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When turtles shed their skin.......does it hurt them?????

When turtles shed their skin.......does it hurt them?????

Updated On May 2nd, 2018

Pet's info: Other | Unknown - Other | Male

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

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Shedding is a perfectly normal physiological activity. The old skin is getting too small for the body as it is growing, and old skin does not expand, so new skin forms underneath the old skin and the old skin dries out and is only a dead shell. Getting rid of that dead skin shell is not painful, on the contrary, your turtle will feel a lot better afterwards as the skin is not as tight anymore. Imagine wearing a shirt that is way too tight...that is not very comfortable, is it? Take it off and put on a shirt that fits perfectly, and you will feel a lot better! This is how the turtle feels.

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