Why does a turtle’s shell peel off?
Expert Answer
Shell shedding is usually a normal physiological phenomenon. Turtles need to shed their shells periodically; as their body grows, they shed to adapt to the enlarging body. Turtles generally start shedding 3–4 years after birth, during which the keeper should keep the water clean, provide adequate light, and give the turtle sufficient nutrition.
In addition, shell shedding may also be caused by injury or malnutrition, and this kind of situation requires timely treatment measures for the turtle.
My turtle sheds scutes as he grows and the article's right, it's normal if the shell underneath looks healthy, I keep his water clean, give UVB light, and good food. If the shell looks damaged or he's malnourished, that's not normal shedding and needs care. Mine's molt is clean. Don't peel it yourself, and a vet-exotic checks if the shell looks odd, because injury or deficiency needs treatment, not just waiting, so let it shed naturally.