Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey,
I am a teacher. My class and I designed and constructed a 24' x26' outdoor enclosure for native turtles. It also has a 200 gallon pond. right now we have only one painted turtle. she has been very happy and active. today I noticed a spot on the top of her head. It appears to be an open wound...I will have to watch it for a few days to see if it looks like it is healing. I don't know how she could have gotten it. Are birds a threat? There are no other turtles in the pond. there are several box turtles in the same enclosure, but I have never seen them encounter each other. I was wondering if there was something I should put on the wound etc.?? Please let me know if you have any ideas.
Thanks
Teacher

Isthe enclousre covered?
If not, raccoons, mink, ferrets, weaels, dogs, cats, birds of prey, rats, coatimunds, skunks, and even chipmunks have been known to prey upon or attack turtles. There are lots of others too. (where do you live?)
I suspect if you are a teacher, that unless your school is in a very remote area, domestic and/or feral cats are a likely culprit.
I would STRONGLY suggest you build a cover for the turtle cage (wire mesh is good) if you don't have one.
I hear about/receive turtles attacked by other animal every month. And when i was younger i lost many turtles to wild and feral preadtors. It is unfortuantly a serious problem.

Of course, you turtle might also have dived into the water quickly and banged itself on a sharp rock.
Making sure the water is deep (at least 18 inches - 2 feet)will reduce accidents due to quick dives AND it will deter predators which are reluctant to enter the water for a meal (though this doesn't include everything that might try to eat a turtle).
Also remove any non smooth stones/rocks from the enclosure and try to use wood or plastic basking facilities.

Keep us updated.

If the cut is bad, you can provide medical assistance.
If its minor you may just want to bring the turtle inside and keep him dry for aday.

You can put a little Betedine or antibiotic cream on the wound. You can also put Stress Coat in the water to help it heal quicker.
-----
0.1.0 snapping turtle
0.1.0 painted turtle
0.1.0 ornate box turtle
0.1.0 teddybear hamster
0.1.0 Australian shepard
3.2.0 children