This is a river cooter turtle shell.
The shell is scraped and dried and then washed with soap and water. We put some Lemon Pledge on it before shipping.
Want to display your turtle shell? No problem! You can either drill a hole and hang it with a hook or nail, or attach a hanger to the back. We leave that part to you to keep the shells in their original condition and do not accept returns on any altered turtle shell. Don't worry, it's easy to add a hanger. Just head to your local hardware or arts store and check out the picture frame aisle. Ask a store associate for help, or consider using a plate hanger. It's a quick and simple way to showcase your unique purchase.
River cooter turtles are not an endangered species.
No exports of turtle shells to the European Union due to their laws.
A USFWS export permit is required for all exports outside of the U.S.
We are frequently asked where the turtle shells come from and how they are obtained. Our hatchling shells come from turtle farms. The other turtle shells come from either ranch or wild turtles. Most of the smaller shells up to 6” to 7” long come from turtle farms where the turtles have died from natural causes at the farm. The farm saves them for the woman who cleans them for us and then we sell them. Most of the larger turtle shells come from turtles that are typically trapped in the wild with their meat sold as a delicacy. The turtles were not killed just for their shells. The ranch turtle shells are very clean compared to the wild turtle shells. We will send an assortment of shells unless you specify you want only ranch or wild shells.