My baby turtle has started acting weird. He has like brown residue under his mouth and he tends to like puff out air. He doesnt really go into the water and if he does he makes sure he is on rocks so his head is out of the water. He tends to only stay under water for a little amount of time and then he is out of the water again. When he is on the rocks...where he is most of the time now.. he tends to close his eyess and lay his head on the rocks and stretch one leg out. I am really worried and i would really like to know whats wrong with him. So if anyone knows anythin I woudl really appreciate it. Thank You
2006-10-23 09:04:29 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Reptiles
You really shouldn't' have them as pets. They carry salmonella. Leave animals in the wild dammit, unless you have a license to handel them.
2006-10-23 09:08:32 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋
Honestly, it sound like he has a severe resperatory infection. This is quite common if the temperature of the water is too cold. Rather than JUST a basking site, aquatic turtles also need a heater in the water to keep the temperature stable. Going from the extreme cold of unheated water to their basking site can cause issues for them. Check the temperature of both the water AND the basking site to see what the temps are. The water should be between 76-80 degrees. The basking site should be 85-90 degrees.
Either way, you need to get him to the vet ASAP. RI's in reptiles can turn to pnumonia extremely quickly, and most reptiles do not recover from pnumonia well. Your vet will most likely prescribe antibiotics which you will probably need to give him by mouth every day, or give him an antibiotic injection. If you cannot afford to take him to the vet, you need to call a reptile rescue and sign him over so that they can have him treated. Remember that not taking your animals to the vet for such things IS animal cruelty, and in most states, considered a felony.
2006-10-23 10:45:22 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
1. Brown residue- this can be many things, from a sign of infection to some residue from the water. Can it be removed with gentle wiping?
2. Puff air out- if when it draws its head in, it is normal. If it is while breathing, it could be a respiratory illness.
3. Not staying in water- water is probably too cold. Try warming it to 75-80.
4. Stretching out- norml basking behavior.
So- it could either be nothing, or your turtle could have a respiratory infection.
I STRONGLY suggest that you review the care guidelines at a good website like http://www.redearslider.com or http://www.austinsturtlepage.com and see if they match what you are doing.
2006-10-24 15:57:23 · answer #3 · answered by Madkins007 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's normal for them to stay out on the rocks, it's called basking. They like warmth! Also, your turtle stretching one leg out is normal too, though it looks weird! haha! I used to have two red eared sliders, I raised them from the time they were the size of a quarter until they were 5 years old. Make sure your turtle has somewhere where he can get warm, like under a light. They love that! Also, make sure you are changing the water frequently...I'd say once a week (but that depends on the size of your tank also).
If you are really worried about him, I'd call a veterinarian. I had to take one of my turtles to the vet one time...he had a bump on the side of his head, and they said it was because I needed to change the water more frequently. Also, is your turtle eating? He has to be underwater to eat...so, if he's not going underwater, then he might not be eating, and there could be a serious problem only a vet might know about. Good luck!
2006-10-23 09:13:25 · answer #4 · answered by Huliganjetta 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
That might be normal basking behavior.
The brown residue is from oils/fats floating on the surface of the water, or fungus. Change his water completely, today.
Not sure about the "puff out air" statement. Keep your pet at the right temperature, and keep his water clean.
2006-10-23 09:10:30 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Are you really active every day? Unless there have been environmental changes, it may just be a whim on the turtle's part. Stop bothering it, unless it stops eating.
2016-05-22 01:58:22 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Red Ear babies are hard to keep alive,
Sounds like maybe he's got a virus of some type, check with the vet, but likely you might need to get a specialty antibiotic food or water supplement.
2006-10-23 09:13:08 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Ask a vet. it is the safest thing to do if you think your pet is truely sick
2006-10-23 09:08:20 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
better get him to the vet to get him on some meds before it gets worse good luck with em.
2006-10-23 09:07:06 · answer #9 · answered by switchplate2003 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋
go to the vet before it gets any worse ...good luck!!!
2006-10-23 09:09:55 · answer #10 · answered by Chrissy 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋