Urgent Care :: Very unhealthy baby turtles, newcomer to RES

[javisaman]

Two turtles

How big is your turtle?
One is about 2" the other is a little bigger 2.5"
How long have you had it?
Two weeks

What is the water temperature?
A consistent 78-80F
Are you using a water heater?
Yes
How much water is in there?
about 3" high in a 2 gal container
Are you using a water conditioner?
No, but the water is filtered (Brita filter)
Are you using any filtration?
No, but changing water frequently

What is the basking temperature?
About 90s
Is there a basking light?
Yes, a desklamp, might have a UVA/UVB filter on it though
Is there a basking platform that is easy to climb on?
No
What kind is it or what is it made out of?
Foundation is Aluminum and its covered with rocks
Is there a UVB light?
Not specifically
What have you been trying to feed it?
Pellets covered in tuna juice
When was the last time your turtle ate?
Never
How big is the tank/pond/enclosure?
About 2 gallons
Is the tank near a window?
No
Is the tank in a room with a lot of activity?
Not so much
Have you read the Basic Care section?
Yes
Have you searched the forums for similar situations?
Yes

Is there any other unusual activity/symptoms?
Both turtles are shedding excessively, they haven't eaten for the two weeks we've had them, very lethargic, bask most of the time, I haven't seen the eyes open yet (in or out of the water), and the eyes use to be swollen but not so much anymore. The turtles occasionally yawn (might be RI). A white spot is developing on one of the turtle's shells (most likely calcium deficiency due to lack of eating). Shells are soft.


As you can see these turtles are in bad shape. They aren't exactly my turtles; they are my roommate's. I've been trying to get them to eat for the past two weeks but they don't seem to want to. I even covered some of the pellets in tuna water to entice them, but even that didn't work. The temperatures seem adequately high, but there is no cover on the container we are keeping them (the room is 75F nonetheless). I've been dripping a bit of vitamin a/e tablets in their eyes and the swelling has decreased significantly, but they still keep their eyes closed.

I'm guessing the biggest problem with the setup is that their isn't a sufficient UVA/UVB lamp.

Thanks

[sandyandspongebob06]

where u get them from?

[javisaman]

Some vendor (i'm assuming he was a hobbyist of his own) was selling pets on our campus: turtles, fish, etc

[sandyandspongebob06]

ooo i got my from turtlesale [not reputable].com

[cprcheetah]

2 Gallons? They need ALOT more space than that. Turtles require 10 Gallons per inch, so for an adequate setup they need at least 40 gallons of water. I would get them to a vet, if they do have a Respiratory it can kill them. Read the basic care site again and get the things that are lacking in their setup such as the UVA/UVB lights, larger tank, filter etc.

[megcornell]

First off, the turtles need a much bigger tank. With only 3 inches in a two gallon container there is no need for a heater, the excessive shedding is due to too high of water temps. You also need a filter to keep the water clean which = healthier turtles. With a better set up ( at least get a 10 gallon tank...they $10-15... but the bigger you can get the better) there is a better chance of warding off illness and enticing the turtles to eat. One of the things with new turtles is that it takes them time to get comfortable in their new habitat to eat, your roomate's turtles are probably barely hanging on in such a small tank.

[steve]

Do they have any privacy? I would take one turtle out and try to feed the other using a cut up earthworm or a mealworm. You can try dried shrimp treats, boiled egg whites or cripple a live minnow for them to eat.

Make sure to use a good thermometer to make sure the temps are accurate.

[javisaman]

Thanks for all your input. I know it looks grim. My roommate pretty much ignores them now, and I only drop by once a day or so. Getting a large tank might be difficult, but I'll try my best to see what I can do. The turtles did stop shedding (when I dropped the temps), but they still refuse to eat.

Steve:

By privacy, I'm assuming you mean privacy from each other. No I haven't tried that yet. I guess I'm gonna have to set up a temporary rig and see if that will work.

Thanks again