Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello,

We are in a spring transition in KY, with daytime temps in the upper 50s/low 60s, and night time temps in the low 30s.

While out for a walk today, I discovered a thin and lethargic male RES with a 9" carapace on the side of a pond. His eyes were clear, but his lack of energy worried me.

Currently, He is in a rubbermaid enclosure 2.5' X 18" with a basking area w/ a heat lamp(he can move his entire body out of he water) that attains temps upper 80s/90 range. The water depth is 6". He has not moved from the basking spot since being placed in the enclosure.

I have not observed wheezing/mucous characteristic of respiratory infections, but I want to monitor this animal over the weekend to see if his health/energy improves. Should his condition lessen/remain the same on Monday, a vet visit will ensue. Hopefully, the constant warm temperature will help his immune system recover.

Now for the questions:

1) Has anyone else dealt with this situation before, and how did you handle it?

2) What other variables could be investigated that I might be overlooking?

Thanks for the help in advance.

This RES was likely just warming up from winter inactivity. Perhaps thin from using body reserves during this time. I think your plan of action seems sensible. Be sure to keep this animal in strict quarantine from any others you have in the house. This will avoid disease coming in, and disease leaving with the RES when you release him where you found him. I'd wait until spring is more consistently warm, because it is now used to that lamp you're supplying

Ian

Thanks,

I don't keep turtles, but your protocols are well thought out.

The other sliders were more active in the pond, but something seemed wrong about this individual's behavior.

He is still basking constantly, but is reacting to my prescence the way a wil slider usually does.

I'll keep him a for bit longer, and reassess his situation as the season goes.