They used to eat pellets at half year old but not anymore. I tried fruits, veggies, shrimp, worms, and crickets but they don't work. The temperature and tank is right and clean, but they still won't do anything but sit at the bottom of the tank and look like ice-cubes.
2007-02-25 09:23:14 · 6 answers · asked by Lawrence O 2 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
Bump the water temperature up to about 84 degrees F. You do have a water heater right? If not, you need one. Do they have a warmer basking area? Do they have a UVB reptile light? Are they getting 12 hours of light per day?. If they aren't getting 12 hours of light per day, they could have been triggered into hibernation mode. Hibernation, of course, is not possible indoors. Correct any of the above and offer something alive such as small earthworms. If that doesn't get them eating within a few days then get them to a knowledgeable turtle vet ASAP. They could have respiratory infections. Resp. Infections can only be treated by injectable antibiotics from a vet. If it's been 6 weeks or more since they have eaten then major organ damage could be occuring and cause death.
Make sure you have them in a large enough tank. NO tiny container or bowls! Do NOT let them crawl around outside a warmed tank. They need to be kept warm.
NOTE: Turtles are much easier to keep healthy if kept outside during warms months. They need direct unfiltered sunlight. Artificial UVB lighting is NOT an equal substitute for sunlight.
Below are two webpages that will help you.
2007-02-25 11:46:36 · answer #1 · answered by A1973 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
At one year, veggies should only be a small part of the diet, and fruits should barely be present if at all.
What are the temps and tank size? It should be about a 20-40 gallon tank with water heated to about 75-80F.
How is the lighting- good warm basking lights and some UVB light?
Is there anything abnormal about their appearance? Shells nice and firm? No puffiness or swelling around the eyes?
I'd like to help, but I need more info.
You can try http://www.austisnturtlepage.com and go to the Care Sheets, Medical Information, and forums for more info.
2007-02-25 19:42:00 · answer #2 · answered by Madkins007 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you using a UVB light on their tank? UVB is necessary to harden the shell and absorb calcium from their food.
I'd also double-check their temperature (water and air).
See this site's medical info and care sheets for some other possibilities:
http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/
2007-02-25 19:30:08 · answer #3 · answered by copperhead 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check the water temperature ; it should be 78-80. with a hot spot of 90.
2007-02-25 19:31:51 · answer #4 · answered by Joleen B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try taking them out of the tank an see if they want to walk an if they do try to make it an everyday thing
GOOD LUCK
2007-02-25 17:27:22 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
call a vet
2007-02-25 17:27:01 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋