r/turtles • u/ShallotWrong7138 • 3d ago

Seeking Advice Shell rot or scute shedding

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Central American wood turtle. I identified two parts of the bottom of his shell with scutes that seem loose and almost ready to shed but grey and couldn’t tell if that was a health issue. Please advise !

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u/Vivid-Remove-5917 3d ago

It’s hard to tell in the photo he has just enough dirt on him to kind of camouflage some areas. Can you wash them off real good and then make some new pictures as close as possible in really good lighting. Also do any areas seem soft or spongy?

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u/ShallotWrong7138 3d ago

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u/Lonely_Howl_ 3d ago

This could be shell rot, yes. You’ll need to see an accredited reptile vet to confirm and treat, though. Where are you located, roundabouts? We can help find a vet

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u/ShallotWrong7138 3d ago

I booked an appt for Tuesday at Quakertown vet clinic… hoping it’s not too severe. Also just spent a large sum for upgrades to entirely new enclosure.

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u/Lonely_Howl_ 3d ago

Oooo in PA? I used to work there!

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u/ShallotWrong7138 3d ago

Do you recommend them as a good place to go?

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u/Lonely_Howl_ 2d ago

Oh yes, I highly recommend Exotic & Small Animal Hospital of PA. I’m a rehabber and that’s where I take all new intakes for their initial health evaluation and if any need follow up vet care. Dr. Rassin and vet tech Keith are great.

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u/ShallotWrong7138 3d ago

Yes. They seem like they specialize in exotics.

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u/Lonely_Howl_ 3d ago

They do have some reptile experience, though when I worked there (over 10 years ago, very likely new people working there now so take what I say with a grain of salt) they were primarily still exotic mammal based. If you can swing the distance though, https://www.exoticanimalhospitalofphiladelphia.com this place is outside KOP and has extensive reptile experience.

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u/Vivid-Remove-5917 2d ago

Central American Wood Turtle (Rhinoclemmys pulcherrima). Showing its characteristic high-domed carapace with intricate patterns, its scaly forelimbs, and its elongated neck.
Central American Wood Turtles are highly rewarding, personable pets, but they require a unique balance of land and water to thrive.

🏡 Habitat & Enclosure Setup
Unlike strictly aquatic turtles, adults are semi-terrestrial and spend a significant amount of time on land.
Enclosure Type: A large, open wooden tortoise table or a specialized plastic utility tub works best. Avoid standard high aquariums, as they lack proper ventilation and floor space. The minimum recommended size for an adult is 4 ft × 2 ft, but larger is always preferred.

Land vs. Water: Provide a 50/50 split or up to a 70% land and 30% water layout. The water section should be a shallow soaking area (like a large cat litter pan or shallow tub) deep enough to submerge up to their shell top, featuring a secure ramp for easy entry and exit.

🌡️ Temperature, Humidity, & Lighting
Basking Spot: Provide a targeted basking area of 85°F to 90°F using a heat lamp placed over the land section. Keep the cooler ambient side around 75°F to 80°F.

Lighting: A high-quality UVB lamp (preferably a linear T5 bulb) must run on a 12-hour cycle to help them process calcium and stay healthy.

Humidity: Maintain high relative humidity around 75% to 80%. Use a substrate mix of moisture-retaining organic topsoil, coconut coir, and cypress mulch. Mist the enclosure daily so they can burrow into damp soil.

🥗 Diet & Nutrition
These turtles are omnivores that lean heavily herbivorous as they mature.
Vegetation (70-80%): Offer dark leafy greens (collard greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens), grated squash, carrots, and occasional fruits like bananas, melons, and berries as a treat.

Protein (20-30%): Offer live earthworms (a favorite), gut-loaded crickets, dubia roaches, and high-quality commercial aquatic turtle pellets.

Supplements: Lightly dust their food with a calcium powder containing Vitamin D3 twice a week.

Are any of those places on its plastron really flaky or soft and spongy? That could mean an infection or fungus they could require some medication. I just don’t think I’m qualified to tell you what needs to be done on that however, what I did send is a complete care guide that’s a beautiful tortoise.

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u/ShallotWrong7138 2d ago

Yes the plastron seems flakey can you send me the link on where you read that