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Hi, my 4yr old res stopped eating 3 days ago and is acting very lathargic. He keeps his paws inside his shell and shows no interest of eating. Usually he sticks his head out of the water and flaps his paws when he knows I'm going to feed him. The water temperature is 28C so I don't think he's trying to hibernate. I noticed that it sort of looks puffy between his neck and his front paws. I hope he's not sick....any ideas? Thank you.

Hi, welcome to the board.

Could you answer the questions located here: http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2142

That will help us to better assess the situation. Also, photos never hurt!

Are you sure he is a "he"? Does he have lovely long claws? If not, if he might be a she, she might be gravid with eggs or one may have exploded, which would require immediate vet care. If he is a she, she might need to lay eggs. Has your turtle been digging with his hind legs lately?

Back on topic, has he been lethargic in the water or on his basking area? Has he been basking well lately? Are there any mucus bubbles coming from his nose or open mouth breathing? If you have seen open mouth breathing, he needs to be taken to a vet immediately as he likely has a respiratory infection, which is only treatable by the vet.

Please give us more info so we can help better!

when a turtle doesn't feel good he/she loses his/her appetite and acts lethargic. If he were my turtle, I'd get him to a herp vet right away. If he's ill, his chances of a clean recovery are best if he gets treatment right away.

The water temp's on the warm side for a healthy turtle, but it's about right for a sick one. Once he's back to his old self, you should lower the water temp to around 75 degrees.

On the puffiness around his neck and front feet, is it possible your turtle is just chubby? Has he gotten puffy just since he lost his appetite? Puffiness can be a symptom of certain infections or organ problems. If the puffiness is of sudden onset be sure and ask the vet about it when you take your turtle to see the vet.

What do you feed your turtle?