I have 10 pet turtles and one of them, that I've had for about 10 years had this gunk on it's eyes this morning, completely covering them. I've never seen this before. Could dirty water cause this? I try to change the water a couple times a week since only two of the other turtles enjoy it. Perhaps that's not nearly enough. Could there be something else?
2007-03-24 05:50:08 · 14 answers · asked by chocobocharmer 3 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
The crust did fall off on it's own as well.
2007-03-24 05:51:44 · update #1
Eye infections can be dietary (usually a lack of vitamin A), the result of dirty water, injury, or the result of stress.
Besides cleaning the water (dang, man, don't you use a good filter? They are literally lifesavers in a turtle tank.) you can try:
- bigger tank. Stress is a good sign that the tank is over-crowded. Aim for about 10 gallons per linear inch of turtle. If you have 10 2" turtles, you should have about 200 gallons of water.
- diet change, although if the other turtles are not showing it, I would not worry a lot on this.
- UVB lighting if not being used. If it is being used and the bulb is over about 6 months old it may not be putting out enough UVB any more.
This sounds more like an injury. Make sure the tank is not over-crowded or has any injury-causing surfaces in it and have fun!
2007-03-24 13:57:51 · answer #1 · answered by Madkins007 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the crust fell off that fast, it may have just been junk from the tank that floated over his eyes, and partially dried there while his head was out of the water.
In general, the things that cause eye problems in turtles the most are dirty water and drafts. However, completely changing the water is frowned upon, because that upsets the natural balance of the water in the tank. Depending on how many turtles you have in it, a changing 75% every two weeks should be sufficient, along with an adequate filtration system. Also, we have always fed our turtles outside of the tank, in a dishpan of water. By eating that way, they also defecate and pee in the dishpan and you put back less contaminants in the tank.
Infected eyes do need treatment. This usually involves drops in their eyes, which may need to be gently opened with a Q tip. You might also consider some antibiotic capsules in the water of your tank.
2007-03-24 06:02:26 · answer #2 · answered by carraigcreative 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Crusted Over Eyes
2016-12-18 16:23:29 · answer #3 · answered by ciprian 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its sick. with an eye infection or something else. the water will get dirty since you have 10 turtles. maybe try and seclude that one for a while so its water isnt as dirty and see if that works. but i would bring it to the vet
2007-03-24 05:59:01 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Turtles are very prone to respiratory infections. These types of infection can cause crusty eyes and a runny nose. You need to take it to a vet that knows about reptiles. Only anitbiotics can get rid of it. Left untreated - it can be fatal and can be transmitted to your other turtles.
2007-03-24 05:54:48 · answer #5 · answered by arkiemom 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
u might have to take him to his dr he could have an eye infection im sure its nothing u did these things happen the vet should be able to instruct u in how to care for him better if i feels that some things just not right
2007-03-24 05:59:57 · answer #6 · answered by ANGELOFDARKNESS 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
take to the vet or pet store owner that sounds really bad. i myself own 2 red eared slider turtles and thats never happened so its not natural...take it to the vet definatley
2007-03-24 05:53:17 · answer #7 · answered by @ |* ! @ n @ ♥ 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yake him to the vet i htink he has an eye infection
2007-03-24 05:54:06 · answer #8 · answered by holly _lawton 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
put them clean in water, that will clear their eyes
2007-03-24 05:53:37 · answer #9 · answered by Melanie Einalem 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
u should bring it to the vet immediantly
2007-03-24 05:53:01 · answer #10 · answered by elisa marie. 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋