RES turtle health care: Why is my turtles pale and hardly ever opens its eyes?

Question

When i first got my Red eared slider, it was perfectly fine; it would be active and such. But now all it does is lay on a rock with its head down motionless, but still alive(sluggishly) when handled. Is it Hibernating? what do i need to do to fix this problem?

When i first got my Red eared slider, it was perfectly fine; it would be active and such. But now all it does is lay on a rock with its head down motionless, but still alive(sluggishly) when handled. Is it Hibernating? what do i need to do to fix this problem?
i dont think his skin is in any danger, i just think hes shedding. OR, how can you tell the difference between shedding and a sickness? I figured it hardly ever opens its eyes, it was sleepy, but surley, it would sleep that long.

he didnt make it through the night. but this was my first time turtle, and i guess you could say i learned the hard way. i think of every mistake a educational one that i can learn from and get right the next time. so thanks for all the answers :)

-JEF

Answer 1

Sounds like a respiratory problem or a UVB deficiency. Make sure his water temp is at or around 78 degrees and make sure his heat lamp is on. And if you don't have a UVB light you should invest in one. Turtles need UVB light to help them stay healthy. With out the natural UVB light from the sun or lights they get sick alot and could die. But i'd get your turtle to a vet pretty quickly.

Answer 2

Double check your basic care.

Turtles love and need space, warmth, sunlight, cleanliness, and varied diets.

Space- aim for at least 10 gallons of water per inch long of turtle.

Warmth- usually we want water temps from 75-80F. Go about 5F higher than that with it ill. Basking sites should be about 90F.

Sunlight- turtles really need ultraviolet B rays (UV-B), which do not pass most glass or plastics so we need to provide it with our lighting systems.

Cleanliness- use water filters about 2-3 times stronger than a fish tank would use.

Varied diet- try about 25-50% good quality pellets and the rest in live or frozen/thawed things like small fish, worms, bugs, shrimp, beef heart, etc.

Try http://www.redearslider.com or http://www.austinsturtlepage.com for ideas

Answer 3

It sounds like he's got a respiratory infection. Take him to the vet! ASAP!!! For tonight, make sure his water is warm. Warmer than usual...and keep his heat lamp on but not directly aimed at him if he won't go into the water. You don't want to dry him out. He is not hibernating.

Answer 4

Go to www.austinsturtlepage.com for all answers

Answer 5

this baby is SICK! better get to vet asap