Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just got a baby RES and seems to be having some trouble with it. I put it in its own containment tank to let it adjust. When it started moving around I notcied a problem. The back legs kinda just hang out in the water. There isn't much movement or force in them. Also, his front left leg doesn't move much either. He also seems to be trying to bite that left leg. Can anyone give me some advice on what is wrong? He just floats along the top of the water and doesn't "dive". Thanks!

You just got him? Was he shipped to you? Maybe he got injured in shipping, or maybe he is still getting over being shipped? If he isn't any better in the morning I would contact whoever you got him from. He would need to see a vet too.
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Perhaps his legs are all tired out from treading water! If you have deep water, you should also have a shallow spot and a spot above the water line. If he is a 'new arrival', he may still be adjusting. Sometimes, biting is normal. A day has passed since your post... how is your turtle doing? How big is it?

He's doin a lot better. When I first put him in the big tank he just floated on top. I've had him in his own containment tank since then. Just now I put him back in the big tank and he's swimming a lot better. He's still isn't a reat swimmer, but he actually "dives" not. I think he might be a little weak and he's still favoring that leg. Think he might be too young to be a good swimmer yet? I've decided to name him "Rocky" (Never say die!).