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Reptiles/Red ear slider turtle will not eat.

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Expert: Nicole - 9/2/2007


Question
I have had two baby red eared slider turtles for the past 8 months.  Recently, the smaller of the two turtles has not been eating.  I have purchases a light for the turtles to bask in, a thermometer to check the tempurature of the water, and even special reptile-aid food for the one that will not eat.  Despite all of this, the turtle still continues to not eat.  And also, as of today, the bigger turtle has started biting the smaller turtle that hasn't been eating.  I am sure that the tank is large enough for the size of the two turtles and it has enough water in it.

I am worried that the turtle that is not eating will die.

Is there anything else I can do to try to get it to eat.



Thank you,

Chelsey

Answer
Hi Chelsey! I am sorry to say that the problem is probably that the bigger turtle is intimidating the smaller one into not eating. If the bigger one is also biting the smaller one, you need to seperate them ASAP. I know that's a real pain, but turtles don't do very well housed together sometimes, and the only option is to seperate them into different enclosures.
  If that is absolutely not an option, the turtles need at least 10 gallons of water per inch of straight carapice legnth. This means if you have 2 3 inch turtles, you should have a minimum of a 60 gallon tank for them. If their tank is already that big or bigger, the only option is to seperate them. If they do have a large enough tank, I would try seperating them at feeding time for sure. The bigger turtle can go into a tuperware container filled with water, and the little one can eat in the tank. This should help him feel secure enough to eat.
 If the smaller turtle is showing any other symptoms, such as lethargy, open mouthed breathing, or consistantly closed eyes, he may have an RI, and need to go to the vet. I think this site is wonderful to learn all about RES, and the forum memebers will certainly help you with lots of experience and knowledge. http://www.redearslider.com/
Thanks for the question! Please do go to the forum at the site above in order to get more keepers' opinions. They are great people, and very helpful. Good Luck! Nicole

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Nicole

Expertise

I can answer questions about most lizards, aquatic turtles, diurnal or nocturnal geckos, and general queries about many box turtle and tortoise species. I am not as familiar with snakes, monitors, or tegus, therefore I am not comfortable answering these questions. I have special interest in creating habitats that are species appropriate, and that enhance the animal's well-being. I am also interested in Zoonotic illnesses and pathology. I will be happy to answer questions about illness, but be advised, that you will need to take your pet to the vet if it is ill. If your pet is having severely labored breathing, or has suffered any serious trauma, they need to see the vet immediately. If you inform me about a host of concerning symptoms, I will most likely refer you to a good herp vet who can help your reptile. I can also help try to find one in your area if you don't have a vet for your pet.

Experience

I have had a lifelong fascination with reptiles. I have an extensive reference library to consult if I am in doubt, and I am willing to read! I have and love 2 turtles, a collared lizard, an ocelot gecko, and a Beardie.

Education/Credentials
BS- Biology, Post Graduate work in Microbiology and Zoology.

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