Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've had my baby turtle since October 2003 and at first he was really energetic, but he's been sick for the past 3 1/2 months. I think it all started with a respiratory infection because he still floats to one side (he's not that confident of a swimmer and he tucks in his back legs when he swims). I've fed him pellets and bloodworms but he barely eats greens, I've kept the water in the high 70's and the basking spot around 85, I've always made sure to look after him but he never seems to get better. I know most of you will say take him to the vet, but besides that, is there anything else I can do? I'm going to be building my turtles a pond in the summer, and I'm afraid he won't survive if I stop looking after him so much. Do any of you with ponds keep them heated for your turtles?

Also, my Pleco is annoying. I bought it to keep the tank clean, but all he does is poop all over the place.

I hate to break it to you, but there is no way to prevent a fish from pooping. Well, I guess you could try starving it to death, although I'm not sure that will be better than it eventually getting eaten by the turtle or dying because the tank was too small for the huge catfish it will become.
-----
Eryx - All the fun of a boa in a convenient pocket size!

Respritory infections do not go away on there own, you need to get antibiotics from a vet. I never understand why people take in animals and then refuse to meet there basic healthcare needs.
-----

Did your turtle ever get antibiotics for the RI? I'm not sure what else you can do. About the pleco...the petstore will probably take it back. I got an apple snail hoping that it would clean my tank and it pooped everywhere as well. I hated that thing. The petstore took it back no problem, I did not ask for a refund.