Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey guys!
I havent talked in a while but i have a new problem. This is the first winter my boxies are going through and they have been a little sick through the fall. My first turtle has swelled up eyes. I took him to the vet and he said that the turtle should have more colored vegetables like yellow or orange. I gave the turtle squash and some other things i forgot the names. Well its winter and they arent hibernating. The fact that they arent hibernating doesnt bother me but they arent hardly eating anymore so its dificult to feed them the vegetables and worms. They are getting hydrated though and they are housed outside on my patio. There are 2 heat lamps and a flouresent light. The temperatures here arent very cold mainly in the sixties in the day. well I wish everybody a merry xmas and any replies would help greatly!
Thanx

Travis

Hey I have some more info on the turtle. My other turtle has been fine and is maintaining weight throught the winter. mY other turtle has been maintaining the same weight he has had before the fall. Basically they are in the more normal weight section. I dont have the exact weight but my vet said that they are healthy. The only exception is that the trutles eyes are a little swollen. I put him in warm water and one eye got better and eventually fine. the other eye is getting better. I think the swollen eyes have to do with there humidity so right now i just misted their terrarium with warm water. I have live plants to help keep the humidity up.
Thanx

Travis

Travis, 60 is not warm enough to keep Gulf Coast box turtles eating through the winter. Get the temps to 80 and they may begin to eat better for you. You may have to rearrange their housing so heat will be kept closer to the turtles. Cover most area with heavy plastic to creat a greenhouse effect. Good luck and let us know if the increase in heat helps.

The turtle with the swollen eyes may not eat even when he gets warmed up. Until his eyes are better he won't. Ask the vet if he'll give you some opthamalic antibacterial ointment in case the turtle now has an eye infection. It won't hurt and may be just the thing he needs. Good luck!
-----
Tess
Kingsnake.com Forum Host

oh i meant that the daily temperature in my city is 60 but the temp. in the cage is 80. I got both of the swelling in the eyes down and his eyes look fine now. He also ate a good amount of slugs and worms too. This morning his eyes still look good
Thanx for replying

Travis

Turtles who are not hibernating should be kept at temperatures around 70 during the day and in the 60's at night. However, sick boxies need even warmer temperatures. I suggest going to about 80/70 until they perk up.

12 hours of UV light is needed to prevent problems. Your UV light may be worn out and may not be emitting enough ultraviolet light to keep your turtles healthy. It would be a good idea to replace it if it is more than six months old.

Daily soaks are good for healthy turtles. Unhealthy turtles need at least 2-4 soaks a day, depending on the severity of the eye swelling. You can also use Reptivite (make sure it is the formulation that contains vit A) sprinkled on the food every other day until you see improvement in the eyes.

Vegetables that are bright orange, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and yams are good for turtles. Fresh dark leafy greens (not iceberg) such as collard, kale, mustard, turnip, and dandelion are great for them.

If the eye is crusted over (you will see a white pus on it) try a little dab of erythromycin eye ointment on it, about 2-3 times a day, for about a week to ten days. The turtle may have an upper respiratory infection, hence the higher temps and humidity.

I hope that this helps. Please post again to let us know how your turtles are doing.

Best wishes,

PHKiwi