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Turtle Troubles2007-11-24 2:02:52

I have a red eared turtle about 2 months old that I recently recieved from it's first owner.

(1.) How do you tell that the turtle is breathing?

(2.) It jerks every so often while on the basking rock(head goes up and down while front legs look as if is trying to push it self upwards), is that normal? What does it mean?

(3.)How do you treat swollen eyes?

(4.) How close should he be to the heat lamp?

Any suggestions on how to care for my new turtle would be greatly appreciated!! Thank You!

Answers:

1. if it's alive it's breathing (they can capture air from water)

2. I'm unsure, go to a vet, your pet isn't healthy but it might just be relaxing.

3. go to a pet store or vet

4. close enough that you can FEEL the heat but not too close. about 2 feet?

do not touch your turtle, unlike cats and dogs they dislike cuddles, the first thing you should do is get it a vet. treats such as earth worms should be given once a week. if your pet is a baby it'll want meat much more than vegetation but do not give it too much.

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1- for breathing you can usually them breath when their legs are spread out. the skin near the thigh will move with each breath.

2-It's probably jerking to try and move from the rock.

3-swollen eyes, go to pet store and ask for recommendations of any product they may have. I recommend an antibiotic for the water.

4- Not closer than let's say a ruler (30cm) but always make sure that the heat lamp is only on a section of the aquarium. they should be able to move away from the light when they want.