Hey turtle friends! 🐢💚 Have you ever noticed your turtle's shell feeling soft or a bit squishy?

It can be pretty alarming! From my own experience caring for turtles, I found out that a soft shell usually means they might be low on calcium — and that's a big deal. Let me share what I learned and some simple tips to help your shelled buddy get back to strong and healthy. Ready to dive in? Let's go! 😊

Why does a turtle's shell get soft?

The shell is like the turtle's armor, so when it gets soft, it usually means something's off with their diet or care. The most common cause? Calcium deficiency. Without enough calcium, their shell can weaken and become soft or even misshapen. Sometimes, poor lighting or lack of vitamin D3 can also cause this because turtles need UVB light to absorb calcium properly.

Check your turtle's diet

Feeding your turtle right is super important. I started adding calcium-rich foods like leafy greens (think kale, collard greens) and cuttlebone, which is a natural calcium source turtles love to nibble on. Avoid too many processed foods and focus on fresh, natural options. You can even sprinkle calcium powder on their food once or twice a week to give an extra boost.

UVB light is a must!

This was a game changer for me. Turtles need UVB light to make vitamin D3, which helps them absorb calcium. If they don't get enough, their shells can soften. I made sure to get a good UVB lamp and kept it on for about 10-12 hours a day. Outdoor sunbathing is great too if the weather allows!

Keep the habitat right

Water quality and temperature matter as well. Clean, warm water helps turtles digest food and stay healthy. I keep my turtle's tank clean and maintain proper heat levels, which also supports shell health. A basking spot where your turtle can dry off and soak up heat is super important!

Be patient and consistent

Fixing a soft shell doesn't happen overnight. It took me a few weeks of diet changes, UVB lighting, and proper care to see improvements. Stick with it, and your turtle will thank you with a strong, healthy shell!

Have you ever dealt with a soft shell? 🐢💬

I'd love to hear your stories or tips! Drop a comment below, and let's help each other give our turtles the best care possible.