Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Fred loves to eat and looks for something everytime I'm near his tank, but I haven't seen any stools for a week. All was fine until I changed from only a 75w reptile basking bulb (which made his surface so hot he would only hang off the side) to both a full spectrum and regular 60w both shining on his basking surface. I used to see him bask a few times a day, now hardly at all. I can lay my hand on the surface and it's nice and warm, and his water temp stays around 75 because he's near a fireplace that's on low 24/7. I've started feeding mealworms with the reptomin sticks, along with the occasional bug and fish. Also he now has gravel for clearer water so I'm wondering if he has an impaction. Any suggestions?

try a soak in warm water, this will frequently stimulate a fecal response. if that does not work you may need a vet. i dont usually see turtle poop, if ever, so you may just be missing them. with better lighting(full spectrum that you just started to provide if i didnt read that wrong), they dont need to bask as much.

Thanks, I'll try the soak. It's just odd the change in him with the light. I always thought it was the heat from the basking light that moved everything, the full spectrum doesn't give off heat, that's why I had both types over him. I'll lower his basking area too, maybe he's having a hard time getting up there.

The reason he is not basking is because they respond to heat given off from a lamp NOT the full spectrum aspect. IF you basking temp is not at least 10 degrees or more warmer than your water temp he will be reluctant to bask.

He may be defecating just fine and eating it before you catch him doing it. You can also try feeding him in a separate container and leave him in it for a while. Usually they defecate shortly after they eat.

Steve

I never thought about the possibility of him eating his stools, since he never had before. Maybe adding the mealworms to his diet changed that. I was focusing on him having an impaction, but I can't believe he could go so long and still be hungry. I think I'll change back to the 75w heat bulb, lower the bask surface and see if that helps at all. Thanks for the ideas.

That's sounds like a good idea. Let us know how things turn out.

well, I changed back to the 75w bulb and he's now basking! Still eating up a storm and no stool though but this is a start. I'm excited.

Eureka!! All parts are now working! Thanks for all the advice!

Good news. Impaction was unlikely as you mentioned he was eating. Generally when they eat heartily they are not suffering from a blockage.

Glad it worked out and he's doing well.

Steve