How to Repair Turtle Shells

The shell of the turtle is formed by two parts. The carapace is the domed top of the shell, and the plastron is is the flat shell on the bottom. The carapace is often prone to damage, and if a turtle is dropped, has fallen or has been fighting with another turtle, it can develop cracks that can imperil the turtle's health. Repairing minor cracks in the turtle's shell is something that is possible to do at home.

Things You'll Need

  • Box
  • Towel
  • Betadine
  • Water
  • Toothbrush
  • Antibiotic
  • Super glue
  • Vegetable oil spray
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Instructions

    • 1

      Inspect the crack in the shell. Small cracks can be dealt with at home, but if you can see flesh underneath the crack, if the crack is bleeding, or if there is a piece of the shell that is missing, you should take your turtle to the veterinarian.

    • 2

      Dry your turtle. Remove him from his enclosure to a clean, warm box that has been lined with a towel. This may take an hour or so.

    • 3

      Dilute some Betadine heavily with water. You can do this by mixing equal amounts of water and Betadine.

    • 4

      Use a soft toothbrush to apply the Betadine solution to the crack. Be very gentle with your turtle, as this may cause him some discomfort.

    • 5

      Rinse the Betadine solution out with water. Be very thorough.

    • 6

      Apply an antibiotic to your turtle. Tetracycline and enrofloxacin (usually marketed as Baytril) can be obtained from your veterinarian. Remember to use the dosages that are indicated on the bottle or according to your veterinarian's instructions. Depending on the formulation of the antibiotic recommended by your veterinarian, the medication may be injected or given orally.

    • 7

      Apply a small film of super glue to the crack. Ideally, you will not get the super glue into the crack. Instead, it will sit on of the surface of the shell and hold the two edges of the wound together like a bridge.

    • 8

      Allow the super glue to dry completely.

    • 9

      Spray a small amount of vegetable oil to the dry wound area so that substrate will not attach itself to the curing super glue.

    • 10

      Return your turtle to his enclosure. Essentially, the super glue that you have applied to the crack is going to prevent your turtle's shell from moving as he heals it. It will encourage the new shell growth to bridge the crack and create a healed ridge on the shell. For a thin crack, a single application of super glue should be enough to put your turtle on the road to recovery. If the crack gets wider, it is time to consult a veterinarian.