Urgent Care :: Turtles mouth opening 1/4 inch frequently while underwater

[Nin10doGC]

I understand breathing through the mouth is a RI, but is this breathing through the mouth? I don't see any air bubbles or the like, if you can tell me a more decisive way to tell, please reply.

Also, if it does have a RI how much do you think it would be to see a herp vet, and would they discourage me because I am in a state where they are illegal to buy? (NJ)

How big is your turtle? 4 inches
How long have you had it? 3 days

What is the water temperature? 80-78 (Stick on thermometer)
Did you use a thermometer? Yes
Are you using a water heater? No
How much water is in there? 4-4 1/2 inches (I don't have a good enough dock at the moment for more water! I am using rocks bigger than the turtles head and a large flat rock as a basking area.)
Are you using a water conditioner? Yes, Reptisafe I believe.
Are you using any filtration? No, I cleaned the tank today however and got fresh water, and waited for it to heat up before putting him in.

What is the basking temperature? Higher than 86 (A stick on thermometer, it goes up to 86 and there is no indicator, so it must be higher than that.)
Is there a basking light? Yes
Is there a basking platform that is easy to climb on? Yes
What kind is it or what is it made out of? Rocks bigger than it's head and a large flat rock
Is there a UVB light? Yes, bought it today.

What have you been trying to feed it? Pellets
When was the last time your turtle ate? This morning

How big is the tank/pond/enclosure? 10 gallons (WAY TOO SMALL, I know though, and I'm gonna buy a bigger tank soon.)
Is the tank near a window? Yes, but the side of the house doesn't get touched by sun.
Is the tank in a room with a lot of activity? Not really, it's in my room I use it when I'm using my laptop and such.

Have you read the Basic Care section? Indeed
Have you searched the forums for similar situations? No

Is there any other unusual activity/symptoms? He has odd white, almost wispy webbing under his neck. He basks for long times and swims for long times.

[SpotsMama]

Breathing with the mouth open means breathing air. Opening the mouth while under water just means he/she's getting a drink. No problem!

You're off the hook this time, but you'd better check around and (1) find a good herp vet (one that understands reptiles and amphibians) and (2) find out if there would be in problem if you brought in a RES and (3) find out the price schedule. Then, you'd better set some funds aside for an emergency. Hopefully you won't have an emergency but you never know. If you do these things, you'll be prepared in case you have a genuine emergency in the future.

[Nin10doGC]

It's more like a shiver though underwater, is this a problem? And 1/4 inch is bigger than what she is doing. Is my tank too hot or cold? I don't currently have a heater because the water is fine as is it seems, even a little on the warmer side.

I'm just so paranoid. Raising a turtle is a little scary what with unexpected things and how common infections and diseases are among the turtles it seems.

[imderanged]

I have a turtle in NJ. I have never had to take my turtle to the vet, but i have one lined up, just in case. I have already established that he will see turtles and it isn't a problem. The way I understand the law, it is illegal to sell a turtle in jersey, but no illegal to own a turtle. What area of jersey are you in?

[Nin10doGC]

I am by LBI. (Long Beach Island) I figured it was only illegal to sell turtles in NJ, as pet stores and such have special stuff for turtles. Anyway, it makes sense a vet will still see a turtle. Vets are animal lovers usually.... and hopefully so why would they turn their back on you.

Thanks for the reassurance.

[imderanged]

Well, you will probably be able to find somone closer, but my vets in Pt. Pleasant. I haven't used him for my turt, but I have taken my bird and a friend took his rat there to be neutered. We both liked him.

[megcornell]

It's overwhelming when you first realize that contrary to what most people think, turtles need a lot of work to be set up, and that they can be vulnerable to quite a few ailments. I know when I first got my hatchling, I read about their high fatality rates and was convinced I'd lose my turtle too. Of course, she's turned out to be a perfectly spoiled little turtle, I don't think she ever worried, haha.

It's good that you're observing and asking about her behavior- turtles hide illness well so it's important to notice even a minute change in behavior as sometimes that's the only indication they give.

The best way to handle turtle care is really to have a solid set up as most problems arise from inadequacies there whether its too cool water, not clean water, drafts, etc. Having a herp vet in your phone that you can call if need be is also a solid precautionary step.

And also, those white wispy things are normal shedding, nothing to worry about.

[JimmyJam]

...turtles hide illness well...

As with almost all animals not at the very tip top of the food chain. My vet told me the same about my tiels, that's why we get them a check-up every 6 months.

I know most of you wouldn't recommend the spending of the money, and usually herps in general are quite easy to see when they're not doing so great, but a usual check-up would be something I'd recommend for all animals. And I stress this because most pets can carry diseases with no noticeable side effects.