A turtle’s shell has feeling. If you scratch a turtle, he’s going to feel it. He can also feel you scratching him. Tortoises and turtles are the same species, but they are not related to each other in any way. They are both members of the turtle family, which is a group of reptiles that includes turtles, lizards, snakes, crocodiles, and alligators.
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How long does it take for a broken turtle shell to heal?
It can take up to 30 months for a shell break to heal. The spaces left between fragments will heal by ossification. Most shell breaks should be treated as if they were not broken at all.
If you have a shell fracture, it is important to get it checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. The doctor will be able to tell you how long it will take for the healing process to complete. If it takes more than a year, you may want to see a specialist.
Do turtles shells grow back?
Turtles are hit by cars and turtles are attacked by wildlife. One of the great things about a turtle shell is that it can heal itself over time, which is why some veterinarians are able to repair broken shells with bonding material. The first thing you should do is get it to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
If you don’t have a vet in your area, call your local reptile rescue group and ask if they can help you find one. You can also call the National Turtle Rescue Network at 1-800-TURTLE (7387) or visit their website at www.nationalturtlerescue.org.
Do turtles like their shell rubbed?
Turtles have nerve endings in their shells and a scratch feels good. Our large sea turtles are no exception. If you see one of the turtles shimmying their shell under a finger of coral, you’ll know they’re just enjoying a good scratch.
Do turtle shells heal if cracked?
Many turtle and pet tortoises can in fact survive with a cracked shell. If given proper attention and allowed to rest and recover, even those with a very severe shell fracture will do just fine. If you are concerned about your turtle’s health, you should consult your veterinarian.
How do you treat turtle shell wounds?
If you have broken shell pieces, you can wrap the turtle with sterile gauze to make sure they are stable. It is possible to place a triple antibiotic on minor wounds to killbacteria and to prevent any from sticking to the shell.
Can shell rot heal itself?
Yes, a turtle’s shell can repair itself but slowly. It heals and grows back, but the important thing is that the wound is treated and the turtle can live a normal life again. Turtles are very intelligent creatures.
They have a very strong sense of smell and they can tell when they are being watched by other turtles. A turtle can also tell the difference between a human and a snake by the color of their skin.
