small amount of protein in the form of prey such as feeder fish, crickets and earthworms. A commercial pelleted diet supplemented with greens and prey is recommended. Calcium and multivitamin supplements, usually powders sprinkled on food, are necessary. UVB lighting is also critical to shell health.

Thanks for reaching out about Squirt and including a photo. The two most common causes of this are mineral accumulations with hard water and exposed bone. Mineral accumulations you should be able to scratch off with a fingernail. Water source might need to be changed to filtered water or commercially available spring water. Exposed bone is usually due to poor water quality (high bacterial or algal loads) that erode the keratin layer. Water changes need to be made more often, but a veterinary visit is recommended as systemic antibiotics might be required. Good luck.

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

Looks can be deceiving, but the shell looks fine in the picture provided. "Heathy" is more than just a clean shell though. He should be eating and defecating normally, basking regularly and swimming. There should be no redness or pitting on the shell. Provide clean water at proper temp, a basking spot also at proper temp, UVB lighting and an appropriate diet. You can review the article at the link below to confirm correct husbandry. http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html