General Care Discussion :: Do these appear healthy?

[xKitaCat]

Hello all! I'm quite new to the world of turtles, though I'm experienced with other reptiles (mainly snakes).

I was just wondering if I could make use of some experienced eyes, and inquire whether these two RES look healthy. I am thinking of adding them to my family/zoo.

Apologies for the poor lighting in the second picture - these are the seller's photos.

[steve]

Looks like the turtles have grown too fast (retained and overlapping scutes, dull coloration in scutes).

[xKitaCat]

Hmm, I thought those might be retained scutes.

Would they be likely to suffer any longterm health problems as a result? I'd love to have them (especially to get them out of the less than ideal care), but I don't want to get in over my head by starting out with sickly turtles.

[steve]

Potential long term problems from fast growth is organ failure, though I don't know how common that is. The one the bottom looks to be a male, so he will likely need to be separated from the others at some point.

[xKitaCat]

Thanks for the info.

I thought the second one looked male. I'm going to confirm their genders when we go to see them, and get some more details on their living situation/whether they get along/etc.

This forum and the main site have been really great resources as I learn about these little guys.

[steve]

Good luck!

[xKitaCat]

Thank you!

Well, we went to pick them up last night. I was wary, but very pleasantly surprised.

To my untrained eye, they look pretty healthy. A few minor shell issues, as you mentioned - I'll post some good pictures later for opinions.

They are definitely a male and female pair. According to the previous owners, they have seen them do the mating "dance", but they've never produced. They have apparently never shown any aggression towards each other, and they definitely did not last night. If this changes we're prepared to set up a second enclosure and separate them. If we end up with any eggs, we will simply not fertilize them.

The previous owners obviously loved these guys very much. The girl was nearly in tears when we left with them, and she kept thanking US for taking them. I can honestly say this is the first time someone has thanked me for taking something they are giving away for free!
We're in love with them also.

[steve]

Turtles are very underrated pets

Re: aggression -- it usually shows up when they get older and become sexually mature. At their current size, it can happen any day now, so as you are getting things set up, do keep that in mind. At the first sign of aggression/fighting, you need to separate as it will escalate and can lead to severe injuries.

[xKitaCat]

Agreed - very underrated! In the couple of days we've had them, they've already shown a lot more personality than I ever thought turtles had.
I own 14 snakes as well, and I adore them, but turtles are more personable.

Okay, pictures! Unfortunately I realized afterwards that you are supposed to take pictures with their shells dry... So I'm not sure how useful they are, but nevertheless. Cute turtles!

Female's carapace:



Male's carapace:


Male's plastron:

I'm a little concerned about this area:


Female's plastron:

[steve]

THe male's plastron should be OK as long as those pits are not too deep.

[xKitaCat]

Excellent, thanks. They look pretty shallow, so I won't worry unless it gets worse.

The female is currently basking away, and has been for a couple of hours now. I don't want to disturb her too much, I'm sure she needs the basking time. She looks to be shedding, and I don't believe she's had a basking spot available for some time.
The male doesn't show any interest in basking so far, we'll see if he warms up to it.

[tu.es.hic]

Warms up to it. heh. Is that a pun?

Congratulations and welcome to the world of turtles!

[xKitaCat]

Thank you! It wasn't an intentional pun, haha.

They both spent some time basking this afternoon. Horray!