You know an animal is sick when it does not act normally. A turtles that does not eat, hides a lot, feels light, has sunken eyes, has a soft shell, etc. is sick.
What to do depends on what is wrong and what the species is. Bottom line- you learn the proper care and do it.
For example- pond turtles, like Red-ear sliders and Painted turtles, love space, warmth, and sunlight, and we need to provide them with cleanliness and a varied diet.
Space means that they hate being cramped into tiny tanks. They want at least 10 gallons of water per inch of shell length.
Warmth means they want 75-80F water and 90F basking sites.
Sunlight means they want UV-B rays, which do not penetrate most glass or plastics (try bulbs made for reptiles that brag about having UV-B)
Cleanliness takes a filter 2-3 times more powerful than a same-size fish tank would use.
Varied diet means about 25-50% good pellets and the rest live or frozen/thawed 'fish foods' like small fish, bugs, worms, shrimp, beef heart, etc.
For a good care site and forums, try http://www.austinsturtlepage.com
2007-01-02 15:13:32
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answer #1
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answered by Madkins007 7
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Well, first of all, you need to assess his symptoms. Is he eating? Urinating? Defecating? Are his eyes watery/nose running or encrusted? (could be signs of a respiratory illness) Is he active - basking in the heat light?
Since you got him a month ago, I would imagine that he is already familiar with his surroundings...so being scared would not necessarily be the case, unless there is another animal that has contact with him and is scaring him.
With it now being winter, the temperature change could be making a difference in his behavior as well.
Your best bet is to call a vet that takes care of exotic pets (that's the category they class turtles/tortoises under) and make an appointment. If a respiratory infection is the cause, it can be swift and deadly.
Good luck!!
2007-01-02 05:47:59
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answer #2
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answered by Stephanie B 2
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it will stay in its shell most the time, wont show much interest in its food, & wont really look alive. if you just have got your turtle he might just be a little scared to explore.
2007-01-02 03:57:56
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answer #3
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answered by redneck/cowgirl 2
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