Is shell rot contagious?

Question

I have three red eyed/eared sliders living in one tank (eight total). And I think my youngest turtle Pete has a case of shell rot. I've been gone at camp for three weeks and my parents were taking care of them, I dont think they did a good job because shell rot comes from bad hygenie or living conditions. Any way I want to know if its contagious so my other in the tank wont get it.

Answer 1

shell rot comes from a lack of UVB which causes the shell to go soft and eventually rot.

its not "contagious" but since you have 8 turtles living in the same tank, im guessing without a UVB lamp, all of your turtles will develop it eventually.

8 turtles in one tank? geez... over crowded much?

Answer 2

shell rot is not but if one has it the others will follow quickly. Shell rot comes from lack of calcium and lack of proper lighting, as well as water conditions like you said. You need proper reptile lighting that mimics the suns rays to harden your turtles shell. you can also get calcium tablets to put in your water that will help harden the shell. When the shell gets soft it will start to get infected and rot away which is very serious and will kill the turtle. get that light on him right away.