Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Sorry this is so long. But I could really use some help please! My turtles were given to me last spring by people about to dump them in a local lake where they would likely die, so I decided to put them in my own pond. It's 100' across, 10' deep, mud bottomed. Perfect for hibernation in my opinion, although this isn't as warm a climate as RES's usually live in- I decided it better than a lake.

We had a very cool fall (Sept/Oct) and I noticed the turtles began hibernating early. And now we are having a late spring!!!

So, they have been hibernating from Sept to what will likely be mid-late April. Too long IMO.

I found 3 going for air- in a small spot that had melted- the pond is still frozen. Very slow of course, one I was positive had died until I saw a small leg movement and brought him in.

So I was able to grab 2, brought them indoors and have them in a tub with light and 80F water (48 hour transition, not much shock anyways!)

Anyhow... one is great, but one still can't open it's eyes, is slightly weakened, floats a bit (unevenly), and has a high pitch almost whistle of a wheeze at times (pneumonia, and possible vitiman A difficiency?)

I've given him 2 halibut oil gellcaps today, no other food forcefed.

What to do?? Thanks for any help!

AND aside from the sicko... should I have left these turtles out there? Is it natural to come up for air during hibernation, only to go back to the depths to wait till spring? This is new to me!

I think I know your solution. Either they were the wrong kinds of turtles for the cold climate, or your pond did not have enough depth for oxygen, or it was dirty water. It also may not have been deep enough for the cold weather.

I say this because just this spring, I'd found a large res in a nearby city pond, floating on the surface. Thought it was dead, too. Took it in, but it had severe pneumonia and died.

My only other solution is,dry dock it for long periods of times, providing it warmth. Dunk it periodically, and offer it some food. Maybe provide a good heater in a water container whey you do feed it.

We forget how pollution effects the respiratory system in animals, just like it affects us. I've battled many problems like yours. If you really want to expend yourself, take it to a herp vet and get it shots ASAP.

It's not your fault though. Get the water checked next time, provide a large aerator, and make sure they're the right kinds of turtles for the habitat.