Marshall
Turtle Keeper + CPL(H)
Tip for turtle care (aquatic) If you ever have a question about aquatic turtles ask here or email me @ (e-mail address removed)
If it is an emergency text me at 706-957-2900
I had a man call me yesterday about a turtle he had bought and I thought it would be a good idea to share the info because the problem was actually quite common yet very serious and potentially lethal to the turtle.
He called because his turtle had become very sluggish and was not basking or moving much unless it was immediately after feeding. My first thought was that either the basking area was not warm enough or accessible or that the water heater had failed. Turns out it was number 2 because when he looked at the temp of the water is was 61 F so luckily we got the problem resolved by "blocking" him into the bask area until the water was heated back up to about 75 F. Now why is this important? Well because if the temp had remained that low and he continued to feed the turtle it would have went into shock and mild sepsis because it would not be metabolizing the food it ate and unfortunately it would have froze to death in a day or 2 if not not sooner depending on the stress level.
If it is an emergency text me at 706-957-2900
I had a man call me yesterday about a turtle he had bought and I thought it would be a good idea to share the info because the problem was actually quite common yet very serious and potentially lethal to the turtle.
He called because his turtle had become very sluggish and was not basking or moving much unless it was immediately after feeding. My first thought was that either the basking area was not warm enough or accessible or that the water heater had failed. Turns out it was number 2 because when he looked at the temp of the water is was 61 F so luckily we got the problem resolved by "blocking" him into the bask area until the water was heated back up to about 75 F. Now why is this important? Well because if the temp had remained that low and he continued to feed the turtle it would have went into shock and mild sepsis because it would not be metabolizing the food it ate and unfortunately it would have froze to death in a day or 2 if not not sooner depending on the stress level.