Turtle With Respiratory Problem - 04/19/06
Hey, I just came across your site in time to either save my turtle or make
me worry for nothing. I purchased a baby red eared slider and a baby map
turtle in florida from a pet store in the beginning of March and traveled
back to PA via car with them. They were doing fine - the map turtle was
always more active and social than the RES. Currently they are in a 10
gallon tank that has a filter, UVA/b lamp, as well as a basking lamp. There
is a huge basking rock as well as fake plant life for them. We have one
fish in there with them cause the other 4 died while cleanings were taking
place. Recently, my RES (which is not growing as fast as the map turtle)
started to shed a on his limps and neck. I was debating on calling the vet
and then it wasn't happening as much. I figured that was a good sign. NOW -
my turtle is making these squeaking noises which were cute before I read a
previous posting on this site. I moved the basking lamp closer to the rock
so the turtle could feel the heat. It made this coughing sound and mucus
came up. It is 8 pm here and I cannot call a vet. I am in college so going
to one would be difficult kind of. I need immediate advice because I really
want my turtle to survive! Could you give me any words of advice!
Jen
<Check the temp. of the basking site. It should be between 85 and 100 F.
This will help but antibiotics and a visit to a qualified vet are your best
bet.-Chuck>
Poor Painted Turtles - 03/22/06
I have 2 red eared sliders that I've been raising for about a year now and
their doing awesome but now my sister brought to me her 2 painted turtles
she got this summer and they have not grown at all! Their probably the size
of a quarter still. She never had a light or warm water or anything for them
and now I have to take care of them. I have no clue what to do with them and
I feel bad for them! All I have right now is one cage, so I put them in with
my red eared sliders. They're probably 3-4 inches and their a male and
female but I don't think their even one yet? Can they reproduce?
< Probably not until next year.>
Is it okay for the baby painted turtles to be in the tank with them?
< No, red eared sliders are very aggressive turtles and will hog all the
food and intimidate the smaller turtles to the point to they will not eat.>
What should I do to help them grow?
< Start treating them like you RES's when they were small and give them the
TLC they deserve.>
When I pick them up I can actually feel their legs moving through the center
of their shell on the bottom in the center. I think their not in good shape?
What can I do? Help me please!
< Start by giving them their own tank. Set up a basking site that gets at
least 85 to 90 F. Start to give them ZooMed Aquatic Turtle food for
hatchlings along with some small washed earthworms. Basking and proper diet
with start to harden the shell and get them back on track.-Chuck>
Water Turtle With Swollen Eyes - 03/18/2006
My turtle {Florida yellow bellied turtle} has sore swollen eyes with over a
week, she's not eating. I have put water freshener into the water but it is
doing no good. What will I do. I have no vet in my area.
< Change 50% of the water, vacuum the gravel, and clean the filter. Add a ZooMed
Dr Turtle Sulfa Block to the water. Get ZooMed Turtle Eye Drops for the eyes.
Check the temperature of the basking site. Should be 85 to 90 F. If it is a
smaller turtle then get ZooMed Aquatic turtle food for hatchlings. If is a
larger turtle then get the adult formula. They are different. Adults need more
vitamins, minerals and a more vegetarian diet than younger turtles. A vitamin
deficiency has caused the eye problems. After the eyes have cleared then your
turtle should start eating again.-Chuck>
Re: Turtle With Eye Problems - 04/08/06
Thanks for the advice. Is it okay for my other turtle, who is very
healthy, to be in water that warm too because they both live in the same
tank?
< Bacteria that cause infections do not like changes in temperature. It is
like you getting a fever when you are sick. Turtles can only change their
body temperature by moving to warmer or colder locations. If your turtle
gets sick , then he will not have the option to change his temperature if
the entire tank is the same temp.>
Also, we have been using ophthalmic ointment for the eye for my sick turtle
and it has been working very effectively the left eye has cleared up a lot
in just a
couple of days. The right eye is still pretty swollen but it has gotten a
lot better. Do you recommend that we keep using the ointment or do you think
we should get the eye drops that you recommended for us to get?
< The medication I recommended is specifically made for turtles. I am not
familiar with the medication you are currently using so I really can't
comment except I am glad your turtle is getting better.>
Also, can these be symptoms of a respiratory problem? Should we take him to
a vet or should we just wait for both eyes to clear up so that he can see
and eat again?
< Respiratory problems usually involve breathing problems, bubbles from the
nose, can't sink while swimming and wheezing. This problem needs a
vet.-Chuck>
thanks lots
Female Turtle Acting Weird 2/13/06
Hi guys , first let me say great web site, very informational. Unfortunately
I couldn't find anything here or on the net that was in relation to my current
problem.
I have had 2 RES for about three years now. Someone left them behind in a little
plastic Chinese soup container in a hotel that I was working in. There were
originally 3 all about the size of a half dollar. I guess when the parents
found out that the turtles carried salmonella or that they were illegal they
left them behind. I took them in as nobody else wanted them and nobody claimed
them.
Little did I know what I was getting myself into. There were originally 3, 1
died shortly afterwards. Thanks to the WWW I figured out it was respiratory. The
other two have thrived. We went from a 10 gallon tank to a 20 and now they are
in a 55 gallon. We have one female who is now 4 times the size/weight of our
small male. Both get along fantastically, no problems, the male has been
"flirting" with her for about 2 years now, she on the other hand can't be
bothered, with one swoop of her leg she sends him flying across the tank and he
lets it drop. It really is quite comical.
For some reason all of a sudden the big female is splashing at the back of the
tank...constantly....like all night long and all day too. When she gets tired
she does bask and that's when there is peace again. The male just goes with the
flow, constantly following her or actually riding on top of her as she is so big
and he is so small. No aggression towards him at all. We don't know why she is
doing this, she is healthy, no running eyes, no running nose the shells are in
good shape, no lumps and still passive when I hold her. She is however,
squeaking whenever her head is out of water. She squeaked when we first got her,
but that was occasionally, now it's a constant when she surfaces. Have you any
idea what is wrong? And how we can rectify this? I seriously don't think its
health related, she is disrupting the input/output tubes in the tank and moving
the heater around. Since these tubes are suction cupped strongly to the tank it
takes quite an effort to do this. So all night long it's the banging of her
shell against the tank when she is dislodging these tubes and the heater and
when that's done, she splashes. One other notable thing is that she is getting
on her basking dock in the middle of the night too. There are no lights on in
the room or the tank when this occurs. My tank is a 55 gallon, I have UV light,
the temp is 76-78 degrees, basking temp approx 85 and a strong canister
Fluval 404 filter. Her shell length is about 7" the little guy is about 4.5".
Their diet consists of pellets mostly, some light veggies now and then, freeze
dried shrimp for treats (1-2 times a week) and sometimes feeder fish (once every
month or two). I add a calcium block about once a month, they both usually eat
that by the end of the week. This same "splashing occurrence "happened last
month, she even stopped eating for the week she did this, I tempted her with
everything to no avail, until I put the feeder fish in. I am still shuddering
from that massacre scene) Then she settled down. The ph is normal or as close as
normal and she is eating this time, but the splashing is non stop. Since the
tank is so big, I have it in my bedroom, there was no other place to fit it. So
now I'm losing sleep, which makes me grumpier than my turtles. :)
Another thing in case this is Winter/Spring related, I reside in New York and
this has been an extremely mild winter for us. There has been no snow and the
bulbs are already coming out of the ground as of last week and everything has
buds on it, this doesn't occur until late March for us. Of course we are
expecting our first blizzard today, so that pretty much takes care of the
budding process. I'm sure you appreciate the weather report with all this info.
;)
I apologize for the long letter, but I wanted to give you as much information
as I could. I appreciate any kind of help or advice that you can offer.
Thank you in advance for all your help, Pat
< Feed her three to four times a week as much food as she will eat in one
sitting. Siphon out any remaining food. As turtles get older they require less
animal matter and more plant matter in the diet. Try offering a diet with some
kale and spinach in it. She could be pregnant and looking for a sandy place to
lay her eggs. Get a square plastic tub at the hardware store and fill it will
sand almost up to the top. Get some washed red bricks and support the tub in the
water with the bricks so the water level is just below the edge of the tub and
the female turtle can get in there if she wants too. You may have to provide a
ramp too. Put the basking light on over the sand and she if she starts to dig a
pit to lay her eggs.-Chuck>
Floating Turtle In Trouble 2/13/06
Hi, I was hoping you could answer a question or two about my turtle's
behavior: 1) it makes bubbling noises, and bubbles from it's nose repetitively
at the surface of the water, and 2) he swims below water as if one side of his
body is floating up, or one side is heavier. I don't have a problem with a
turtle that has a lilting swimming stroke, but if it's a health problem I'm
pretty concerned! Have you heard about either behavior? Is this a
problem? He's about a year old, seems pretty healthy and happy otherwise.
Thanks in advance, Neil
< You turtle has an internal/respiratory infection and needs to see a vet. Check
the temperature of the basking spot. It should be at least 85 F.-Chuck>
Wormy Turtle Tank 2/13/06
Hi guys, I am lately finding very tiny red worms in the water when I clean
the habitat of my RES? Is this a parasite? What should I do? Thanks, Therese
< Could be a parasite. Clean the tank and treat with Fluke-Tabs. This will kill
any worms in the water. If you still find worms then take a fecal sample to a
vet for analysis and further treatment if needed.-Chuck>
WOW! Turtle Knows How To Type 2/7/06
Hello, My name is Terra and I am a 4 year old female yellow bellied
slider. Recently some pink patches have appeared on my skin around my neck and
shoulders. Although I feel healthy I would like to know what this is and how to
get rid of it. My friend Tim, who lives in the same tank with me seems to be
ok. Any ideas? Best regards, Terra
< You are suffering with a bacterial infection. Get your owner to clean the tank
and the filter. Have them treat the affected areas with ZooMed's Repti Turtle
Sulfa Dip and place a Dr. Turtle Sulfa Block in the water.-Chuck>
Turtle With Dented Shell 2/3/06
Hello, A couple of years ago I sort of 'inherited' an RES from someone who
bought it on a whim and wasn't taking good care of it. Although I don't
know much about turtles I think I have provided Luigi with a good life; good
sized tank, variety of foods, heat lamp, basking spot, etc. However, Luigi
seems to have a problem with his shell. Ever since I have known this
turtle, his shell has a large dent in one side and smaller one on the other
side. The shell is not round; its concave on the sides. I always
thought this was normal but people have commented that it seems weird.
Luigi seems quite healthy to me, is active, has a huge appetite, and has a
generally healthy look about him. He has grown steadily, quite a bit. Do
you think I should be worried about the dents? They have not changed in
size in the several years I've been caring for him. Thank you! Lucy
< When turtles are young they are often poorly cared for and a result is a
deformed shell. Later when they receive proper treatment the results of their
poor up bringing are evident in the shell. Over time it will become less
noticeable, but will probably never be completely normal.-Chuck>
New Turtle Problems 1/25/06
Hi, Guys: I recently purchased a RES hatchling for my 6 year old. We have had
him for about two weeks. He is in a 29 gallon tank, with a basking dock, filter
and UVB source. The water is usually between 76 and 81 degrees. I am worried
that he might be ill. He does not beg for food. In fact, I am not even sure that
he is eating all that much. Initially, he was pretty active. Now, he lays on the
dock a lot and rarely opens his eyes. When he is placed in the water, he swims
frantically around. I have offered him a variety of food including spinach,
romaine lettuce, strawberries, carrots, turtle treat (which is chicken based),
pellets and I put feeder guppies in the tank two weeks ago -- they are still
there. So, my questions are:
Do these symptoms seem representative of an illness>?
<Little turtles should be pretty active little chow hounds. The basking site
needs to be at least 85 to 90 F. Check it with a thermometer. Use Zoo Med Repti
Turtle Eye Drops to clear up the eye infections.>
How much should a hatchling (who is no more than two inches) be eating?
< Put the food in the tank once each day. If the turtle does not eat it then
take it out. When he is active and eating feed him enough food so that all of it
is gone in a few minutes once each day. I would use Zoo Med Aquatic Hatchling
Turtle Food. Young turtles need more meat than the adults. Use this food with
mealworms and washed earthworms.>
Any other tips?
< Get a book for quick on the spot references. Zoo Med has a very inexpensive
little book on water turtles with lots of good information.-Chuck>
I really would like to take care of this little guy.
Thanks, Jillian
Sick Baby Turtle 1/18/06
Hi, I just bought a little baby turtle from the pet store. His eyes are now
swollen and he won't eat. I have a basking light that I leave on almost all day.
Also I add a liquid vitamin to the tank. What should I do?
< Clean the tank and change all the water. The basking area should get up to at
least 85 F. Leave the lights on no longer than 12 hrs per day. Treat with Zoo
Med Repti Turtle Eye Drops. Feed Zoo Med Aquatic Hatchling Turtle Food and
washed earthworms when he can see.-Chuck>
Sick Turtle Under A Vets Care 1/10/06
Bob, I adopted a very sick turtle from a Pet Store. I have taken her to a Vet
and I am giving her shots daily (0.16cc in the front leg muscle for 30
days / Cefotazime Sodium Inj. 50 mg/ml (5cc) and also she is getting 0.11cc by
mouth once a day for 5 days, which is to be repeated in 2 weeks /
Fenbendazole Susp. 100mg/ml (2cc). I am trying to feed her by mouth with a
syringe of baby food (carrots, peas,
a little chicken) but I am afraid to give her to much. She just seems to want
to spit it out. Do I need to put it back farther in her mouth. I am just
afraid she is going to get to weak to swallow. Please let me know what I
should or shouldn't be doing.
I have her in a 10 gal. aquarium with both a heat lamp and a UVB light. She
has a large flat rock to climb on to get out of the water. The water has
been staying around 80 degrees.
Any advice would be so appreciated. Thank you, Pam
< With all these medications you should really be working with your vet on this.
You did not mention the diagnoses so call your vet for further advice for this
very sick turtle. Most people wouldn't care about a sick turtle, this makes you
a very special person. Good Luck.-Chuck>
New Turtle Found - 01/09/2006
Hi. I've tried the Google search, but I need more detailed help and info,
please. =) I found a tiny baby turtle laying on the ground outside by my car
this morning. He was non-responsive and has been throughout the day. I have
never owned a turtle and I know nothing about them. Although I'm in FL, it's
been really chilly the last couple of days. (Thick sweater weather.) If I'm
cold, I know this tiny creature must be freezing. What can I do to nurse him to
health? He moves slightly if I touch him but he doesn't open his eyes at
all. He doesn't walk or swim, but, he did very briefly open his tiny mouth and
then he promptly shut it. Please help! =)
<Get the turtle in a shallow dish of fresh water. Just enough to cover his
shell. Provide a ramp on to which he can crawl out of the water. At the top of
this ramp provide a plant bulb that is hot enough to heat the spot at the top of
the ramp to 85 F. If the eyes are swollen or inflamed then treat them with Zoo
Med Repti Turtle Eye Drops. When his eyes are open and he starts to move around
you can feed him small washed earthworms or a commercial baby turtle food that
you can get at a local pet shop.-Chuck>
Baby Turtles With Problems 1/7/06
Hi, I have 4 baby turtles (RES) and two of them have eye infections. I wasn't
sure if I should separate the sick ones from the other two. One of the sick
turtles aren't eating for over 2 weeks and I am very concerned. How can I make
him eat ? :( Thank you.
Please help .
<Keep the turtle's water clean. Make sure the basking spot gets up to at least
85 F. Use the proper lighting for vitamin development. Use Zoo Med Repti Turtle
Eye Drops and feed Zoo Med Hatchling Aquatic Turtle Food. They may have a
vitamin A deficiency too. Chuck>
Turtle Ingesting Non-Aquatic Silicon
Hello, My RES swallowed a piece of cured silicone (used 3 weeks ago to affix
basking shelf to tank) about a half hour ago. I knew I should have razored this
particular bumpy piece down, but did not. My concern is that the
silicone used was not aquarium silicone (I know, I am feeling quite foolish and
guilty as with all the research I do I should have known better). It is "100%
silicone rubber sealant - mildew resistant". I have just read on the internet
that the "mildew resistant" types contain arsenic and are toxic (to humans) if
swallowed. So far he has not displayed any behavior out of his ordinary. Have
you ever heard of another turtle ingesting silicone and, if so, was he harmed by
the ingestion? Will the piece break down in his system or become impacted? I
am feeling very guilty and concerned. Any information or advice would be so
very much appreciated!! Thank you.
< Never heard of a turtle eating silicon but it doesn't surprise me. Hopefully
the silicon will pass. I don't think it will be digested. It may block the
intestines and cause a problem depending on how big the piece was. This would
require the attention of a vet.-Chuck>
|
Small Australian Turtle Needs Help
Hi, I recently got a penny turtle, it had been run over by a bike
and I was given it. I think its a *Emydura subglobosa* but I don't have
a photo of its belly yet so I've done a bit of guessing with the keys. I
have a small tank 21x35cm (will be getting a bigger one, just not yet),
a basking rock, UVA/UVB lamp and am trying to give it a varied diet
(carrot, fish pellets, mince). The temperature ranges from 79F at night
to 82F during the day. Yesterday morning I noticed it didn't open one of
its eyes for quite some time, and when it did there seemed to be a
whitish lesion on it. On closer inspection with the naked eye I can't
tell if its on the eyeball or upper eyelid. The turtle scratches it
periodically with its front limb, it doesn't blink the eye as often as
the other one and seems to have a reduced range of movement in that eye.
To me it seems like an ulcer - whether bacterial or fungal I can't tell
and I'm not sure it was traumatic as I don't remember it being there
when I first got it. I'll try to attach a photo of it. No vets are open
today on Sunday. My question is -are human eye antibacterial
creams/ointments too strong/too weak for a turtle?
<ZooMed already makes eye drops for turtles with infected eyes like
yours. Human eye drops are usually weak boric acid solutions. Call the
vet tomorrow and get a recommendation to be sure.>
Would they be worth trying if I can't get to the vet until tomorrow?
< Before you go to the vet, get some Repti Turtle Eye Drops by ZooMed.
Follow the directions on the package. Make sure the basking spot gets up
to about 85 F. Your turtle may have a Vitamin A deficiency and need some
food that is high in vitamin A. Try some kale or spinach in addition to
a commercial turtle diet. Add some earthworms too when your turtle is
better and able to eat.-Chuck>
cheers Colleen |
|
 |
Turtle With Prolapsed Colon 12/15/05
Ok, I've had my snapper turtle (I think its an alligator snapper) for like
1-2 years now. I got him when he was small, anyway, today I am cleaning his
tank and when I picked him up he had what appears to be a pink sack on the
bottom of him, near his butt. Please tell me what's wrong and write back ASAP.
< When we keep pets we usually feed them once a day. Sometimes this can be a
pretty big meal. Especially when the turtle is acting like it is starving. When
turtles eat a lot at one time then this puts stress on the rest of the digestive
tract. Instead of small bowel movements many times a day you get one large one
that may take some of the colon tissue with it. I believe that this is what you
are seeing. Try smaller feedings many times per day to see if will go back in.
If not then you may need to see a vet for further advice. Try the Calif Turtle
and Tortoise club at tortoise.org for possible other solutions.-Chuck>
Turtles Not Doing Well 12/13/05
Hi WWM guys. I own a young male map turtle. Recently I had to leave him with
my brothers map turtle, who despite being my turtles brother, is larger and more
dominant at the same age. Since my turtle has returned to his aquarium he has
barely eaten and the majority of his food is going to waste. He sleeps and hides
a lot more than usual, and I'm concerned as to why his behaviour has changed. My
brother suggested he was not eating large amounts when he was with him, as the
other turtle was picking up most of the food. He seems happy when he is awake,
but just worried something may not be right. Any ideas?
< When two turtle of different sizes come together one dominates the other for
resources. This includes food and a basking spot. This also stresses the smaller
turtle to the point that they may become sick. Check the temperature of the
basking spot with a thermometer. As the days grow cooler it may not be as warm
as it needs to be. It should be up around 85 F. See if that helps. Chuck>
Sick/Blind Turtle 12/5/05
Hi, Guys! I read all the posts and this is different. I bought four baby RES
two weeks ago. After I put them in the tank (new tank, floating dock, rocks,
UVA/UVB reptile light on side of tank, 2 10W incandescent on top) that one
was blind. Or rather, where his eyes should be are two beige areas, with the
same markings as his head. He basked a lot, and was reluctant to swim much.
He doesn't eat. I've tried krill, chicken, pellets, apple, worms, etc. Put it
wet, right by his nose and he doesn't sniff. He wipes his head a lot, too, when
feeling active. Every day I think he'll be dead, and every day he is on the
floating dock, head tucked in, and not eating.
He started gaping a week ago. No discharge, just gaping, usually after swimming
a bit. He never dives, just paddles a bit, and then finds the dock again. Then
gapes a few minutes. This isn't good is it? I read some posts today and put him
in a sulfa dip bowl, with a basking rock, and a 100 watt light 12 inches away.
Can I pry his mouth open, and if I do, what should I try to feed him? Thanks,
Kate
< He won't eat until he can see. He has a respiratory infection. You can get
some Turtle Eye Drops from Zoomed and some vitamins as well. The respiratory
infection may require antibiotics from a vet. Check the basking spot with a
thermometer. It should be around 85 to 90 F. When he can see and is going into
the water on his own then he is ready to feed.-Chuck>
Turtle Needs Heat And Lighting in Ireland 12/7/05
Chuck, Thanks for your help with my earlier e-mail. I should probably have
explained that I live in Ireland and have not been able to locate a pet store
which sells heat lamps. I have lowered the water temp. but am unable to heat the
basking area. My slider hasn't eaten in six weeks and is starving to death. He
won't open his mouth for me or the vet so we are unable to feed
him.
We have tried to physically open his mouth but its impossible. The most we have
been able to get into his mouth are a few drops of Vitamin A. When we did manage
to get a quick look inside his mouth it appeared that his tongue was all swollen
and covered with a white/cream colour lumpy substance (from the internet info. I
have been able to locate this appears to be
mouth rot ). I am so desperate to help him but no-one here knows anything about
turtles.
Do you or any of your friends know how I can open his mouth to feed him or have
any suggestion as to what I can do to help him. He is so thin and wasted looking
that I don't think he has much longer. Sorry for all the questions but you are
my only hope. Sincerely, Laura
< Go to a nursery that sells indoor plants and get an indoor full spectrum light
bulb. Place it close enough to the basking spot so it heats the area up to 85F.
Go online to Drsfostersmith.com and see if they are able to ship to Ireland.
Then order what you need.-Chuck>
Turtle With Little Worms 12/2/05
Hi, I have recently noticed tiny white parasites that are swimming in my RES
habitat. I have a 55 gallon for him. They look to me to be round and mostly on
the glass, but they are throughout the environment. I was wondering if you have
any info as to what these are and how I can get rid of them? Could they be some
sort of worm, like I have read about on your forum?
< Treat the tank with Fluke-Tabs to remove them. Take a fecal sample to a
qualified veterinarian that deals with turtles and see if there is an internal
parasite problem.>
Chubby has had a great appetite but I noticed today that these parasites are
eating his pellets, in turn my RES is ingesting them also. What could come of
this?
<Hopefully they are really not parasitic and just a by product or contaminant
that came in with some food or substrate.>
These parasites are so annoying and disgusting. I have been looking for some
answers but haven't found anything that really sounds like what I'm dealing with
here. My turtles health has been excellent and I would like to keep that way.
I'm not sure what ingesting these could do to him. Please help ASAP!!
I do have some big rock on the bottom that I'm going to take out, to hard to get
the yuk out of the bottom. What would you recommend for the substrate, I would
like to put some sand down, if so what kind and where should I purchase it?
< I would recommend a very fine well rounded non-abrasive sand. The small size
means a smaller pore space between the sand grains and less junk getting trapped
in there. Get it from an aquarium shop.-Chuck>
Also, I don't have any live plants or fish in with him. Thanks for any
information that you could give me. Tammy
Turtle With Heavy Breathing 11/28/05
Hey, I have a question about my red eared slider turtle. I just noticed
today that he is making an odd crying noise every time he sticks his head out of
the water to breathe or bask, is this a problem I should be concerned about?
<Respiratory problems are associated with weird noises, bubbles or mucus from
the nostrils. Increase the temp of the basking spot by moving the source closer
or increasing the wattage. Give vitamins as directed on the bottle. If it gets
worse you may need to see a vet for antibiotics.-Chuck>
Turtles, Eye Infections, Lack of Appetite - 11/26/2005
Hi
<Good afternoon.>
I have two yellow belly turtles who have an eye infection. Their eyes are
getting better (antibiotic/eye drops) but they have now stopped eating. Any
suggestions as to what I can do.
<You might try feeding something more appetizing than your current offerings;
bits of fish or shrimp, perhaps. And do please take a look at our turtle
articles and FAQs for other feeding ideas.>
Thanks
<Wishing you well, -Sabrina>
RES question/s 11/21/05
Hello Bob.
<Kati>
my
<Beginnings of sentences are capitalized>
name is Kati,
<As are proper nouns, like your name>
i
<I>
have a Red eared mud slider who I have had for 6 years. Recently I have noticed
a discoloration of the top of my turtle's shell. Its much paler that the rest of
his shell; however, its inside of the shell and can not be washed off or felt.
Any type of information that you may have will be greatly appreciated thank you
Kati
<Please read here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/turtledisfaqs.htm
and the linked files above. Bob Fenner>
Should turtles be sold to children? 11/21/05
Hello
Just call me dribble. I have a RES , his shell is about an inch and a half in
width. He is still is a baby. His shell is getting a bit soft. How do I feed
him? He won't eat cheese. He will just eat meat. Please hurry and reply.
-Dribble-
<Please read here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/turtledisfaqs.htm
and the linked files above. Bob Fenner>
More turtle questions and poor English 11/21/05
Hi I love your website it is so helpful...I have 2 questions for you, first
question: How long does it take for Red Ear Sliders to grow? (I've had mine
about 7 months and it hasn't grown at all)...second question: My R.E.S. shell
has
kind of a pink tint to it and looks like it's really dry, what could this be?
Please respond back as soon as possible. Thanks and I could send pictures if
needed...
<Please read here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/turtledisfaqs.htm
and the linked files above. Bob Fenner>
Red Ear Slider 11/21/05
We recently purchased red ear sliders and thought all was going well, until
recently. We recently noticed that they have a pinkish-purple color on their
shell, but nowhere else. Is this bad? Could their be some type of infection?
What is the best way to treat this if this is a problem? Also, what and how
often is the best thing to feed them?
Thanks
Sara
<Still read here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/turtledisfaqs.htm... and the files
linked above. Bob Fenner>
Soft Shell on Non Soft Shell Turtles 11/10/05
I have two baby painted turtles they are about 3 months old. There are two
things that concern me and was wondering if you could help. The first one (which
isn't serious because I believe I know what's wrong) is that the bottom of the
shells are very very soft. I believe its because they are still small and are
still growing or it could be because they just shed and we weren't aware of it.
< Soft shells are never a good sign. Make sure they have a good basking site to
get out on.>
<<Kind of like how soft teeth are never a good sign? MH>>
And the second problem is. The one turtle has a lump on the right side of its
neck. The problem didn't start until after he ate guppies (we believe). We know
he ate the fish because the one guppy in the tank was pregnant and when we
looked there was only 1 baby guppy and I know that guppies have more than one
baby. Now I believe that the lump is from the scales of the fish, I think the
turtle is too young to digest the scales. This happened to my snake and in the
end the lump killed him.
I don't want this to happen to my baby turtle and there are no vets around
here that specialize in turtles. I also believe he may have a cold because his
eye is very infected. We are already taking care of the eye, and we are putting
calcium blocks in the water for the shell. But the most concern is the lump.
Please help ASAP. Also my other turtle the abandoned one, the shell rot is gone.
Thanks a million :) Sincerely, Jessi Rae
< The soft shells and lumps in the neck may both be a sign of a vitamin
deficiency. Get some reptile vitamins and increase the warmth on the basking
site. Get a thermometer and check it. It should be around 90 F.-Chuck>
Blind Red Eared Sliders 10/9/05
About a month ago I adopted two sightless RES's. According to the rescue
organization they became blind when someone other than themselves allowed them
to hibernate without the proper experience and they developed eye infections
that left them blind. When I originally got these two guys, the rescue
organization had over-looked shell rot on one of their plastron's which I have
been treating and have seen progress and healing. I feed then in their own
separate containers and one has been eating very well (the one with the shell
rot).
The other one I have yet to see eat. They have plenty of water plants in the
tank so I don't think he'll starve to death but I would like to know if you can
give me any tips on what to do, to encourage him to eat. I've tried turtle
pellets, crickets, koi pellets, cichlid pellets, pinkies, red worms I have in my
kitchen composting my kitchen waste, pureed salmon I have mixed with egg and
then cooked, feeder fish I have killed immediately before feeding and who knows
what else I can't think of right now - but nothing entices him to eat.
The other one has a taste for anything and everything but pellets. The rescue
organization told me they were totally self sufficient, living in a pond with
sighted turtles and left to their own devices. I can't believe this is true.
Just this last week I started feeding them three times a week from feeding them
every day.
I'm hoping you can give me some pointers on feeding these two - I don't trust
the rescue I got them from. They said I was babying them and had ruined all the
hard work they had devoted to these two to make them self sufficient and wanted
them back - I said no and cut off my correspondence with them.
HELP!!! These are my first turtles and I am already attached to them. Am I
being selfish by keeping them? - should I return them to the rescue, as they
suggest? Any thoughts? Please. Thanks in advance. - Thomas
< Heat the tank to 70 F with an aquarium heater. Make sure the basking spot gets
up to at least 90 F. They will be attracted to the heat and bake away. They need
the excess heat to digest their food and fight diseases. After heating up for
awhile their appetite should come around.-Chuck.>
Turtle Kept too Warm - Have Them Take Off the Turtlenecks! (Blind RES
Follow-up) 10/10/05
Thanks Chuck for your speedy response - They are in a 90 gallon tank and the
water is heated between 78 and 82, the basking area is 18" x 18" with a 7" ramp
in the water. The dock is about 96 at it's hottest spot. I dry-dock them every
day for most of the day. Am I keeping the water too warm?
< Turn down the heater to 70 F>
Should I leave them alone for a week or so and see what happens?
< Turtle know when they need to bask and when they don't. I would leave them
alone for awhile.>
The reason I started to dry-dock them was because of the shell rot. If you could
comment on my water readings which show 0 nitrItes with a 40 ppm nitrAte
reading. Somehow that doesn't seem right to me.
< You have a bacteria bed established that are converting the ammonia and
nitrites to nitrates like they are suppose to. The high nitrate readings are
contributing to the shell rot problem. Keeping the tank clean will help cure the
rot.>
I have also read that the water should be slightly acidic. Is that true or can I
leave it where it is - neutral to slightly alkaline.
< Bacteria don't do as well is an acidic environment. Use a Dr Turtle Sulfa
Block by ZooMed to help acidify the water and help cure the shell rot.>
Thanks - you all are always sooooooo helpful. I have a few fish tanks and
although I have been a tropical fish enthusiast for 30 something years whenever
something comes up I haven't come across before - y'all seem to always have the
answers or at the very least send me in the right direction - thanks for being
there. - Thomas
< Thank for your kind words.-Chuck>
Turtle With Shell Fungus (I'm Not a Turtle!) 10/9/05
Hello there. Wow. You guys are amazing, thanks for this great site. I have
what seems like a thousand questions! First, my turtle's shell seems to have
some kind of fungus or something. It's a RES, I just recently got it when my
sister decided she hadn't fed it in the week that she had brought it back from
Mexico, so it should probably go to someone more attentive (duh).
It took a few days but I have finally gotten it into a 10 gallon tank with lots
of room to swim, a water heater, and a filter. I'm still a day's work away from
the UVA lamp, but have made sure that it gets a few hours of sunlight a day.
When I got my turtle (call her Picar-Peek for short) she had some shell rot,
which has gotten significantly better just from basking and clean conditions.
She started shedding around her legs, and it appears to be the same on her
shell. Its generally located around the scutes, and the outer rim of the shell.
It looks like it could be shedding, algae or fungus. I have researched, and
researched (hence coming upon your site) but I can't find a definitive answer.
If it is fungus, but the shell rot is getting better, should I worry?
Also, when she is swimming is it normal for her to have just a couple air
bubbles come from her nose? I mean, I figured I have to release some pressure
when I'm swimming-but I'm not a turtle, so. I've run across a lot of information
that talks about the dangers of air bubbles, but is this every time, or in
excess, or period?
Everything else seems to be going well with the respiratory system. I'm sure I
will have more questions to ask, in the meantime, thank you so much for all your
help! -Bean
<You can gently scrub the shell with a soft brush to see if that removes any of
the growth on the shell. Shedding shell happens in large pieces of shell. Use a
Dr. Turtle Block from ZooMed just in case it is a fungus but I am guessing it is
algae. Turtles blowing bubbles while swimming is no big deal. If they are on
land and continue to blow bubbles then that is probably a respiratory
problem.-Chuck>
Possible Shell Rot 10/6/05
Hello! I have recently purchased two red eared sliders, they're very small,
their shells are maybe 2.75-3 inches long at most. They might be illegal, but I
bought them from a licensed pet store .One of them has a white spot on (her?)
shell that has been there since I bought her. At first I thought it was shell
rot but it's not soft or fuzzy and it hasn't changed in the few months I've had
her. She's very active, eats well and enjoys basking on her island under her
lamps. I keep the water very clean and she shares the tank with her brother and
a handful of hearty zebra Danios. The tank is well ventilated and I have a very
good completely submerged filter that agitates the surface of the water. She
eats turtle pellets and I keep a calcium block and a medicated block in the tank
with them. What could the white spot be and how could I get rid of it? It has a
sort of darkish ring around it and I'm afraid she might be sick. Thank you!
Sarah
< Keep an eye on the spot and measure it. If it gets bigger then it may be shell
rot. This can happen underneath the outer layer of shell too.-Chuck>
Turtle With Shell Rot 10/3/05
I have one more question about this abandoned turtle I have found. I was
holding her yesterday because I check the shell every day. Well on the bottom
of her shell she seems to be losing parts of it. There are red spots where it
looks raw, and white spots where it just fell of recently. I'm not sure what it
is so I don't know how to treat it. Please help me ASAP she needs to be taken
care of properly and I want to be the one that does it. Thanks much Jessi Rae
< Shell rot is a bacterial infection. The area must be cleaned before
antibiotics are applied. You should take your turtle to a vet.-Chuck>
Treating Sick Turtles 10/5/05
There is no vet in this area that know about turtles. I have checked
already. That's why I wanted to ask you about it. Is there any way I can treat
it without driving a long ways to a vet. Please help. Jessi Rae
< Treating shell rot can be done at home but it is very difficult. You need to
get a sharp Exacto knife and cut away the infected areas down to undiseased
shell. The cleaned areas should then be treated with a wound control antibiotic,
like Repti Wound Healing Aid from ZooMed. The tank must be very clean. A Dr.
Turtle Sulfa Block by ZooMed needs to be in the water to help prevent
infection. The basking spot needs to be at least 90 F. Supplementing the food
with vitamins would be a big help. Good Luck.-Chuck>
Turtles With Shell Rot 9/26/05
Hi, I'm Jennifer. I just got 2 baby red ear sliders from a little stand in
Brooklyn.
< Bad Idea>
They don't treat them very well.
< That's why it was a bad idea.>
Anyway one of them has grey spots on it's shell, like 3 blotches. and the part
of the shell between his tail and left leg are very soft. I have only had them
for 3 days, but I have them in a tank with rocks and a filter and a heat lamp,
when winter comes I will put a heater in the tank. I feed them turtle pellets
and dried shrimp. Is he sick?
< Yes. Shell problems are very serious.>
Should I take him to the vet?
< Yes, a good vet will be able to treat your sick turtle with antibiotics.>
Will he get the other one sick?
< Maybe. If the tank is not kept clean and the proper conditions are maintained
then you other turtles can get sick too.>
My last 2 turtles didn't have any spots on them. Please e-mail me back, I saw
some stuff about a pinkish color and a cheesy looking bacteria, but this isn't
like that and I am very worried.
< The pinky-cheese stuff is the bacteria that is under the shell. Many times a
vet needs to get into the shell to treat the bacteria that is living under and
in the shell. Once the infected shell is cut away then antibiotics are applied.
It is a shame that a stand is allowed to sell sick turtles like this.-Chuck>
Turtle Troubles 9/20/05
Dear Experts,
My Son has had a RES since May 21st (my Birthday!!)
The RES is about a 4" shell. He "looked healthy" when we got him, BUT he has
always been very picky about eating, and recently --for about a month now-- he
appears to be NOT eating at all. We have a long 20 tank, with a heating/UV lamp,
with a bio-wheel filter, which is cleaned frequently; a basking (plastic) rock
(also provides hiding underneath), a REAL biggie rock (for quieting the filter
splash flow) and little more in he tank. His tank temp is always between 75-80
degrees. His water is almost ALWAYS clear enough to see right through, and is
fed from softened water, (so doesn't need chlorine treatment)
HERE are my primary concerns:
1. shell rot area on top of his shell now beginning to s-l-o-w-l-y spread
outward, with peeling shell.
2. not eating, despite food sticks, fresh feeder fish galore, real meat, veggies
and lots of variety...
3. poops (I think they're poops) which look like long white stringy muscle
shreds, or fat thread.
What's going on? Thanks so much!!!!Paul
< Use a thermometer and place it on the basking site. It should get up to 95 F
plus. This is where the turtle goes to increase his body temp to fight off
diseases, help digest his food and utilize minerals. I suspect that this area is
not hot enough and has lead to all these problems. Get a bigger wattage lamp or
move the source closer. Get a second florescent light that provides UVA and UVB
lighting. The shell rot will require exposing the affected areas, cleaning them
out and applying and antibiotic ointment. The dietary problems of not eating and
white stringy feces are probably related to food rotting in his stomach because
his metabolism has not been adequately warm enough to activate the enzymes and
digestive fluids to dissolve and absorb the food. Find a vet that treats turtles
for adequate treatment for both problems.-Chuck>
Turtle Foaming 9/8/05
Hello, I have a question. Someone bought me turtles the size of quarters
about 5-6 years ago, now one passed away. The other has grown quite a bit and
is doing fine until....I looked at the tank this morning and noticed a little
bit of foaming around it. I thought he was just blowing bubbles. Now I'm
looking at it again and there is a lot of foaming going on in the tank. Can
someone please let me know what's going on? I don't want it to die. Thank you,
Frances
< This is usually a sign of a respiratory infection. Clean the tank, change the
water and clean the filter if you have one. These things usually happen when the
tank is kept too cold or the basking spot is not warm enough. When a turtle gets
sick they need to get somewhere to heat up. It would be like you getting a fever
to fight of a illness. Turtles cannot heat themselves up so need to go somewhere
hot to raise their body temp. In an enclosure that is not properly set up they
cannot do this and so continue to get sick. Make sure the basking spot gets up
to 95 F. The water could be heated up to 70F. Right now you need to get your
turtle to a vet for antibiotics.-Chuck>
Turtle with Spots on Its Shell 9/3/05
Hi! We purchased a hatchling RES in August 2001. We live in Florida. He
is now in a large wading pool, sunk into the ground, with filter and large
basking ramp. I do have to drain the water every week or 2 since the filter is
not keeping it clear, algae. He eats mainly turtle pellets, lettuce, other
greens. There are always small local fish in with him as well as occasional
goldfish - that he has to catch. All has been well but this summer there are 2
spots on his shell that are turning white. His shell is still hard and looks
great except for these spots. The spots are not soft and we scrubbed the shell
to get a better look. I noticed on your site you mention sulfur blocks - I will
add one of these. Anything else I can try? THANK-YOU in advance. Laura
< Shell rot can occur under the shell too. Watch the spots closely and monitor
them for any change in size. With elevated summer water temps the water can
quickly foul and become a breeding ground for bacteria. Try and keep the water
as clean as possible by not over feeding and cleaning the pool more often. After
the turtle sheds you may get a better look at the spots and then determine their
origin.-Chuck>
Turtle With Spots 9/5/05
Chuck, The spots have enlarged a little bit over the summer. I will keep
the water cleaner. He shed in Feb or March and I'll watch for his next shed.
Anything to add or soak the shell in - salt water - (on just shell)? Thank-you
Laura
<Get a Dr Turtle Block from ZooMed and put it in the water. This will help
resist diseases.-Chuck>
Re: Turtle Shell With Scarring 9/1/05
How scarred will it be?
< The initial infected area will probably heal up as a black area. Every time he
sheds the black or dark areas will become a little smaller.>
He is only 4.5 inches long right now but the places cover a fairly large spot of
his shell. Is there anything I can do to reduce the amount of scarring?
< No sorry not really. The area affected by the bacteria is gone, eaten away.
Healthy tissue will eventually fill in the darkened areas but they may never
fill in completely-Chuck>
Turtle problem 8/31/05
We have had our turtle for 12 years now. I don't know her species (or sex
for that matter), but I *think* I remember her being a yellow belly slider.
Anyway, that's not very relevant. Recently, she hasn't been moving off of
her rock. She is a creek turtle (not a box like we thought we were buying) so we
have her in a very large aquarium about 1/3 filled with water and 1/3 of it has
rock piled up above the height of the water. The light we have shining on the
water uses a regular light bulb. We feed her a finger full of turtle pellets
everyday. All that said, she hasn't been moving much at hall for the past
several days but this morning very earlier, she was violently scrubbing her nose
against the side of the tank. Usually she's very timid with us and tucks her
head back in her shell when we walk by. This morning I was able to actually
reach down in front of her face and touch her before she even noticed.
I know a lot more about horses than I do turtles and in horses that kind of
behavior is called stall weaving and is considered a sign of boredom and/or
neurosis. Is this something similar or a natural behavior? What can I do?
Thanks! Brittany
< Your turtle has developed a respiratory problem. The turtle is trying to clear
the mucus from his/her nose and mouth and has probably got some in its eyes too.
Swap out the regular light bulb for one that is made for turtles to bask under.
It should get the basking site around 90 F. Get some Zoomed Turtle Eye drops to
keep the eyes clear of the infection. Keep the tank clean and maybe throw in a
heater to get and keep the water up to 70 F.-Chuck>
Turtle Saved by Vet 8/31/05
Thank you so much. I took him to the vet and have some treatment. The
shell rot was more serious than it appeared. You guys just saved the life of my
turtle. I only have one more question, when his shell regenerates, will it be
scarred?
< After he fully recovers their will be scarring that will be less noticeable
with age. I am glad you did the right thing and got him to a qualified
vet.-Chuck>
Turtle Sick? 8/30/05
First of all thanks for the quick reply. My baby turtle does eat but it
doesn't eat very much. Maybe one little bite of the bread
< Bread? Really? Try earthworms an insects.>
and that's it. And it doesn't seem to like the commercial turtle food that I'm
giving him. I've noticed that when I put my turtle in the water it blows a lot
of bubbles and it's trying to wipe its face with its claws. And if it is some
kind of respiratory problem do you think only raise the temperature of the
basking area to 90 F will work?
< Heating him up will definitely help.>
What other measure do I have to take?
< Get a book on turtles and read it.>
Also you said to clean the shell first before applying antibiotic, what do I use
to clean it?
< Use a Q-tip to get all the infection out and try and get down to the flesh or
shell, then apply the antibiotic.>
I don't see the shell is rotting, it's just that on the surface of its shell I
see black marks. Thank you and please reply.
< Could be variable coloration but you never know.-Chuck>
Turtle with Shell problem 8/29/05
I just recently bought a Red Eared Slider Turtle and I have noticed
that he has a fungus like thing growing on his shell. He has 3 spots of
it and more are developing. It is a while hair like growth growing where
the scutes meet the lower shell on the right side and at the back near
the tail. I have also noticed that on both sides on his shell where the
scutes and the lower shell meet he has a crack or a ridge horizontal on
his shell. It is big enough to get a fingernail into and has a white
cream like substance coming out of it. This is on both sides and even
where the growths are. Is he sick? Do I need to take him to a vet or
can I care for him myself? Please let me know soon because I love my
turtle and don't want him to die. Thanks.
<Your turtle has a serious shell problem that needs attention. The shell
rot is a bacterial infection. Clean the tank and keep it that way. The
infected areas need to be opened up and cleaned. Antibiotics should be
applied topically and/or injected. Consult a vet that specializes in
turtles. To prevent this the tank should be clean and the turtle should
be provided with a nice hot basking spot. The heat elevates the turtle's
immune system, dries out the shell so it will harden.-Chuck> |
|
 |
Sick Baby Red Eared Slider 8/29/05
I have a baby red-ear slider about the size of a quarter. I got it for about
a month now, and recently, I've noticed that on the shell of my baby turtle, it
started to develop irregular black marks between the scutes. I'm worried if it's
sick, so I've consulted a few other websites and they suggested that I keep the
turtle out of the water and only allow it to be in the water twice a day for 30
minutes each time and kept at a warm temperature. That is what I did and in
addition I gave it a coat of antibiotic cream on its shell each time I took it
out of the water. I would like to know if irregular black marks is a disease or
is it natural. Also, my turtle seems to be sleeping 80% of the time with its
eyes always closed. However it is alert with its surroundings each time I try to
put it in my hand and/or tap its "home". From what I described and what you can
see from the attachment, do you think my turtle is sick? If so, what do I
do? Thank you and please reply. Kevin S. Chen
< Very little new born turtles like yours can come down with numerous shell
problems. Lets look at a few things first. The sleeping all the time may be the
beginning of a respiratory problem. Keep the tank water clean and don't let it
get below 70 F. Make sure that you have a good basking spot where it heats up to
about 90F. How is the diet? Is it eating well? Make sure the turtle gets a well
rounded diet. If your turtle does have shell rot then the infected areas need to
be cleaned before the antibiotics are applied. Internal injections may be
required for advanced or stubborn cases.-Chuck>
Water Turtles with Eye Problems 8/23/05
Hi, I'm writing from Singapore and I've been reading your column which I
think is great and is of great help. Thanks and keep up the good work.
I have eleven RES. The largest is about 13 inches long (Mr. Hello Boy) and the
tiniest (Dotty) is about an inch long. Recently, to my great distress, Little
Five and Little Three have developed some eye disease, like cataracts. They
have thick white film over their eyes. Little Five cannot open his eyes anymore
whilst Little Three can keep his eyes open but they look funny; maybe he is
already blind. Please advise me on how to save them. Will they die? Or is
there a cure?
Thanks so much. Warmest regards across the continents, Joy Tan
< Some turtle eye problems are caused by a vitamin A deficiency. Others may be
caused by bacterial problems. I would isolate the sick turtles into separate
containers. Make sure the water is in the mid to upper 20's C. Try and get some
ZooMed Turtle Eye Drops. Keep the water clean and warm. Heat is very effective
in curing many reptile maladies. Make sure the basking spot is good and hot
(29-32 C). Very sick turtles may require the attention of a vet for
antibiotics.-Chuck>
Turtle losing Shell Fragments 8/20/05
My red eared slider (don't know age, but I've had him for 8 months) recently
lost the back edge of his shell near the right back leg. Is this trouble, what
can I do to help him?
Thanks, Mary
< This is not good. Most shell problems with baby turtles can be cured with diet
and heat. Use a good quality basking light like a ZooMed ReptiSun 5.0 or
equivalent on the basking spot. The basking spot should get up to 85 F. You need
to supplement his food with vitamin D3 and add calcium. The shell rot is a
bacterial infection so keep the water clean and add a ZooMed Dr. Turtle Sulfa
Block. In bad cases the rotted shell made need to be cut away and antibiotics
applied to the affected areas.-Chuck>
Turtle Problems 8/14/05
Hi, I'm W. Pentony, owner of SHeZ inc.. I'm thirteen and I have two yellow belly
turtles, Norbert and Scuttles. Scuttles, who is a bit bigger than Norbert, has
been sleeping 24-7 for the past couple of weeks. I haven't been
able to feed him since. He is still alive though, but when I wake him he won't
open his eye's to let me feed him. Norbert on the other hand is the complete
opposite of Scuttles, so I don't worry about him. What's wrong with
Scuttles, and what could I do?
< Separate the turtles into different containers. The sick one may spread a
disease to the healthy one. Make sure both have full spectrum basking light over
each one. The basking spot should be able to get up to 100 F. If it is not then
move the source closer or get a bigger wattage light. When turtles or most herps
get sick they need heat to raise their body temp like when you get sick and get
a fever. Turtles cannot raise their own body temp so they rely on an external
source like the sun. When turtles lack vitamin A in their diet they are prone to
eye problems. Get some ZooMed Turtle Eye Drops and use as directed. If not any
better after a few days then you should consult a vet. -Chuck>
Turtles Don't Like Salt 8/14/05
Hello, I have a RES and I think that he may have eaten/drank Aquarium Salt
and he is sick. He is in a 10 gallon tank. I thought that it would be healthy
for him if I were to put in a bit of Doc Wellfish's Aquarium Salt for Freshwater
Fish into his water so I put it in a few days ago. I think that he has been
vomiting for a few days, and he did not eat today. He has no energy, his skin
is lighter than normal - he's shedding (white), and gasps for air with his mouth
wide open. I have taken out all of the water and left only an inch so he does
not drown - he cannot keep his head above the water. I cannot tell if his eyes
are swollen but they are wide open. If he ate/drank too much salt/saltwater,
what am I supposed to do? His tank is now clean with NO Aquarium Salt. Please
help.
< If you really want to save his life I would recommend taking him to a vet
ASAP. The salt has probably caused liver and kidney damage that may not be
reversible.-Chuck>
Turtles Don't Like Texas 8/13/05
Hi I have 3 adult red eared sliders, I've had them for 10 years and they never
got sick when I was in California even though sometimes the water would get real
dirty it would be green. But once I moved to Texas I noticed their necks were
pink. I read the help you gave others and used sulfa dip and that seemed to help
it, but now I notice that my turtles shell has white dots and a white dot on the
bottom of the foot, also a small piece of the bottom of the shell is darker, and
one of them has a lump on the top of its eye and two of them have dry shells
even though they get plenty of moisture. I change the water all the time so its
always clear but I do leave them out. On a side note I was wondering if I could
feed them canned albacore occasionally.
< You need to check the water quality. Almost all the water in Calif is hard and
alkaline. I'm betting you are getting water that may be fairly soft and can
become easily acidic. Go to an aquarium store and get a water quality test kit
that checks pH, ammonia and nitrates. For turtles you want the pH above 7.
Ammonia and nitrates fuel bacterial problems that are attacking your turtles
necks. The lower the ammonia and nitrates , the less problems your turtle will
have.-Chuck>
New Turtle Problems 8/13/05
Hi I recently bought two baby turtles, we were told they were baby Brazilian
turtles. We have them in a fairly big tank, with rocks to climb on and water in
for when they want a swim, we have made it so they can climb on the rocks easily
too. We have a water a filter in and a light but its not UV. We don't have a
heater either but we have
thermometer in it saying it is about 24 degrees. The turtles were the same size
when we bought them but one of them is not doing much. One of them has grown an
awful lot bigger the other hasn't, this one doesn't seem to eat and the eyes are
closed all the time, whereas the bigger turtle is very active and playful. Is
our turtle ill or is it something else?
< Sounds like your turtle is sick.>
We were going to get a UV light or heater and some plants to put in the tank,
will this help?
< South American rainforest is pretty hot and humid all the time. Air and water
temps should be at least 27 C. I would recommend heating the air with a good
plant/heat lamp. The basking spot should be very warm. If your sick turtle can
get under the spot, the increased temps will act like a fever on a human and
help fend off diseases. The usual problem is respiratory and may need
antibiotics. To be sure I would take him to a qualified vet experienced in
turtles.>
We are feeding them turtle and terrapin food at the minute given to us by the
pet store. Please could you advise me on how to get my little turtle better, we
are very worried about her? Kind Regards, Sara
< The eye problems may be caused by a vitamin A deficiency. Get some turtle eye
drops. When the eyes are clear he may start to eat more and move around.-Chuck>
Yellow belly not so yellow 7/29/05
Hi there. I have recently been given two beautiful adult yellow bellies
from my cousin and her husband as they are moving and can not accommodate
them. I have three RES and they all get along wonderfully in my large tank (I
got a new excuse to buy a bigger one) I noticed, though, this past week that the
male yellow belly is getting a pinkish tint to his yellow underside. I am
concerned about septic concerns. Could this be anything else?
<Mmm, not likely... usually poor water quality is the root cause...>
His limbs are fine, shell fine, and no bulging eyes. Also, I have noticed
some mating signs (fluttering around the head) but she is not interested. I do
not really want baby turtles, is there anything I can do to prevent this? Thank
you so much for your comments and advice.
<Please read here:
http://wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/fwlivestkindex.htm
Scroll down to the Turtles area... re Disease, Systems, Behavior. Bob Fenner>
Red Eared Slider Age
Hi I was wondering how to tell how old my red eared slider is, roughly how to
tell.
Thank You Jeanne
<Hi Jeanne. I am not really sure how to tell how old a Red Eared Slider is, or
any chelonian for that matter. They can live for approximately 20 years, as
they age their colors will be more drab and less defined. Size can help to
factor in the age, unless the turtles growth was stunted at some point in its
life. They can reach adulthood at anywhere from 5-12 inches. Hope this helps a
little. I am sure your turtle has many happy years ahead of it. Best Regards,
Gage>
