Help needed asap!!!!

[shaysmummy]

hi i just bought a terrapin from someone locally but its not in very good housing. i felt very sorry for it as it was advertised for swap for games consoles, phones etc so i decided to offer some money for it and they accepted. i picked it up tonight but i am very saddened as it has no space to turn around never mind swim. it has no uv lighting and no specific area to bask. the water is filthy and the filter is clogged with faeces. i am unsure of the species as i have no experience with these and i am unsure how to look after it. i would really like someone to give me as much info as possible asap as i really want to help this poor thing. the tank is 1ft8 W x 10"D x 1ft H. i would say the terrapin its self is between 6"-7" long. i really want to get it a bigger tank asap so if any one can recommend a good size one and a good filter it would be appreciated. can any one tell me what species it is also how big these tend to grow? thanks in advance.

[Graham]

You'd do better continuing this in the main Shelled section rather than the photo section, requests for help often get overlooked here.

But as you obviously know the tank is far too small, it wouldn't really have been big enough even when this one was a tiny hatchling, and now it's just hopeless!

The turt is a Chinese Softshell Pelodiscus sinensis, and you can find most of the basic info you need here The Terrapin Tank - www.TerrapinTank.co.uk -

[AnythingWithAShell]

I tried to help this person!! I offered him so much advice, and was prepared to take this turtle, but he wanted a ridiculous amount of money for it considering, and then he never got back to me. Now I'm seeing pictures, I actually feel sick. That poor, poor turtle.

[mariekni]

poor little critter! cant believe its been stuck in that tank! thats truely awful!
awww sorry you didnt get to look after it dawn xx big hugs xx

[AnythingWithAShell]

Aw, that's okay, so long as it's looked after properly now

He obviously didn't like me after I told him how ridiculous his price on Gumtree was! Even more ridiculous now, seeing the shocking conditions the poor thing's been kept in.

You might have your work cut out for you here Shaysmummy, but well done for taking it on. The link Graham gave you will tell you all you need to know. Good luck! Keep us posted.

[shaysmummy]

thanks everyone for your advice i am picking up a new tank today so i will post some pics once i have finished setting it up.

[Mrs Mental]

Originally Posted by shaysmummy

thanks everyone for your advice i am picking up a new tank today so i will post some pics once i have finished setting it up.

Just wanted to wish you luck with the little guy who's gorgeous by the way! Fingers crossed he'll be 100% once you've got his housing etc sorted out lovey - good on yer for taking him on.

As Graham has suggested would be an idea to post in the main shelled section as well as you'll get a whole lot more feedback than in here - thats if you havent already - I dont always read the turtley posts as Im a tort woman!

[Dean Cheetham]

Im suprised it is even alive in that tank! totally out rageous!

[turtlelover666]

i cant beleive someone would keep a turt like that, thats animal cruelty. the person that kept him like that should be ashamed of himself
anyway welldone you on rescuing him

[waynenoonan1234]

are you sure its a terapin? looks like s softie to me. i might be wrong tho.