Reptile & Amphibian Forums

When we were in Florida in August, we bought 2 red ear sliders that are about 2 inches long and very healthy but they would never baske. When my son showed my neighbors, they wanted some and they ordered 2 red ear sliders and had them delivered to my house since they are not home during the day and didn't want them sitting in their mailbox. When the turtles came, one was dead and I hurried and put the one that was alive into our tank, thinking I could tell them apart because the turtle that came in the mail seemed a darker green. Once he got in the water he lightened up and we couldn't tell them apart. We guessed and the next day we realized we had given our neighbors one of our turtles because the next morning one of the turtles was up on the rock basking away, which ours never ever would do. Then this turtle developed swollen eyes and all he does is baske and doesn't seem to be eating. I didn't have the heart to take our healthy turtle away from our neighbor and give them the sick one since one of theirs was dead already. There is nothing coming from the turtles eyes, just swollen and will just baske all day. Does anyone know what could be wrong with the turtle and have any suggestions?

It sounds like your turtle either has an eye infection, a vitamin A deficiency, or possibly a respiratory infection (swollen eyes can be one symptom of it). It could also be a combination of the three.

The excessive basking is his attempt to cure himself (heat boosts the immune system.) Increasing sources of beta carotene in his diet if he`s eating (carrots, other orange-colored veggies) would help with a Vit A. deficiency. You also could get liquid vitamins (be careful of overdosing) or prick a cod liver oil capsule and gently put a small amount of it on his eyelids (not in the eye) with a q-tip. Keep his water clean and keep him warm. You should keep him separate from your well turtle. If he doesn`t start to show some improvement after a few days, I would take him to a herp vet.

Sorry I don't know anything about the sick turtle, but I am curious about the healthy ones. We also purchased two tiny turtles from Florida in August and they won't bask either. And neither do the two that my sister purchased at the same time. Does anybody know why? Do I need to be concerned about it?

What is the tempature of the basking spot? My basking spot was first cold because of the 40 watt bulb, I replaced it with a 60 watt bulb which gave off more heat and light. My 2 baby RES , which are about 1.5 inches then started to bask, but they only bask when there is no one in the room. As soon as I walk in, they dive into the water. Also, How many watts are your bulb? and Is it in a peaceful area?

I have a 60 watt bulb and the air temp on the rock is 85. I think the peacefulness of the area is lacking, I may move them. Thanks for the feedback.

When turtles are young they are more aquatic and like to swim inthe water. In the wild you don't often see baby turtles basking (this is just my opinion).

hatchling turtles do bask in the wild, you just never see them because they are so small, and they generally dont bask with the big turtles because they will get eaten. small turtle will generally hang out in lots of cover near the shore, like rocks and overhanging trees, also ive seen small turtles basking on the wood from beaver homes.

My hatchling began basking the day I got him. Perhaps your water is so warm that the basking spot has no appeal. Or perhaps the turtles bask when you are not around. Put the tank in a low traffic area, and perhaps wrap a towel around it for privacy.
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If it is, the symptoms you posted below are those of a respiratory infection. You should separate him from the other, up his temps. (water 83-85 F, basking area 90 F) until you can get him to a vet. Try www.arav.org/USMembers.htm to find one near you if you don`t already have one.

nt

yes, this is the turtle I posted below. But the thing on its neck is gone and he is very active, friendlier than his tank mate, and eats very well. I don't think they are sick. I plan to move them to a quieter spot in the house. The water temp is now 78. Should I make it cooler to coax them out?

I was referring to Resmomma`s post below, not yours¡ You seem to have a number of suggestions under your post. 78F is comfortable for them. Basking area should be 85-90F. Maybe they don`t like the basking area you`ve provided or maybe they don`t feel safe where they are. Or, maybe they`re basking when you`re not around.