Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm pretty experienced with red eared sliders and I'm at a loss of what to do-
My friend bought me a new baby (my other is four)from arts of nature and when it got here it was extremely tiny- never seen one sold that small. it's shell was soft too but it did eat fairly well. We named him "Squirt" haha. Well I went on Spring Break and I was told it was eating well and everything but when I came back it's shell seemed even softer if that's even possible. I feel like I could easily squish the little guy. He won't eat, he'll hardly move, he will stay in the same spot all day if I don't move him. Half the time I don't know if it's alive! But after a while it'll move a little. I try everything to try and stimulate him but nothing works. I have a uv light on it, a water heater, and calcium vitamins. I go to school in a real small town and I have called every vet around and none of them handle small turtles. Is there anything else I can do?
oh- and he hasn't eaten in over a week. I sit there for soooo long with it and nothin I do helps it. Any advice?
Thanks,
Mandy

First of all DON'T EVER BUY ANYTHING FROM THAT PLACE! I have been to the website, and they sell poor little baby turtles without telling you any of the correct information on how to keep them. Are you giving him access to natural sunlight, or a UVB light? Because if you are not, then that is probly the problem. Also, they need very clean water, are you using a filter? What are you feeding him?
From what you have said, the outlook doesn't look too good. If you really care for the little guy, I would take him to a reptile vet immediatley if you want him to survive. Sorry for all the negative input.

thanks to everyone who has replied to me!
Like I said in my first post- I have a uv light on it, a water heater and calcium supplements.
I understand the that Arts of Nature isn't a good place- but I'm not going to refuse a gift when they knew I wanted to get another one. I figure I'm at least getting one of them outta that place!
The water is kept warm and is cleaned every day.
I started off feading it the turtle pellets and then when its appetite decreased I started feeding it meet like cooked turkey. Now I'm willing to try anything.
The problem is- it sleeps alllll day and hardly is awake enough to know food is there. It can't be going into a hybernation state since the light and water is good.
I really dont know!

what is the water temperature? Are his eyes closed and/or swollen? does he swim or float a bit lopsided?