Wow! What an absolutely beautiful ornate! I love the thick, bright yellow barring and the lightness of her head.



I have a couple of questions...First, does her right forelimb appear to be swollen to you? Sometimes, swelling of the forelimbs can be associated with upper respiratory infections. Also, is she wheezing at all when she breaths? Any nasal discharge? At what temperature are you hibernating her?



I agree that you should try to get her to a Vet. Ornates are very succeptible to respiratory infections, and eye infections can often be a first sign. Even if this is just a simple eye infection, you will at least be able to pick up the appropriate medication. Trust me, I have TOO MUCH experience with ornate upper respiratory infections! I've finally developed a system where they no longer occur, but Vet. care has been an absolute necessity in the past.



Terryo, I'm concerned about your statements that the humidity in your enclosures are near tropical levels. People used to maintain ornates in near desert humidity, and it caused problems. Then, people started to wisen up and provide humidified shelters and such. Now, some caresheets stress the need for some humidity, but don't tell you how much. In my experience, it's best to offer ornates a moist area in which to hide. This can best be accomplished by a more moisture retentive substrate on one side of the enclosure. The ambient air humidity, though, should stay around comfortable "room humidity" (around 60%). Ornates benefit from some humidity, but constant breathing of humid air can be devastating! I understand that your turtle is hibernating, and probably buried, but this condition may have begun before hibernation. This is just something to think about. The same goes for the little baby. You may need more air circulation or a nice, hot basking light to help dry up the air a bit.



I hope things work out! I'm so glad to see a keeper who is willing to tackle these issues instead of just "hoping for the best".

[ Show Entire Thread ]