Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have 6 baby 3 toed box turtles all were doing fine until yesterday.One of them has become inactive he won't even open his eyes.I soke them every day and make sure they are eating.Should I take the inactive one away from the others?Is there anything I can do to help him?Can a vet help them when they are so small? I don't want to lose this little guy. Thanks

I don't know much about hachlings but I do know you should isolate him from the others to help prevent them from getting sick. If he gets worse or is not better or showing improvement in a couple of days I would take him to the vet to see if there is anything that they could do.

first isolate the ill one now. I recommend you see a vet experenced with reptiles immediately, but if you can't do that
now the provide the following:

1.what is your tank set up:
size?
what type of substrate?
lighting-UVB ( yes/no)?
tank temps?

2. about the turtle:
can you approximate age?
how long have you had them?
where did they come from?
what do you feed & how often?
giving supplements? if so what?
any background history at all on this individual?

there are too many possibilities to speculate on at this point.
to be more specific, and hopefully help in enough time, the
above information is needed.

Mick

Mick, you forgot something..

whats the humidity at?
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My Site
1.2.1 Terrapene Carolina Triunguis
0.1 Nymphicus hollandicus
1.1 Melopsittacus undulatus
1.0 American Cocker Spaniels
1.0 American Short Hair? Cat
1.1 Rouen Ducks

ok... humidity ( yes/no )?

I think that's probably as specific an answer
we can get right now.
I didn't include that because most recreational
or novice herp keepers don't own a relative humidity
tester, or are sitting there doing the equations to
calculate it.
just a guess on my part, but usually nobody that well
equipped asks about a health issue without mentioning
they have nice gear like that.

Mick

Rouen,
Good for you for adding humidity to the list...since inadequate hydration, whether due to lack of a source of water for soaking & drinking or low ambient humidity, is at the root of many health problems seen in box turtles kept indoors. Its one of the most important needs they have, and is unfortunately often overlooked until problems arise.
Unfortunately there are plenty of hobbyists out there who don't have some basic equipment: even a cheap gauge can indicate whether or not humidity levels are way off.
Stephanie

I know it's late, but how is the sick hatchling doing? turtle88a