I've had 2 Cumberland slider aquatic turtles for about 6 months now. They were both very lively and active, up until about a week ago when one has started hanging onto the floating island, with its head out of the water, and stretching its neck as far as possible, and appears to be gasping for air. It also has completely ignored food for a few days now. I'm really worried now. I don't imagine its a mating call, as I'm led to believe they dont start mating until at least 2 years old, and these arnt even 1 yet.

Please help.

Russ

The gasping for air is almost certainly an advanced sign of respiratory infection. You need to get that turtle to a vet. Of course having the right setup is critical to the health of your turts, could you describe it please?

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i dont keep turtles but this does sound very much like a respitary infection are your temps right? i dont know if its the same with turtles but incorect temperature can be a cause.

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home sweet home

I bought the turtles from a garden centre in Shotton. The woman there recommended the filter and heater I bought. Its on 26 degrees as recommended by several people. Its a 4 foot tank, with one of those floating islands. Theyre fed on a mixture of complete turtle food, zoo med turtle treats (krill) and super turtle food, which seems to be a mix of several types of shrimp and worm.
They're cleaned out weekly, and water neutraliser used.

Also, what should the temp be, is 26 correct?
Is this a fatal infection?
How difficult/costly will it be for vets to treat?

i havent a clue about turtle temps just know the signs of illness as its similar to torts,

i just had mt tort to vet for respitary infection,it cost 13.53 for consultation and treatment, i have to give her the treatment today

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home sweet home

A Healthy RES that age temp's should be:

Water - A good starting point is 23 Degree's C

Basking Temp - Again a good starting point is 33 Degree's C

The water temp's can be dropped slighty as the turtle gets older, but should remain no lower than 20 Degree's C as adults in an indoor tank.

If the temp's are set at these levels, it allows for slight fluctuations in the air tamps outside the tank.

If you suspect you have a sick turtle, it may be worth sepearting them, and increase the temp's for your sick turtle, by increasing the temps for your sick turtle it will help the immune system whilst you seek a vet.

RI is the biggest killer of turtles less than a year old. A consultation and treatment should cost no more than about £20 - just make sure you find a vet that knows something about herps. Most seem to say "It's a Vitamin A deficiency" to just about any problem.

Normally a course of Baytril is the best solution.

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