Hello,

My friend called me the other day about his Fiancés sister’s turtle that was not eating. I am not a "turtle person" per say but, I love all animals especially reptiles.

I went to their house to take a look and was not happy with what I saw. The turtle was a baby red ear slider; the carapace is 2" or so. The first thing I noticed was the enclosure. They had her in a bowl with a few rocks and some water near the window. The temperature in the room is about 65F and the temp near the window was 50F. Definitely not ok for Red Ear Sliders.

When was the last time the turtle ate I asked, "Not in a few months"...

I picked up the turtle and immediately I notice a few problems. He/she was opening the mouth to breathe which probably indicates a resp. infection, both eyes are closed and it does not appear as if the turtle will ever be able to open them again.

This is the action that I have taken so far and would really appreciate some guidance as I don’t want this turtle to suffer anymore and would love to be able to nurse it back the health.

I have her/him in a 5 gallon tank with 1 inch of water and a large basking spot. The room temp and water temp is 78-80F and the hot spot is about 85-88F. I have a fluorescent light fixture on top.

I tried to get some food in its mouth but have not had success. Since the turtle can’t see and especially because of the neglect I doubt it will eat on its own at any point in time.

I am so upset that someone could be so neglectful to any living animal.

I house snakes and have house turtles and tortoises in the past but they are not my expertise.

Any suggestions on what to do would be very greatly appreciated.

I have only had the turtle for 3 days so far and already she is more active but still not healthy.

I am surprised she/he is still alive at this point and would love to giver her/him another chance.

Thank you,

Eric

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