How to Treat a Soft Turtle Shell

1 Causes and Treatment of a Soft Turtle Shell

A soft shell usually has a few causes: poor nutrition (calcium or vitamin deficiency), lack of light, or — in a few turtles — spending too long in the water.

First consider calcium deficiency. Shell hardness depends on the turtle’s calcium level; less calcium means a softer shell. This often comes from a monotonous diet, so mix small shrimp or a pet-specific calcium powder into the feed to replenish calcium.

Second, if the soft shell comes from vitamin or trace-element deficiency, give cod-liver oil by mouth or blend vitamin powder into the feed, and offer more high-protein foods such as fish and shrimp.

Finally, if it is from lack of light, let the turtle sunbathe more — sunlight also helps the body absorb calcium. Place it directly in the sun with some water nearby so it does not dry out. If the weather prevents sun, use a fluorescent lamp for light.

Also, the shell may soften from soaking too long. After ruling out the causes above, take the turtle out of the water onto land for a while. Keep the water level low as well, or the turtle may choke or even drown in addition to softening its shell.

Note: if the soft shell is from calcium deficiency, correction is a slow process. Nutritional soft-shell syndrome normally needs 4–6 months to improve gradually, so be patient with the treatment.