Why Is My Turtle’s Shell Curling Up? Causes and Solutions

As a turtle owner you may notice your pet’s shell starting to curl upward and wonder what’s causing this concerning change. A turtle’s shell curling up can indicate some issues with care that need to be addressed. The good news is that with proper adjustments to diet lighting, temperatures and more, an upward curling shell can be reversed in most cases.

In this article we’ll cover the top reasons a turtle’s shell may begin curling up and what can be done to help get your shelled friend back to optimal health.

Common Causes of Shell Curling in Turtles

There are a few key factors that can lead to a turtle’s top or bottom shell curling upward

Inadequate Lighting

Turtles need adequate access to natural daylight and UVB light to stay healthy. Without proper lighting, their shells can begin curling upward over time. Make sure to provide:

• A minimum of 12 hours per day of natural daylight or a full-spectrum lighting bulb. Use an automatic timer to ensure regular light/dark cycles.

• A UVB light bulb over basking areas. UVB allows turtles to produce vitamin D3 which helps their bodies absorb and utilize calcium.

Improper Temperatures

Different turtle species require different optimal temperature ranges. When temperatures are too low or too high, it can contribute to shell curling over time.

For aquatic turtles like red-eared sliders, aim for:

• Water: 74-78°F
• Basking area: 90-95°F
• Air: 75-80°F

Use submersible heaters and thermometers to maintain correct water temps. Provide basking areas with heat lamps and digital thermometers to monitor temperatures.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Diet plays a huge role in a turtle’s shell health. Make sure to provide:

• Calcium: Needed for proper bone/shell growth. Dust food with calcium supplements.

• Vitamin D3: Allows calcium absorption. Comes from UVB lighting.

• Phosphorus: Important for bone/shell. Found in varied protein sources.

• Balanced CA:P ratio: Ratio of calcium to phosphorus in food should be 1:1 to 2:1.

Feed a varied diet with veggies, quality pellets, and occasional protein sources like crickets, worms, or shrimp.

Poor Water Quality

For aquatic turtles, poor water quality over time can affect shell health leading to curling. Make sure to:

• Do partial water changes 1-2 times per week.

• Use a strong filtration system rated for 2-3x the tank size.

• Test water parameters frequently and correct any issues.

• Keep nitrates under 20 ppm, ammonia and nitrites at 0 ppm.

Fast Growth

Some breeders feed very high protein diets to encourage fast growth. This can cause upward shell curling. Don’t overfeed protein sources, even with babies/juveniles.

Other Causes

Other factors that may contribute to shell curling include dehydration, metabolic bone disease from long-term deficiencies, respiratory infections, and more. Have your vet examine your turtle if the cause is unclear.

Correcting an Upward Curving Turtle Shell

If you notice your turtle’s shell beginning to curl upward, don’t panic. There are steps you can take to help correct it:

Provide Proper Lighting

Get appropriate UVB and daylight bulbs on a 12 hour on/off cycle. Ensure UVB and heat lamps are positioned correctly over basking areas.

Adjust Temperatures

Use submersible heaters and thermometers to maintain ideal water temps. Provide basking areas with heat lamps and thermometers to allow thermoregulation.

Improve Diet

Feed a varied, calcium-rich diet with veggies, quality pellets, occasional treats. Dust food with calcium supplements 2-3x a week.

Fix Water Quality

Keep the water clean with frequent partial water changes, strong filtration, and parameter testing. Correct any issues immediately.

Allow Time to Correct

With improved husbandry, lighting, diet and water quality, the shell should start to flatten over time as new growth corrects it. Be patient.

See a Vet if Needed

If the shell curling rapidly worsens or causes softness/pyramiding, have your turtle examined by an experienced herp vet.

Preventing Shell Curling in Turtles

While shell curling can often be corrected, prevention is ideal to keep your turtle’s shell smooth and healthy long-term.

Provide Proper Habitat Setup

Follow species guidelines for tank size, lighting, temperatures, basking areas, water parameters and more.

Feed a Balanced, Nutritious Diet

Focus on veggies, quality pellets and occasional proteins. Dust food with calcium supplement 2-3 times weekly.

Do Partial Water Changes

For aquatic turtles, change out 25-50% of water 1-2 times per week, along with tank cleaning.

Use Strong Filtration

Invest in a robust filtration system rated for 2-3x total tank volume to keep water clean.

Have Yearly Vet Checkups

Annual exams allow early detection of any health issues. Your vet can also advise optimal care.

Quarantine New Turtles

Isolate new turtles for 30-90 days before introducing, to prevent communicable diseases.

Research Proper Care

Learn all you can about your specific turtle species’ optimal habitat, diet, lighting and care needs.

By providing the very best care from the start, you can help your turtle maintain a nice smooth, properly growing shell long-term. Be observant of any changes and address issues promptly. With a few adjustments as needed over time, your turtle friend can live a long, healthy and happy life!