General Care Discussion :: Frustrated & Confused

[nabbymn]

Hello everyone!

My sister passed away in January and I took her 2 turtles as I wasn't sure what to do with them at the time. The rest of my family wanted to just let them go in the wild. I don't have a clue about the turtles and have been reading this forum for a little while to try to learn how to care for them. I have a red ear and a painted. The red ear is a little bigger than the other. My sister told me they were both boys. They used to fight and we have been playing with their tank, adding water and a floating log and a basking area. Things have been going really good.... until yesterday!!! They were mating and got stuck together. They eventually separated but the little painted was bleeding I separated them and have kept them separated. I don't see any blood today but he's still pretty slow, just laying around. Poor baby.

Here are my questions: 1. How long do I need to keep them separated? If it's forever .... then I need to find a new home for one of them. I don't have the space or means to have another tank. 2. Is there anything I should look for to ensure the little guy (or girl) is ok after the mounting? They were butt against butt and the little guy was trying hard to pull away

I'm torn on getting rid of the one.... do I bring him to a store or let him go? Will he be ok if I let him go. I don't feel right doing that so I'm having a hard time. I also feel like it's the last piece I have of my sister and I don't want to let her down..... I just don't know what else to do now

Please help!

Thank you!

[steve]

Sorry to hear about your sister

Yes, you are looking at permanent separation. Painteds stay smaller than RES and I would guess that the painted is female. As to what to do... first check the cloaca. It's the opening on the underside of the tail. If there is any tear, then I would take her to a vet. If it's fine, but is still inactive, I would take her to a herp vet anyway. I don't think there is much they can do besides a physical exam.

Next, you might want to consider having a tank you can divide. You'll save on space, time and some equipment but you are still looking at a large tank. Depending on what state/country you're in, you'll have several outdoor setup options.

Painteds are slightly more desirable than RES and might be easier to rehome if you go that path.

[nabbymn]

I checked this cloaca for a tear and I really couldn't tell.... other than the normal opening. I'm looking for a vet in my area (Minnesota). I have a smaller tank for the time being to keep them separated but no filter or anything in there so it can't be long term. My hubby and I were talking about dividing the tank.

If I had to choose between one, I would keep the painted myself. He has such a sweet personality. I just hope he feels better soon.

Thank you!

[steve]

How big is the tank currently? It's alright to go without a filter for a short while, but making sure the water stays warm is more important.

[Tampa Bay Turtle Fan]

My condolences to the family on your great loss of your sister.

The separation in the tank would be ideal based on the size like Steve questioned. There is a few alternatives you could do but I am leaning with the separation in the tank or tanks first as your first alternative.