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...

Can you get some Novalsan? If not, I would soak it in a betadine solution (weaken it with water), put a little Neosoporin on it and keep him out of the water to prevent infection. I would get him to a vet to see about the broken toe.

sorry to hear about your map turtle...why don't you just get them seperate setups? the RES was just being true to his nature, all animals have the potential for fighting one another...dogs, cats, etc. it seems a shame to "punish" your turtle for being a turtle. hope you can find a way to keep him, they have great personality.

Also, you didn`t say how big your turtles or tank are. RES can get aggressive if they don`t have enough space...

I think getting rid of your turtle because it bit another is overreacting a bit. How big is the tank that you have all of them in? They are animals so they will become territorial or aggressive for many reasons. Depending on how bad the wound is I would get it to a vet. However if that is not a possibility I would dilute benadine solution until it looks like tea. don't leave the turtle if it is a hatchling out of the water for too long or it will dehydrate.

the turtles are '02. The tank is 60 gal of water. The RES was the fastest growing. At this time this was my only soulution since I cannot provide a larger space at this time. Don't worry the petstore worker who I gave it to was very Judgemental with me. A difference in opinions I guess.