He's a young (~5 inches) red-eared slider. He's missing 3 claws on one foot, 2 on the other and 1 on his front foot. The other front foot is fine. We've had him for two weeks. My gf got him from Petco where she works. He was dropped off by someone who didn't want him anymore. At Petco, he was put into a tank with 8 large turtles. That may have been when he lost those claws. We keep him in a 5 gal. tank by himself now. We just noticed this tonite. He doesn't seem to be in any pain, but I'm no turtle expert. He's eating (goldfish and pellets) and swimming fine. He's pretty active and feisty when we handle him. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.
2006-12-14 14:10:35 · 6 answers · asked by trotsky990 2 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
Animals lose toes all the time in the wild. As long as it is eating OK, not bleeding, or showing any signs of infection- don't worry about it!
Now- it would help it to be in a low-stress, high-success setting. You see, turtles love big, warm, sunlit spaces and a 5 gallon tank is awfully small for it.
We usually try to provide a habitat that...:
- offers 10 gallons of water per inch of turtle
- has water heated to 75-80
- offers good basking spaces heated to about 90
- is filtered well (about 2-3 times more than a fish tank)
- is lit with a bulb that simulates the sun in colors, duration, etc. The bulb needs to offer UV-B rays (UV-A is easy to find, but not helpful. Try bulbs made for reptiles.)
The diet sounds OK, but you can supplement it with blood worms, other kinds of worms, shrimp, bugs, beef heart, etc. Variety is good for turtles!
2006-12-15 06:23:07 · answer #1 · answered by Madkins007 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's normal for them to lose toenails for a variety of reasons. (improper diet, heat, humidity, no UV light, infections, mean owners, predatory animals,) I think you're right about losing them to another turtle in the tank. You also don't know his history, he may have lost them with the other owner.
As long as he's eating a proper diet (he is, good job), getting enough UV light, and his water is filtered enough, I think he should be fine.
RES's get pretty big. When he out grows the 5 gallon, consider a kiddie pool. You know, you get them at Walmart for $6, they are hard, molded plastic and have cartoon animals on them. They make perfect turtle homes because they are water proof and easy to clean.
Good luck, I wish your turtle a long and happy life with you all!
2006-12-14 22:54:07 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like he's doing fine. Just like some animals lose claws, turtles do to. As long as he doesn't need to dig in the mud, he'll still have enough for tickling his mate if he ever gets one. Also, being so young, he may grow them back. Good Luck!!
2006-12-15 00:42:55 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
As long as he is not hurting and not bloody just keep a good watch on him.... on what your feeding him add some veggies to the menu or you could cause future health problems for him.....and switch tto guppies or rosie reds they are less fat than goldfish. look up caresheets on red eared sliders.
2006-12-14 22:48:01 · answer #4 · answered by Bluies101 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I rescued a turtle once that was missing a foot.
2006-12-15 08:16:43 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes he need to see the vet.if some one you care is missing some thing you should look for the right help.
2006-12-15 02:35:32 · answer #6 · answered by nina 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋