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How big is your turtle? 1.5 inches in diameter
How long have you had it? 2 months

What is the water temperature? 77-78 f
Are you using a water heater? yes
How much water is in there? 10 gallons
Are you using a water conditioner? no
Are you using any filtration? yes

What is the basking temperature? had to move the light- they won't bask (approx 75-77 f)
Is there a basking light? yes
Is there a basking platform that is easy to climb on? yeah, but they don't like it...
What kind is it or what is it made out of? the kind that you buy at the store (it looks like a rock, but it floats. it has a ramp that goes into the water)
Is there a UVB light? yes

What have you been trying to feed it? Reptomin baby pellets
When was the last time your turtle ate? about a week ago, or more.

How big is the tank/pond/enclosure? 20 gallons
Is the tank near a window? yes
Is the tank in a room with a lot of activity? somewhat

Have you read the Basic Care section? yes
Have you searched the forums for similar situations? no

Is there any other unusual activity/symptoms? Yes, his eyes are puffy and he looks pale. (HE WON'T EAT!!!!)

You need to have the basking temperature around 10 degrees higher than the water temp to encourage them to bask. The puffy eyes and paleness is troubling. It sounds like he's sick, which wiould explain the not eating part. Do you have a heat source in addition to the UVB source?

I agree that your turtle sounds sick. The best chance he has is with a good vet. Try to get him to the vet as soon as possible. It's important not to let it go on too long. This is not something you can treat yourself.

In the meantime, warm up the water temp to 82 degrees or so, keep the water very clean, and avoid stressing your turtle (by picking him up, for instance) as much as you can.

Good luck. Please keep in touch and let us know how it goes.

Our heater dosen't have a crank to make it warmer or colder; it turns itself on when the temperature is below 78 degrese, and when it's 78, it turns itself off. But, the water is very, very warm. It's like a warm bath. I think the temp is... *checks thermometer* about 80 degrese, anyway.

My stupid dad is refusing to take him to the vet. This was our conversation:

ME: Dad, can we take my turtle to the vet?

DAD: Do you have the money for it?

ME: No, but you do.

DAD: *calls MOM over* Honey, Krystyna wants to take this little thing to the vet!!!

MOM: Krystyna, he's too small.

ME: No, he's not! How do you think they can treat fish for illness> FISH ARE SMALLER THAN MY TURTLE!!!

MOM: Well, can you pay for it, Krystyna?

ME: UGH!!! WITH ONLY $15?!?!?

MOM & DAD: Well, than go search the internet; but NO VET.

Krystyna, can you earn the money to pay for the vet? Maybe you can do more chores or donate part of your allowance. That's what I would do.

Another way to go (i pulled this one all the time when i was young) is to have the vet visit (or whatever else it may be) be your next birthday/christmas/channuka present. It might make for a dissapointing holiday, but if you can look at you healthy happy turtles it will be worth it.

Your turtle(s) will die if they dont see a vet, im sorry but a vet is its only chance at survival. This isnt something like shell rot or fungus that can be treated at home. This sounds much more serious. If you cant afford the vet and your parents refuse to take it. I would start looking for a new home for the turtle..maybe someone in your area will be willing to take in the turtle and pay for a vet. I know its hard, but its probably the best thing to do if all else fails..

How old are you? You seem a little too young to take care of these animals. If your parents arent willing to help and you dont have a job, then it will become realy, realy hard and expensive and if not, impossible to take proper care of them..

What are you using for your UVB? How is the other turtle doing? Are they kept together?

Some vets only charge $25 or $35 for a visit (not including if you need medicine). Call around and find out how much a vet costs. If you do the research and you know how much it is, and tell your parents you'll put your $15 towards it, but you need help to cover the extra, maybe they'll take ya more seriously.

You can also offer to pay them back when you get it.

Just make sure it's a herp vet that is trained to take turtles.


My parents thought I was insane when I wanted to take my two little ones to the vet, but once I explained that these were just babies, they grow to be up to 12", and they can live a LONG time (I said up to 70 years, because that's what I've read on some websites), they agreed that it was worth it to take them to the vet.

We found a vet that is great with turtles, and actually deals with them all the time. They even currently are careing for a sick anole. *points and laughs at parents; the anole is smaller than her turtle, thus proving her point, wich was that vets take in little 1.5 inch turtles!!!*

The best thing is, (sence I have strep throught) my mom and I might take him (the turtle, obeously) to the vet today. It's an hour drive, but it's the same amount of time it takes to get to my Grandmother's house. I'll tell y'all if we do go, and the diagnosis, ect.

Oh i'm so glad your parents have seen the light. I hope your visit goes well and your turtle makes a speedy recovery!

Great news! I hope your parents do come to accept that all creatures, great and small, deserve good care, especially when it is your pet and something you care about deeply.

Awesome! I'm so happy to hear that. Maybe your parents will develop some attachment to the little guy as well now!

Good luck! I hope your throat gets better too!

Thanks!

Me: Good News!!!

You all: What, did you switch to geiko?

Me: No! My turtle got de-wormed, and is getting de-wormed again in two weeks from now. Thing is, de-worming's made the turts barf... MY POOR BABIES!!!

Other than that, we will have to seperate them. One was as healthy as a horse, and the other is afraid to eat. But, luckly, on our way home, we stopped at a pet store with real cheap stuff, and I got a 10 gallon for my baby for only $11.99! And, for cryin in a bucket, it was only a little more than the $11.45 5 gallon tank! So, mom let me get the 10 gal. It'll be fine untill Emmie gets bigger. But, I still need to find a table to put it on in my room. *YES!!! THEY'RE LETTING ME KEEP MY TURTLE IN MY ROOM*

*HAHA!! My lil brother, Dan, still has to keep his in the living room. ;P jk. I'm mean, but not that mean.* lol