He seems to be 'scratching' his eyes alot and his face looks yellowish. I am not sure if this is typical for his species or if I should be treating a health problem...
Here is some details about thier environment..
I have a 55 gallon that also houses a red ear slider. The water is kept clean with 3 filters and is completely changed monthly. I feed them a variety of foods including fruits and vegetables, pellets, shrimp, worms, crickets and rosy red minnows. I treat their water with water conditioner for turtles. The each have a basking dock, one has a heat lamp (for the red ear)and ones does not (for the musk). The tank is also covered by a full length UV light.
2007-08-05 11:33:24 · 6 answers · asked by Insurancepro 2 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
Let me rephrase it: I clean their tank weekly but I completely replace the water once per month.
2007-08-05 11:47:38 · update #1
I have had differing members of the family over the years and often their burrowing/digging behavior resembles scratching. They are all usually nocturnal and dislike strong light, they also generally burrow under plans and debris along the shoreline to avoid predators. This behavior usually stops after a month or two in captivity.
2007-08-06 09:54:10 · answer #1 · answered by mnemenoi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Musk turtles get to 4" so they want forty gallons (10 gallons of water for each inch of a turtle's shell). they're very messy so have a good clear out, substitute 50% of the water each and every week, and feed them in a separate field simply by fact that they're such messy eaters. The turtles will devour or attack your fish. Turtle tanks could be a million/2-3/4 complete with structures they are in a position to climb onto. The structures could desire to be sturdy so as that the turtles would be thoroughly dry on them. in addition they choose a warmth lamp with a UV bulb below a platform so they are in a position to bask..
2016-11-11 07:37:34 · answer #2 · answered by tito 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Stop with the fruit- they don't need it and it just fouls the water faster. Also stop with the conditioner- your filters are just taking the chemicals out of the water, and they are a waste of money to begin with.
Scratching the face is often the early stages of several problems- eye infections, respiratory infections, shedding issues, etc. it could also just be reacting to the conditioning chemicals or something.
Double check the cares, test the water, and look for anything that may be 'off'. Use the info at http://www.austinsturtlepage.com for guidelines.
You can try the fish medicine 'Stress Coat' as a preventative measure.
2007-08-05 14:59:57 · answer #3 · answered by Madkins007 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there is a possibility that the two different species give off different bacteria;and maybe they should not be in the same tank? I would research this further soon so it's not too late.how long have they been together? you can e mail me at reptileman@yahoo.com.let me know,good luck,and i hope it works.there's nothing more heartbreaking to me than a sick tortoise or turtle!
2007-08-05 12:37:37 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would take him to the vet and see whats going on. i would also clean the cage a little more than once a month, if theres another animal in there with him.
2007-08-05 11:46:23 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
does he only scratch his face during eating if so its normal otherwise ur tank seems very good u are taking very good care of ur turtles
2007-08-06 07:04:38 · answer #6 · answered by reptile lover 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋