help! i think theres somthing wrong with my turtle!

[hassman789]

my box turtle has these big bubbles where the ears are supposed to be. i think hes ill. what can i do? what is wrong with him? he spends all his time in his shallow pool, which i think may have somthing to do with it. im really worried. please respond, i dont know what to do. hes rather young so i want him to survive

 

[hassman789]

well i read up on it and its saying to get surgery and everything. just wondering, what would be the results if i just left it alone. could it heal itself. or would it die?:?

 

[BrettG]

Vet trip.And ask this is the other forum,someone else might be able to help.

 

[RoachGirlRen]

Exotics decline rapidly when ill. That turtle absolutely needs a vet.

In the mean time, why not share your husbandry in detail? Most sickness in turtles is related to their care.

 

[hassman789]

yes it was due to his habitat i think. i think it was because of the water. i changed it every day but i geuss it wasnt enough. i was only going to keep him for a little while. so if he gets better ill set him free

 

[RoachGirlRen]

You.. caught this animal from the wild? You do realize that's about 110% illegal in the state of New York and the species is declining precisely due to this sort of activity right?

Do not wait for it to get better on its own. Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in your area and turn it over to the proper authorities for care. It shouldn't have to die because you wanted it as a pet "for a little while." You absolutely have the responsibility to make sure, now that you've mucked about with this animal's life, that it recieves proper care.

Go to http://www.nyswrc.org/ and find a rehabber. If you can't find one on the list, call your state department of environment conservation (http://www.ny.dec.gov) and have them tell you who in your area does reptile rehab. And do it PRONTO.

If you absolutely can't find anyone in your area and are willing to travel a bit, I could meet you around the Bronx. I do wildlife rehab and know a great turtle rehabber who could take it over after triage care is administered.

 

[BQC123]

This turtle needs help right now!

Box turtles look cute, and everyone thinks they make great pets. They can be very difficult to care for, especially wild caught. Releasing a captive into the wild is a big no-no as well.

Get this turtle to somebody who can help before it dies. It will die without getting help VERY soon.

 

[hassman789]

i understand. im sorry for doing that. i was unaware of the situation.

 

[naturejoe]

turtle

It has an ear infection basically. Relatively common in captive box turtles. Not hard to treat really. A vet is your best option if you have the cash. Only take it to a reptile vet though.

 

[loxoscelesfear]

i understand. im sorry for doing that. i was unaware of the situation.

Don't feel bad. Automobiles and loss of habitat threaten box turtles most. Many people are unaware of the laws. Box turtles are illegal to keep where I am from so other than moving them out of the road I don't muck w/ em'.