Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was sitting at my computer desk watching my turtle tank when suddenly I witnessed my RES biting and tearing at my map turtles foot (black knobbed sawback). The map was in so much pain shaking his foot trying to get the RES's jaws off. I quickly pulled the map out and noticed the RES eyeing the other's feet. Though I've never had this problem with the RES before I'm going to get rid of him, no if's and's or but's. Now how do I help my little map turtle? I've decided to keep him out of the tank because that open wound may seem like food to the rest of them. Also should I keep the wound dry? Should I cover the wound with an antibiotic ointment or betadine? The map turtle has all 5 toes but the middle one may be broken and just hanging there with the skin ripped.
What should I do?

HElp.

Rudy...

o

Sticking to one species per tank may not have had anything to do with this incident. Both of these species are native to the US and may inhabit the same water. It may have been a factor, but not the only one. Don't forget about the number of turtles in the tank. How many are there and how much room is there? Also, if there is a large sixe difference between the turtles that can lead to trouble... as can battling males. It could've happened between two RES's... I've heard some people report that they've had RES become very aggressive to other turtles as they grow (I don't know if it's true, but some have said that). Sometimes things just happen, just keep them seperate from now on because you know there are aggression issues.

Anyway, there are things you can do at home, although you should still seek a vet if the wound is bad enough. I would dry tank him for most of the day, putting him in a seperate tank for water and swimming for two one-hour sessions at least until the wound stops bleeding and starts to heal. Also apply a topical antibiotic to the wound. Good luck.

!

The possibility that two turtle species may inhabit the same waters doesn't make it a good idea to house them together. I understand that many people house multiple turtles per tank, but reality is this injury wouldn't have occured if there was only one turtle per tank. The turtles don't care if there are other turtles. And yes there are things you can do at home, before you take it to the vet. But if you don't know what to do, don't wait for a response on message forum. Response time is far too slow. Take some responsibility, bite the bullet and take it to the vet. Its a cost of keeping these wonderful animals

My two cents
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Adam - 0.0 African Sidenecked, 0.1 Redfoot, 0.1 Sulcatta, 1.0 Western Hognose, 1.0 Crested Gecko, 0.1 Mali Uromastyx

Yes, it is always at least a small rist to keep two turtles of any type in the same tank, but that has nothing to do with "sticking to one species per tank". You'd have to stick to one turtle per tank in order to completely prevent and injury like this... that is a different arguement than you made. I'm not saying don't take it to the vet, but what if the vet is already closed... or it's the weekend... I'm just trying to give as much info and helpful advise as possible so they don't have to sit by and do nothing until a vet is available.

!

o
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Adam - 0.0 African Sidenecked, 0.1 Redfoot, 0.1 Sulcatta, 1.0 Western Hognose, 1.0 Crested Gecko, 0.1 Mali Uromastyx

You cannot hide your intentions when you say take it to the vet and stick to one species. If you don't plan on helping someone who wants help then don't reply.
What was the purpose of the animal count reply?

In that case: Leopard tortoise 1.1, sulcata 1.0, cal king 1.o, durango mt. king 1.o, rubber boa 0.1, hedgehog 1.o, eastern hognose 1.1, western hog 1.0, southern toad 2, florida redbelly 1, northern diamondback 1, redbellied subglobassa 1, western paint 1, southern paint 1, black knobbed sawback 1 missing toe, feeder mice colony unknown. I could go on to my fish or write back to you AFTER the San Diego reptile show tomorrow but why?

What was the purpose of the animal count?

N/p