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I've had my two RES for about 8 months now. I went on vacation a week or so ago, so I took my two turtles to my uncle's. When I got them back, their eyes were swollen and they don't eat anymore. All they do is lie still with their eyes closed as if asleep. They used to be very energetic when it comes to food and always start eating as soon as I dropped the food into their enclosure. They can open their eyes, but they mostly prefer to keep them closed as it seems like trying to keep them open takes a lot of effort. They only open their eyes when startled. I've changed the water several times, and finding a vet is not an option. Personally, don't think it's a Vitamin A deficiency. I'm worried they will die of starvation soon, as they haven't taken so much as a bite for about a week now. What should I do?

Can you give more details about their environment? How long was your vacation? What kind of setup did your uncle have?

I live in Malaysia, and it's hot all year round. My turtles have a big tank, im not sure about the exact size but i know for sure that it's big enough for both of them because i did research before buying them. They have big rocks to bask on and about 2 and a half inches of water. From what he told me, he changed the water every three days and only fed them pellets. I was gone for about 20 days, and came back to find them like this. The weather is getting colder lately, because it's the rainy season, and i figure it might have something to do with that too. I went to where i bought them and they suggested putting their tank in direct sunlight for 5-10 minutes a day, which is hard because like I said, rainy season. I've noticed they occasionally rub their eyes with the back of their claws. They can open their eyes, they just don't do it often. I can't get them to eat, and they haven't eaten in a week. I'm worried.

Is "2 and a half inches of water" mistranslated? Can you post a picture of their setup? What kind of light are you using for the basking area? What about a UVB light? You can try some cod liver oil on the eyes. Are they lethargic?

They've gotten loads better--apparently it was the chlorine! I've used dechlorinated water for the last few days and the condition improved a lot. Memphis is starting to eat again, but Baltimore is acting a bit strange. He sniffs at the food but ignores it and keeps stretching his neck out of the water. Any idea what to do?

They've gotten loads better--apparently it was the chlorine! I've used dechlorinated water for the last few days and the condition improved a lot. Memphis is starting to eat again, but Baltimore is acting a bit strange. He sniffs at the food but ignores it and keeps stretching his neck out of the water. Any idea what to do?

Great to hear they are doing better!

If it's just chlorine and not chloramine in your water, you can let it sit in a bucket for a day or two and the chlorine will evaporate.

they're more like themselves now, not as active but the swellings gone down. Baltimore is still not eating, but Memphis has been eating like the pig she was. I don't understand why he's not eating?




It might be nothing but i think Baltimore sneezes occasionally

Baltimore sneezes out of water? How often?

Maybe a few times a day. The swelling is mostly gone but the underside of his shell is decidedly concave.

So you think it was just a reaction to the chlorine? Is Baltimore eating yet?

yeah it was. they're so much better after the switch of water. but no, baltimore hasn't. I noticed he floats when he is put back in the water, like there is air in his shell? it's not normal is it?

They should have some appetite. Have you tried live prey? Minnows or earth worms?

Is it possible that Balti has respiratory infection?

And no, I have not tried live prey, but i have tried leafy greens and memphis eats them, but not Balti