What does it mean when your painted turtle shell goes soft?

Question

she is 1 year old and her shell went soft...any ideas? she is really tiny..

Answer 1

soft shell could be caused by lack of UV light if you don't have some form of lighting for it that could be the problem  you should really get it one it can also be caused by lack of calcium feed your turtle calcium supplements and i recommend that you bring it to a vet  hope this helps

Answer 2

Metabolic Bone Disease / Soft Shell

Metabolic bone disease (MBD), also known as soft shell syndrome, should be of serious concern to new turtle keepers and for those with young RES. It is a serious but preventable disease brought on by deficiencies of calcium and/or vitamin D3. Early cases are treatable but advanced cases may be too difficult to overcome. It is possible that MBD may have incurred other diseases due to poor diet and conditions.

Calcium is an essential mineral throughout the body and in the bloodstream. It is primarily responsible for the hardness and strength of the shell and bones. A lack of calcium in the blood is hypocalcaemia, which causes the body to take calcium from the bone structure, which in turn greatly weakens it. Though it is normal for calcium to be taken from the bones, it does need to be replenished. A young RES grows at a fast rate and will require a good amount of calcium to compensate for this growth. A gravid female should also receive additional calcium.

Ideally, a RES will get calcium through a proper diet of pellets and certain vegetables that contain a usable amount of calcium. A supplement like cuttlebone can also be offered for additional dietary calcium. Vegetables that contain oxalic acid, like spinach, actually block the absorption of calcium and should never be fed to a RES. Foods and treats that contain more phosphorus than calcium should be used rarely or avoided.

Note: The absorption of calcium is dependent on vitamin D3, which is usually obtained through metabolized UVB rays but can also come from a supplement. Direct, unobstructed sunlight is the best source of UVB rays for your turtle.

If these conditions continue, the bones and shell would eventually soften. This critical situation may be revealed where the shell may be soft in certain areas or all around and may appear deformed. Areas of white discoloring may develop on the shell and shell rot may take hold. The RES may refuse to eat or appear weak and lethargic. Tremors and reflex problems can also be symptoms. The calcium in the diet must be quickly corrected and, if necessary, a vet can inject calcium into the turtle. Overall, calcium and vitamin D3 are easy and inexpensive to provide. There is no justifiable reason for it not to be.

Note: Hatchlings do have slightly soft shells that are pliable. While this is normal, the shells should gradually harden within a few months.

Definatly take your turtle to a vet ASAP!

Answer 3

Try changing the diet. Feed it liver cut in strips and dusted with bonemeal, fishes (not goldfish), and earthworms. Those will all give you calcium and the liver is a great source of vitamin D, if the turtle isn't basking enough in UV light.

Answer 4

It means she's sick and you should probably take it to a vet.