Sick turtle!

[Empi]

I ordered a penn. cooter turtle from a breeder in florida. Just a little guy that hatched this last summer. I had it shiped next day but i did not get it till 7:30 pm three days later. Needless to say he is not doing so good. When I got the package the little guy was very cold. He is very weak and has not opened his eyes yet in the three days that I have had him. He does not swim or move very much. Just been basking for three days sraight and I have been misting him so he does not get too dried out and hot. I don't know what else to do for the little guy. He is still holding on. I really did not think he was going to make it through the night when I got him. He moves a little bit through out the day. He will stretch his feet out or move his head aroud but that is it really. Does anyone have any ideas as to what else I can do for him? I have had a few turtles in the past but they never got sick......Thanks!

 

[Kiffie]

Vet.

If you can find a vet that will make house calls, all the better.

He may have an infection, or he may just be a "runt" and be sickly by nature. Either way, get some medical attention for the little guy.

 

[Empi]

Well I took the little guy to the vet and things are looking up. He has his eyes open now and is very active. He had a infection of some kind. They gave him some shots and he cleared right up within a day. I really did not expect him to make it when I first saw him. So I guess I'll have to post some pics sometime.

 

[Kiffie]

Pics = yey. ^_^

Glad to hear he's doing better.

 

[Empi]

Here is the little guy. As you can see he has his own lawn growing on his shell.

 

[Kiffie]

Awww, lookit that little face!

He seems healthy, though I'd rub some of that mulch off his shell... Heh!

Big for a hatchling... how old is he?

 

[Empi]

Awww, lookit that little face!

He seems healthy, though I'd rub some of that mulch off his shell... Heh!

Big for a hatchling... how old is he?

I talked to the vet about his algea growth and he said it was normal and nothing to worry about. I tried to get it off when I got him but it is on there good. His shell is still pretty thin because of his age so I did not want to mess with it to much and risk injuring him. He is not really a hatchling anymore. about six months now. He is smaller than the pic makes him look.

 

[common spider]

Good too see he is looking better.I have two Red Ears and I love them.